What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding uses composite resin, the same material found in composite fillings, to reshape and repair teeth. This process, known as Bonded Restoration, involves applying the resin to fix chips, cracks, or breaks in teeth. The treatment restores the tooth to its original state, and with proper care, it can last for a long time. In addition to repairs, dental bonding can improve the appearance of your smile by reshaping teeth, correcting discoloration, and closing gaps, often eliminating the need for veneers or braces.
The Dental Bonding Process
Dental bonding can be used to restore teeth or improve their appearance. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
Getting The Tooth Ready
The first step involves placing a thin plastic film, or dental matrix, between your teeth to protect them from the bonding materials. Your dentist will clean and dry the tooth, then apply a mild acidic gel to roughen the surface. This allows for better adhesion of the resin.
Applying The Composite Resin
Once the gel is removed and the tooth is fully dry, the composite resin is applied. The dentist will choose a shade of resin that matches your natural tooth color for a seamless result. The resin is applied in layers, with each layer being hardened using a special blue light to ensure strength and durability.
Best For Small Repairs
Once the resin is applied and your bite is checked, the dentist will polish the tooth for a smooth, natural finish. The treated tooth will be documented in your dental records, and during future visits, it will be checked for any wear or issues.
Dental Bonding Or Other Options?
There are many options to restore your teeth or create the smile you’ve always wanted. The best choice for you depends on your specific needs. During your appointment, we’ll gladly go over all the available options, explaining the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision. Here are some benefits of dental bonding:
Low Upfront Costs
While treatments such as dental veneers and orthodontics tend to be more expensive due to their complexity and personalized plans, dental bonding is an affordable option for minor adjustments. It provides a simple, cost-effective solution when only small modifications are needed.
Cost of Dental Bonding in Long Valley
Since dental bonding is used for a wide range of purposes, it’s difficult to provide an exact price without understanding your specific needs and conducting a thorough exam. Generally, the cost of dental bonding falls between $300 and $600 or more per tooth without insurance. For those with insurance, many plans will help cover the cost, especially if the bonding is used to repair a broken or damaged tooth. With insurance, the typical out-of-pocket cost is between $60 and $120.
When calculating the cost of your dental bonding treatment, we take several key factors into account:
- The number of teeth needing bonding.
- Whether new x-rays are required.
- The amount of composite resin required.
- The location of the teeth being treated.
- Your overall oral health status.
Please keep in mind that no dentist can give an accurate quote over the phone. After an in-person examination, we will be happy to provide you with a detailed estimate, so you can fully understand the costs and make an informed choice.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
The durability of dental bonding depends on several factors, including where the bonding is applied, your eating habits, and how well you maintain your oral hygiene. On average, dental bonding can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years, or even longer with proper care. During regular dental checkups, your dentist will check the condition of the bonding and may add more composite resin if needed to ensure its longevity.
While dental bonding isn’t a permanent solution, it is quite durable and can last for many years. With good dental hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental visits, dental bonding can maintain its strength for over ten years. If necessary, your dentist can reapply composite resin to address any wear.
Both dental veneers and bonding enhance the appearance of your teeth, but they are designed for different needs. Veneers are better suited for long-lasting results and are perfect for those looking to make significant changes to their smile. On the other hand, dental bonding is a more budget-friendly and less invasive option, ideal for addressing small imperfections with minimal adjustment to the natural tooth.
Dental bonding is a low-risk procedure that helps preserve the natural structure of your tooth. The bonding material is applied over the tooth, keeping it mostly intact or entirely unchanged. While bonding can sometimes chip or break, it can be easily repaired. A common concern is that dental bonding doesn’t respond to teeth whitening treatments. If you plan on whitening your teeth, you may want to do so before getting bonding or choose to replace the bonding to match your newly whitened teeth. If you’re concerned about the longevity of bonding, alternatives like veneers or crowns may offer better durability and strength.
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