
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a versatile treatment that uses composite resin to repair and improve the appearance of teeth. The same durable material used in fillings can be applied to fix chips, cracks, or breaks in a process called bonded restoration, restoring your tooth’s strength and natural look. With proper care, dental bonding can last a long time. It’s also a great cosmetic option to enhance your smile by reshaping teeth, correcting colour issues, or closing gaps, all without the need for more invasive treatments like veneers or braces.
How Does Dental Bonding Stack Up Against Other Options?
When it comes to restoring your teeth or perfecting your smile, there are plenty of options. The best choice depends on what you’re looking to achieve. We’ll walk you through your options during your consultation so you can choose the one that suits you best. Here’s why dental bonding stands out:
Quick and Painless
Compared to fillings or veneers, dental bonding often requires no drilling, meaning it’s less invasive. Since very little of your natural tooth is removed, the procedure is typically painless and quick.
Low Upfront Cost
While more extensive treatments like veneers or orthodontics may come with a higher price tag, dental bonding is a more affordable solution—especially for minor changes or repairs.
The Dental Bonding Process
Whether you’re repairing a tooth or enhancing your smile, the dental bonding process follows the same steps. Here’s how it works:
Preparing the Tooth
Your dentist will start by placing a dental matrix, a thin plastic film, between your teeth to protect the neighbouring teeth during the procedure. Then, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and dried. A mildly acidic gel is applied for a few seconds to create a rough surface for the bonding material to stick to.
Applying the Composite Resin
After removing the gel and drying the tooth again, the dentist applies the composite resin. They’ll select a shade that blends perfectly with your natural teeth. The resin is applied in thin layers, and each layer is cured using a blue light, which ensures durability and strength.
Final Polish
Once your bite has been checked, the final step is a quick polish to make your bonded tooth look shiny and natural. The results are so seamless that you might forget which tooth was treated! During future exams, your dentist will monitor the bonded tooth for any signs of wear.
Cost of Dental Bonding in Vancouver
The cost of dental bonding can vary depending on the specific needs of each patient, so it’s difficult to give an exact estimate without first examining your teeth. Generally, the cost of dental bonding in Vancouver ranges from $300 to $600 or more per tooth if you don’t have insurance. Fortunately, many insurance plans cover dental bonding, particularly when it’s needed to repair a broken or damaged tooth. With insurance, your out-of-pocket expense could be around $60 to $120.
- The number of teeth requiring bonding.
- Whether new X-rays are needed.
- The amount of composite resin required for the procedure.
- The location of the teeth being treated.
- Your overall oral health.
When determining the cost of your dental bonding treatment, we consider the following factors:
Keep in mind, accurate quotes cannot be provided over the phone. After an in-person examination, we’ll be happy to give you a detailed estimate so you can understand the final costs and make an informed decision.
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
Dental bonding can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years or more, depending on factors like the location of the bonding, your eating habits, and how well you maintain your oral hygiene. If any wear and tear is noticed during routine dental exams, your dentist can apply more composite resin to keep the bonding strong.
Dental bonding isn’t permanent, but it’s a long-lasting solution. With proper dental care, healthy eating habits, and regular check-ups, bonding can last over a decade. If the bonding starts to wear down, additional composite resin can be applied to extend its life.
Bonding and veneers serve different purposes. Veneers are a better long-term option for patients looking to make more significant or lasting changes to their smile. Dental bonding, while having a shorter lifespan, is more affordable and less invasive, making it ideal for minor cosmetic repairs.
No, dental bonding doesn’t damage your natural teeth. The tooth underneath remains mostly intact. While the bonding material itself can chip or break over time, it can be easily repaired. Keep in mind that bonding doesn’t respond to teeth whitening, so you may want to whiten your teeth before bonding or replace the bonding afterward to match your new tooth colour. If you’re concerned about longevity, veneers or crowns may offer a more durable alternative.
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