You might have heard about dental bonding, but you haven’t got an idea about the procedure. You may be interested in the procedure because you have a cracked tooth, your teeth might be discolored, or any other dental condition which makes you self-aware when you smile. It doesn’t matter why you are interested in dental bonding, for you have come to the right place.
You will learn about dental bonding, how long the procedure takes, how much it costs, alternatives to bonding, the risks, and the advantages of the procedure. After receiving this information, you will be in a better position to decide on the correct procedure. If you are in La Puente, CA, and need cosmetic bonding, do not hesitate to contact us for professional services.
Read on to understand if you’re the best candidate for the procedure.
What Is Tooth Bonding?
Tooth bonding is the procedure where the dentist uses a composite resin to restore the shape of your teeth. Bonding is typically done on your front teeth to give you that perfect smile. The composite resin is highly malleable, and the dentist can easily attach it to your tooth, harden it and shape it to resemble your tooth.
Who Needs Tooth Binding?
Dental bonding is an excellent option to repair several dental conditions, including chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth. It’s also highly noninvasive and relatively inexpensive compared to other tooth restoration procedures. It’s a great option when you need to repair one or a few teeth.
Bonding is also a great option to change the shape of your teeth. You might have peg-shaped teeth, or one or more teeth are shorter than the rest. The dentist can use tooth bonding for minor cavity repair since the resin is more natural-looking than other amalgam fillings. The procedure is also a great alternative to protect an exposed tooth root, primarily due to receding gums. Tooth bonding is perfect for covering your discolored teeth as the resin closely matches the color of your natural teeth. You can also undergo the procedure to close gaps between your teeth.
Tooth Bonding Procedure
As earlier stated, tooth bonding is highly noninvasive and relatively inexpensive as compared to other cosmetic procedures. You only need one visit to the dentist for the procedure.
Preparation For The Procedure
You will need little preparation for dental bonding since it’s relatively non-invasive. You don’t need anesthesia unless the procedure is to fill a cavity. You might also need anesthesia if the crack or chip which the dentist is correcting is near a nerve. In such a case, the dentist might need to drill the tooth to make enough room for the resin.
The Bonding Procedure
Your dentist will roughen the surface of your tooth to make the bonding stronger. The dentist may also use a conditioning lotion for the same purpose. Your dentist will go ahead and etch your tooth and apply the bonding agent. Often, these activities are done at the same time. If the dentist performs them separately, they will etch your tooth first. After this, the dentist applies the composite resin, after which they mold and shape it correctly to resemble your undamaged teeth.
The dentist will use a UV curing light to harden the resin after being satisfied with the resin’s shape and mold. Once the resin has hardened, the dentist will make the final shaping and trimming and polish it to match the color of your teeth.
The Duration The Procedure Takes.
The procedure takes 10 to 60 minutes per tooth, depending on the extent of the damage. It will take longer if the dentist is performing the procedure on several teeth. The time you spend at the hospital will depend on your dentist’s experience, attention to detail, and efficiency.
Bonding is best suited for minor cosmetic corrections. The procedure also works best in low-pressure bite areas like the front teeth. The dentist will match the color of the resin to your teeth’s natural color to avoid it from standing out.
Benefits Of Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding has several advantages compared to other tooth restoration and repair options like crowns and veneers. Some of the benefits of tooth bonding include:
It’s A Relatively Non-Invasive And Straightforward Procedure
Compared to other restorative procedures like crowns and veneers, dental bonding is more straightforward and less invasive. With the procedure, you only need about an hour for each tooth. For other more extensive procedures, you might need more than one visit to the dentist.
You, Will, Retain Your Tooth’s Structure
Unlike some other restorative procedures, bonding requires very little or no enamel removal. Therefore, since no drilling is involved, your tooth preserves its natural structure. The health of your tooth isn’t affected since the integrity of your tooth is maintained during the procedure.
You Don’t Need Anesthesia In Most Cases.
In most cases, you don’t need anesthesia for the procedure. You will only require anesthesia if you require drilling or the dentist performs the procedure near a nerve. The bonding involves fewer steps which reduces the time you need for the procedure. The procedure is also suitable if you’re fearful of needles.
Gives You A Natural Look
Before the dentist uses the resin, they use a shade guide to select the resin color closest to your natural teeth color. Once the dentist completes the procedure, it is difficult to differentiate between the resin and the tooth, thus giving your teeth that natural look. You can also whiten your teeth if you want a lighter shade of resin so that it can match with your whitened teeth.
Remember, it’s impossible to whiten the resin after bonding. You should therefore whiten your teeth before the bonding process if you want to make them lighter.
You Don’t Have To Worry About Harmful Chemicals.
Resin is 100% biocompatible, which means it won’t leak any harmful chemicals into your mouth. Some corrective materials like silver fillings can leak toxic chemicals, which can bring about more dental issues.
You Don’t Run A Risk Of Infection.
You face a risk of infection if bacteria invade the space between your tooth and the reconstructive material. The risk of infection is very low since the dentist bonds the resin directly with your tooth. You don’t have to worry about bacteria forming between the tooth and the resin, thanks to the direct bonding. However, you still need to practice high levels of dental hygiene.
Its Long Lasting With Proper Care
The resin can last for a long time if you practice proper oral hygiene. The longevity of the bonding depends on the location of the bonding, your dental hygiene practices, and the length of the resin used in the bonding.
It’s Very Versatile
Bonding is very versatile and can be used in several situations. You can use the resin for discolored, cracked, or chipped teeth.
It’s Affordable
Although porcelain veneers can also give you a great smile, not many people have the necessary resources required for the procedure. Bonding is an excellent alternative as it costs a fraction of the porcelain veneer procedure.
Risks And Side Effects Of Dental Bonding
It’s pretty normal to wonder what to expect after and during dental bonding treatment. You will be less anxious if you know what to expect after the treatment and the potential side effects of the treatment beforehand. The information will also help you take better care of your teeth.
It’s important to note the risks associated with dental bonding, like infection and allergic reactions, are minimal. Other risks like staining, wearing out, and chipping is much more likely to occur. Therefore, you should visit your dentist for constant dental checkups to mitigate these risks.
Below Are The Risks Associated With Dental Bonding In More Detail.
Risk Of Infection
Before the dental bonding commences, your dentist should thoroughly clean any tooth decay, debris and check for any infection. If the tooth has an infection, they should treat it first before going ahead with the procedure. If the dentist doesn’t treat an infection before placing the resin, the infection will continue to eat away at the tooth. Eventually, you will need a tooth extraction or a root canal.
You Can Suffer An Allergic Reaction
It’s possible to have an allergic reaction to either the conditioning liquid, the resin, or any equipment used during the procedure. It’s critical to inform your dentist if you are allergic to any substance or equipment used in the procedure.
The Wearing Down Of The Resin
It’s only natural for the resin to wear down over time. It can also crack or chip. It’s therefore critical to practice high levels of dental hygiene.
Risk Of Discoloration
Resin is prone to discoloration, especially if you use too much coffee, tobacco, or beer. You should cut back on these foods and drinks to maintain the color of the resin. Remember that resin is resistant to teeth whitening treatment.
Side Effects Of Bonding
Thanks to the largely non-invasive nature of bonding, you will experience very minimal side effects. However, you might undergo some tooth sensitivity if the dentist removed some part of the enamel. You might also experience some discomfort while biting on hard or crunchy foods.
You can use pain medication if the pain becomes too much. You should also take soft foods and moderately warm foods to reduce the occurrence of tooth sensitivity.
Taking Care Of The Dental Bonding
The durability of your dental bonding will depend on your dental hygiene. Bonding lasts for 3 to 7 years, depending on the care you give to the bonding. It’s important to note that dental bonding does stain and break if you don’t take proper care.
Below are ways through which you can take care of your dental bonding.
Maintain High Levels Of Oral Hygiene
Your bonding will last longer when you maintain excellent dental hygiene. You should brush at least twice per day or after every meal. Make sure you floss at least once per day to remove any food particles that might be lodged between your teeth. Also, avoid starchy and sugary foods as much as possible as they increase plaque-causing bacteria,
Avoid Drinks And Foods That Can Cause Staining
Drinking beverages like coffee, tea, beer, and red wine will stain your bonding. Smoking and chewing tobacco also increase the staining chance of bonding. Remember, tooth whitening doesn’t work on bonding.
Visit Your Dentist For Constant Dental Checkup
You should visit your dentist at least twice per year for a regular dental checkup. A dentist has the professional skills to clean your bonding correctly. During the visit, they will also check and identify any issues that can affect the bonding.
Use The Right Mouth Cleaning Products Including The Mouthwash And Toothpaste
You need to use the right kind of toothpaste to avoid dulling the color of the bonding. Some types of toothpaste contain harsh chemicals which can dull the color of the resin. Use composite-friendly toothpaste.
Use The Right Toothbrush
You shouldn’t use a toothbrush with stiff bristles since they’re abrasive. You should always use soft-bristled toothbrushes to maintain the resin.
Avoid Hard Or Crunchy Foods
You should avoid biting on hard, chewy, or tough foods since the force will weaken the bonding after a while and may cause it to break.
Avoid Alcoholic Drinks.
Apart from staining the resin, alcoholic drinks cause the resin to deteriorate at a faster rate. Occasional alcohol isn’t an issue. The issue is when you engage in heavy drinking.
Avoid Chewing On Pens Or Your Nails
Some of the habits that would destroy your bonding include biting your nails, chewing on ice, pens, or using your teeth to open packages or bottles.
Avoid Acidic Food That Wears Down On The Bonding Material
Drinks and foods like oranges, citrus, wine, and energy drinks contain acid. The acid erodes the resin. You should therefore avoid such foods or beverages or consume them in moderation.
How Long Does Bonding Last?
The average lifespan of bonding is 3 to 10 years, depending on your oral health and dental care.
How Much Does Tooth Bonding Cost?
The cost of the procedure depends on the intensity of the damage and the number of teeth that need the procedure.
For cavity filling, the cost ranges from $90 to $450 or more. The cost will depend on the number of teeth that require filling. Dental insurance primarily covers fifty to eighty percent of the cost. However, the insurance can cover the total cost of the procedure to replace the silver filling with composite resin.
The cost for cosmetic dental bonding or bonding is to repair a broken or cracked tooth or fill a small gap between two teeth, which ranges between $300 to $600 per tooth. It can also be as low as $100 to $200 or as high as $800 to $1,000 per tooth. The complexity and the extent of the procedure determine the cost. The local rates and the fee your dentist charges for such an operation also affect the cost of the procedure. The insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic dental bonding unless the procedure addresses a specific dental condition like tooth sensitivity. The filling
Comparing Bonding With Other Teeth Reconstructive Procedures.
Several teeth reconstructive options are available. They all have their pros and cons, and the reason to go for one option depends on several factors. Below is a comparison of bonding to other tooth reconstruction procedures.
Should You Go For Bonding Or Veneers?
Bonding is the best choice when it comes to slight tooth imperfections or damage to a few teeth. Bonding is cheaper and less invasive compared to veneers. You require only a single dental visit for the procedure.
Veneers require the removal of a large portion of the enamel, and the procedure is invasive. You will also need more than one visit to the dentist.
The main difference between the two procedures is the area of repair needed. Bonding is adequate when a small portion of your teeth needs to be corrected. Crowns are much more effective in protecting more significant parts of your teeth. Bonding is also less expensive than crowns.
Bonding Versus Fillings
A filling is mainly used to cater to tooth cavities, while bonding effectively corrects small cracks, chips, or discoursed teeth. However, the composite resin used in bonding can also be used for filling.
Call A Dentist Near Me
The appearance and longevity of your restorations largely depend on the skill and training of your dentist. The dentist will use their experience to determine the best restorative material to use in different situations. They will use their professional skills to carry out the procedure. This is where you need a qualified dentist who can perform a function like dental bonding with utmost professionalism. The dentist needs to be a professional in selecting the shade that resembles your teeth’ natural color, the resin’s application, and the shaping of the resin to resemble your natural teeth.
At La Puente Advanced Dentistry, we have highly trained dentists who have undergone thorough advanced cosmetic dentistry training. We have extensive training in restorative procedures, including dental bonding. We give our patients excellent results, and we proudly serve patients in La Puente, CA. If you or your loved one needs dental bonding, don’t hesitate to contact us at 626-626-7075.
