Everything You Need to Know About Dental Bonding

Help Improve the appearance of your smile with dental bonding, a non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure. In this blog, our Whitecourt dentists share some facts about dental bonding, including how it could be used to help repair gapped, discoloured teeth, and restore your smile.

What is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a safe, effective, and non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment. Your dentist applies tooth-coloured composite resin to your teeth, then shapes and polishes it to match the surrounding teeth so it blends in, creating a natural-looking smile.

We call the process 'dental bonding' because the composite resin literally bonds to the tooth.

Why would I need dental bonding?

Usually, dentists use dental bonding for cosmetic purposes – to improve the appearance of chipped or discoloured teeth, to make teeth look longer, change their colour or shape, or to close gaps between teeth.

Bonding can also sometimes be used as an alternative option to silver (amalgam) fillings, or to cover exposed tooth roots caused by receding gums.

What happens during a dental bonding procedure?

When your dentist performs a dental bonding treatment, the dentist applies composite resin to your tooth in layers. A light is used to harden each layer.

After the last layer is hardened, the dentist shapes and polishes it to fit your tooth, resulting in a smooth, natural-looking tooth that complements the rest of your smile.

How long does dental bonding take?

The dental bonding process typically takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete. Unlike veneers, which are custom-made in a dental lab and thus require more time, the bonding process can generally be completed in a single visit.

How much does dental bonding cost?

Often, patients we see for dental bonding procedures are concerned about cost. Fortunately, dental bonding is an effective, relatively long-lasting cosmetic procedure. Your specific cost will depend on a number of factors, including:

• Scope of work, the part of the mouth where your procedure is taking place, and the size of the area being bonded 
• Your local area - costs may vary depending on which city your dentist is in, and which dental practice completes the procedure 
• Insurance coverage - how much of the procedure will your insurance cover? (May depend on whether your issue is primarily cosmetic or structural)

How long does dental bonding last?

The composite resin your dentist uses for the bonding process will probably have a lifespan of between 4 and 8 years, and potentially up to 10 years.

The effects of how long the dental bonding lasts can vary based on your individual case (where in your mouth it’s applied) and how it’s maintained (excellent oral hygiene and attending your regularly scheduled dental visits is key).

To make sure your smile lasts as long as possible, we recommend avoiding acidic foods or sugary drinks because they could wear on your teeth. While fruit is good for your health, don't skip brushing and flossing your teeth soon after eating them so plaque and bacteria don't have the opportunity to develop.  Also resist chewing ice or hard candy, grinding your teeth, or biting down too hard as all of these could chip the bonding material. 

If needed, your dentist may be able to touch up the composite resin and re-bond it over time.

For more information about dental bonding or the other cosmetic services we off at Valley Centre Dental Clinic contact our Whitecourt dentists today.