
What Is Dental Bonding?
Composite resin, commonly used for fillings, is applied to reshape and repair teeth in a process known as Bonded Restoration. This method effectively restores chipped, cracked, or broken teeth to their original state and can last for years with proper care. It’s also a versatile cosmetic solution for improving your smile by adjusting tooth shape, correcting color, and closing gaps without needing veneers or orthodontics.
How Does Dental Bonding Compare to Other Options?
There are several ways to restore teeth or enhance your smile, and the best choice depends on your unique needs. During your visit, we’ll gladly review your options, including the advantages and disadvantages of each, so you can make an informed decision. Here are some benefits of dental bonding:
Quick And Painless
Unlike treatments like veneers or fillings, dental bonding typically requires little to no drilling. Since minimal preparation of the tooth is needed, the procedure is almost always pain-free.
Affordable Upfront Cost
While treatments such as veneers or orthodontics involve a higher investment due to their complexity and the significant changes they offer, dental bonding is a straightforward and cost-effective option for making minor adjustments to a few teeth.
The Dental Bonding Process
The steps for dental bonding are the same whether it’s done to repair a tooth or improve its appearance. Here’s what to expect during your visit:
Preparing The Tooth
A thin plastic film, called a dental matrix, is placed between your teeth to protect neighbouring teeth from preparation gel or resin. The dentist then cleans and dries the tooth before applying a mildly acidic gel for a few seconds to create a textured surface for bonding.
Applying The Composite Resin
Once the gel is removed and the tooth is dried again, the composite resin is applied. The dentist chooses a resin shade that matches your teeth for a natural look. The resin is applied in layers, with each layer cured using a blue light to ensure strength and durability.
Finishing Touches
After confirming your bite is comfortable, the bonding is polished for a smooth, natural appearance. The result blends seamlessly, and you may even forget which tooth was treated. During future appointments, the bonded tooth will be monitored for any signs of wear.
Cost of Dental Bonding in Ruston
The cost of dental bonding can vary widely depending on your needs and the condition of your teeth, making it challenging to provide an estimate without an examination. Generally, the cost ranges from $300 to $600 or more per tooth if you don’t have insurance. Many insurance plans cover dental bonding, particularly when it’s done to repair a damaged or broken tooth. With insurance, your out-of-pocket expense is typically between $60 and $120.
Several factors influence the cost of your treatment:
- The number of teeth requiring bonding.
- Whether new x-rays are necessary.
- The amount of composite resin needed.
- The location of the teeth being treated.
- Your current oral health condition.
While an accurate quote cannot be provided over the phone, we’d be happy to assess your teeth in person, discuss your needs, and provide a precise cost estimate so you can 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
The lifespan of dental bonding on front teeth depends on factors like its placement, your eating habits, and your oral hygiene routine. Typically, it can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years or more. During routine checkups, your dentist can assess for wear and add more composite resin if necessary to maintain its strength.
While not permanent, dental bonding is highly durable and can last over a decade with proper care, including regular dental visits and healthy habits. If wear or damage occurs, additional resin can be applied to extend its longevity.
These two options serve different purposes. Veneers are a more durable and longer-lasting solution, ideal for patients seeking significant or extensive changes to their smile. Bonding, while less long-lasting, is a more affordable and minimally invasive choice for minor adjustments.
Bonding is a low-risk procedure that leaves most of your natural tooth structure intact. While the material may chip or wear down over time, it can be easily repaired. One common concern is that bonded areas do not whiten with teeth whitening treatments. To address this, you might choose to whiten your teeth before bonding or replace the bonding afterward to match the new shade. For a more durable solution, veneers or crowns may be a better option.