What You Need to Know About Tooth Bonding
Dental Bonding is a form of cosmetic dentistry where the dentist uses a tooth-colored composite resin to repair damaged teeth. If you have chipped or cracked teeth or teeth with gaps between them, tooth bonding is s sure treatment option. Tooth bonding is also a sure way to rectify discolored teeth.
What makes boding a preferable cosmetic option is that it’s cost-effective and has a more straightforward procedure than veneers and crowns.
How does tooth bonding work?
Unlike other cosmetic dentistry procedures, Dental Bonding doesn’t require anesthesia unless you have severe cavities that need to be filled. It also doesn’t need multiple dental visits.
The process begins with the Dentist in Phoenix using a shade to guide the composite material to a color that closely mimics your natural teeth.
Your tooth enamel is then roughened, and a bonding liquid is applied. The liquid allows the bonding agent to stick easily to the tooth.
The composite material is then applied over the liquid, molds the tooth, and then uses ultraviolet light to harden the resin. If needed, the dentist can additionally shape the tooth after hardening the resin.
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last
What determines how long your bonded teeth will last is your oral habits and the durability of the bonding materials used.
As much as bonded teeth have similar strength to your natural teeth, certain habits can reduce their lifespan. For instance, continually biting down on hard substances such as pen lids, plastics, ice, or hard candy can easily fracture the bonding material.
Smoking tobacco and taking red wine quickly stains the composite resin, so you will have to replace them sooner. Regular coffee and other dark beverages are also possible staining elements for the bonding material.
Naturally, when done well, bonded teeth can last from 3 – 10 years before you replace or retouch them.
Risk of Tooth Bonding
No significant risks are associated with tooth bonding.
However, note that composite resin is not as sturdy as your tooth enamel. The material can, therefore, chip or break out from the real tooth. Bonded material easily breaks compared with crowns, dental veneers, or fillings.
Cases when a bonded tooth can break, is if you bite down on hard food or chewing your fingernails or plastics.
The tooth bonding material also isn’t resistant to stains as with other dental materials. You might notice some discoloration if you take lots of alcohol and caffeinated drinks or if you smoke.
How do I care for My Bonded Teeth?
Since composite resin can chip, it’s good to avoid certain habits like biting fingernails, biting ice, and other hard objects like pens. Also, don’t use your bonded teeth to tear open packaging materials.
To maintain a healthy smile, below are some home care tips to guide you:
- Brush at least twice a day. Use toothpaste recommended by your dentist.
- Floss daily
- Daily rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash
- Schedule regular dental visits for cleanings and check-ups
- Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, and smoking two days after treatment
Call your dentist if you notice any sharp edges or feel odd when chewing using bonded teeth.
Will Insurance cover the Bonding Cost?
How much it costs depends on the dentist’s location, dental expertise, and the procedure’s extent. On average, tooth bonding procedures cost between $100 – $400 per bonded tooth.
Consult with your insurance company to find out if they can fully or partially cover the bonding cost.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tooth Bonding
Advantages
Cost:Compared to other cosmetic procedures, tooth bonding is the least expensive
Time: In most dental offices, you require only one visit to complete the bonding procedure. This is unlike crowns and veneers, where more preparation time is required and another visit to place them.
Invasiveness: Minimal tooth removal is involved while Bonding. You can get several teeth bonded in a single appointment.
Disadvantages
Staining: Bonding effectively transforms your smile, although the resin material quickly gets stained. Dental crowns and veneers are more stain resistant.
Durability: Compared to crowns and veneers, Bonding can break more easily.