What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding, often called composite bonding, uses composite resin, the same material used for composite fillings, to repair and reshape a tooth. Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth can be built up with this material in a process called bonded restoration. With regular care, the repair is long lasting and restores the tooth to a natural, healthy look.
Bonding is also used to improve the appearance of a smile by reshaping teeth, correcting colour, and closing small gaps without the need for veneers or orthodontics.
How Does Dental Bonding Compare to Other Options?
There are several treatments available to restore teeth or enhance your smile. The best choice depends on your unique needs and goals. During your appointment, we will review the options with you and explain the advantages and limitations of each so you can make a confident decision. Here are some of the key benefits of dental bonding:
Quick and Painless
Unlike fillings or dental veneers, dental bonding usually requires little to no drilling. In most cases, almost all of your natural tooth structure is preserved, making the procedure comfortable and virtually pain-free.
Affordable Option
Treatments such as veneers and orthodontics are designed for more complex smile transformations and can be more costly. For smaller improvements, dental bonding provides a simple and budget-friendly alternative.
Ideal for Small Repairs
If you are considering major changes to your smile, options like veneers, crowns, or orthodontics may be recommended. For minor adjustments, dental bonding is often the most straightforward and effective choice.
The dental bonding process
Whether dental bonding is being done to restore a damaged tooth or to improve the appearance of your smile, the steps are the same. Here is what you can expect during your appointment:
Preparing the Tooth
To begin, a thin plastic film called a dental matrix is placed between your teeth to protect the neighbouring tooth from any preparation gel or resin. The dentist then carefully cleans and dries the tooth before applying a mildly acidic gel for a few seconds. This creates a slightly rough surface that helps the bonding material adhere securely.
Applying the Composite Resin
Once the gel is rinsed away and the tooth is dried again, the dentist applies the composite resin. A shade is selected to match your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. The resin is applied in thin layers, and each layer is hardened with a special blue light to ensure strength and durability.
Finishing Touches
When the layers are complete, your bite is checked and adjusted if needed. The bonded tooth is then polished to blend naturally with your smile. The result is so smooth and natural-looking that you may forget which tooth was repaired. At future checkups, the dentist will give the bonded tooth extra attention to make sure it remains in excellent condition.
Cost of Dental Bonding in Ottawa
Dental bonding can be used for many different purposes, which makes it difficult to provide an exact estimate without first examining your teeth and understanding your needs. On average, the cost is about $300 to $600 or more per tooth without insurance. Most insurance providers cover dental bonding, particularly when it is needed to repair a broken or damaged tooth. With insurance, the out-of-pocket cost is often between $60 and $120.
When we’re determining the cost of your dental bonding treatment we look at these important factors:
- How many teeth need bonding
- Whether new X-rays are required
- The amount of composite resin needed to complete the treatment
- The location of the teeth being treated
- Your overall oral health
It’s important to remember that no dentist can provide an accurate quote over the phone. After an in-person examination, we will be happy to give you a precise estimate so you can understand your final costs and make an informed decision.
Contact Us Today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Book your initial consultation and exam with our team. During your visit, we will carefully examine your teeth, gums, soft tissues, and the overall condition of your bite. Our goal is to understand how your entire mouth looks and functions. Before creating a treatment plan, we take the time to assess both the health and appearance of your smile and, most importantly, learn about your personal goals so we can help you achieve them.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care, dental bonding typically lasts 5 to 10 years before it may need touch-ups or replacement.
Bonding and veneers serve different purposes. Dental veneers are a longer-lasting solution and a better option for patients seeking dramatic changes to their smile. Dental bonding has a shorter lifespan but is more affordable for small repairs and less invasive since very little of the natural tooth is altered.
No. Your natural tooth remains intact beneath the bonding. While the resin may chip or wear down over time, it can be repaired. The main thing to remember is that bonding does not respond to teeth whitening, so whitening should be completed before bonding, or the bonding may need to be replaced afterwards to match.
The procedure is generally painless. In most cases, no freezing is needed since little to no enamel is removed.
Yes. Bonding can close small gaps between teeth, creating a more even and natural-looking smile without orthodontics.
Brush and floss daily, avoid biting hard objects such as ice or pens, and attend regular dental checkups to keep your bonded teeth looking their best.
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