Dental bonding can be an effective way to solve a number of cosmetic dental problems. This process is easy, as well as affordable. However, there are some limitations as well. To know how much dental bonding costs, it’s important to know what dental bonding is used for, and why expenses might vary.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding or teeth bonding refers to the bonded resin that dentists apply to teeth, either to cover small defects or to fill cavities. Dental bonding resin is made from a white plastic polymer which is made to bond to the tooth or teeth. This durable material looks and acts like an extension of your natural tooth. Your dentist molds and shapes the material to suit the shape of your tooth, and chooses a shade that will match your teeth. This way, dental bonding can restore teeth in a way that looks natural, and won’t detract from your smile.
What Can Dental Bonding Fix?
The most common use of dental bonding is to fill cavities. Cavities form when bacteria multiply and release acids that wear away teeth. This creates small holes in the tooth’s surface and eats away at the structures underneath. This can cause the tooth to become brittle. The bacteria will also continue to multiply in the space, where they’re harder to reach. If the bacteria reach the tooth root or pulp, it can cause tooth infections and dead teeth. Filling these spaces using dental bonding can prevent this from happening.
Dental bonding can also be used to fix small cosmetic imperfections in teeth. Since the bonding material can be molded and shaped, it can be used to fix chipped teeth, minor cracks, discoloration, or even spaces between teeth. Some imperfections might be ideal candidates for dental bonding, while others may require dental veneers or other solutions. Your dentist can give you more information about dental bonding, and provide solutions.
How Much Does Dental Bonding Cost?
As previously mentioned, dental bonding is versatile, and can be used to resolve a wide variety of issues. How much dental bonding costs also varies. The cost of dental bonding mainly depends on what type of correction you need and any other services required.
For example, if you are getting a tooth filled, you’ll need local anesthetic, and the area will have to be cleaned beforehand. However, if you’re simply getting a small chip fixed or discoloration covered, you won’t need anesthetic. Your dentist will slightly roughen the surface of the tooth so the resin will bond, shape the resin, and then use a blue light to harden the resin. With this in mind, estimates of tooth bonding vary between $100 and $600 per tooth.
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
Dental resin is made to be durable and withstand chewing, brushing and normal activities. However, it is obviously not as durable as natural teeth. Other dental solutions, like tooth implants or caps, are also more durable. Dental resin wears down over time, and it can dislodge from hard impacts. For this reason, it’s not an ideal, permanent solution for fixing the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, which withstand a lot of pressure. However, dental resin can be expected to last about 5 to 10 years. You’ll want to factor this aspect into your considerations as well. If your dental resin wears down or gets dislodged, you’ll need to make an appointment to replace it.
If you’re wondering about how to fix minor cosmetic problems with your teeth, dental bonding can be a good solution. Make an appointment with your dentist and ask about dental bonding. Your dentist can give you more information, and help you decide what’s best for your smile.
