Dental Tooth Bonding Questions

 

 

If you are considering dental tooth bonding as a cosmetic dental procedure, you may have a few questions about how it works, how long it will last, and how much it will cost. Below are some frequently asked questions about tooth bonding.

What is dental bonding?

What's the procedure for having a tooth bonded?

Do Bonded Teeth Require Special Care?

How Long Does Bonding Material Last?

How Much Does Dental Bonding Cost?

 

 What is dental bonding?

Dental tooth bonding is a procedure used to correct dental gaps, chips, cracks and a wide variety of other cosmetic dental problems. Tooth bonding involves a tooth-colored resin material which is applied to teeth, and then hardened with a special light. This causes the resin to bond to the tooth, restoring and correcting the smile.

Dental tooth bonding is considered for a variety of conditions:

  • Decayed teeth
  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Discolored teeth
  • Teeth with gaps or spaces
  • Teeth which appear too short
  • Dental bonding can change the shape of teeth
  • Dental bonding can be used as a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
  • Dental bonding can be used to protect any tooth’s root which has been exposed when the gums recede
Back to top
 

 What's the procedure for having a tooth bonded?

Dental tooth bonding requires very little advanced preparation. Anesthesia is often not necessary unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth, which can be painful. Dr. Kissinger-Blakeley will select a composite resin color that will closely match the color of your tooth, for the most natural look possible.

During the first step of the bonding procedure, the surface of the tooth will be roughened and a conditioning liquid applied. This helps the bonding material adhere to the tooth. The tooth-colored, putty-like resin is then applied, molded and smoothed to the desired shape. An ultraviolet light is then used to harden the material. After the material is hardened, Dr. Kissinger-Blakeley will further trim and shape the resin, and polish it to match the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface. This takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete, per tooth.

Tooth bondingis among the easiest and least expensive of all cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike veneers and crowns, which must be manufactured in a laboratory, dental bonding usually can be done in one office visit. Additionally, less tooth enamel is removed compared to procedures involving veneers and crowns. Also, anesthesia is usually not required, unless the bonding involves a cavity.

Bonding is best suited for small cosmetic changes, temporary correction of cosmetic defects, and for correction of teeth in areas of very low bite pressure, such as front teeth.

Back to top
 

Do Bonded Teeth Require Special Care? 

Generally, no. Good oral hygiene practices are typically enough. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day and see Dr. Kissinger-Blakeley for regular professional check-ups and cleanings.

However, bonding materials can chip. Avoid:

  • Biting your fingernails
  • Chewing on pens, ice, or other hard food objects
  • Using your bonded teeth as a bottle opener

If you notice any sharp edges on a bonded tooth, or if your bonded tooth feels odd when you bite down, call Dr. Kissinger-Blakeley.

Back to top
 

 How Long Does Bonding Material Last?

Typically, anywhere from three to 10 years. However, this depends on how much tooth bonding was done and how your treat your bonded teeth.

Back to top
 

 How Much Does Dental Bonding Cost?

Generally, anywhere from $100 to $400 per tooth. Your tooth bonding may be fully or partially covered by insurance and we are more than willing to contact your insurance company to determine if they offer coverage. We also offer several financing options, including payment plans, to fit your needs.

 

Back to top
 

If you are interested in dental tooth bonding, contact Dr. Kissinger-Blakeley today at 303-779-2797 to schedule your free consultation.