if you have a chipped, cracked, or discolored tooth, a cosmetic dental procedure like tooth bonding can give you the confidence to flash those pearly whites.
Tooth bonding is a procedure where your dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin to one or more of your teeth to repair the damage. It’s a cost-effective solution because it’s considerably less expensive than other cosmetic dental procedures, such as crowns and veneers.
Here’s what you need to know about this process, as well as the risks and costs associated with tooth bonding.
What is teeth bonding? How does it work?
Tooth bonding is simpler than other cosmetic dental procedures. So simple that this procedure doesn’t typically require anesthesia — unless you’re filling a cavity — and it doesn’t require multiple visits to the dentist.
To start the process, your dentist uses a shade guide to choose a composite resin color that closely matches the color of your natural teeth. Your dentist roughens the surface of the tooth and then applies a liquid that allows the bonding agent to stick to the tooth.
Your dentist applies the composite resin over the liquid, molds or shapes the tooth, and then harden the material with an ultraviolet light.
If necessary, your dentist can further shape the tooth after the resin hardens.
Why get teeth bonding?
Tooth bonding can fix a defect or imperfection within a tooth. Some people use bonding to repair a decayed, cracked, or discolored tooth. This procedure can also close small gaps in between teeth.
Tooth bonding can also increase the size of a tooth. For example, maybe you have a tooth that’s shorter than the rest, and you want them all to be the same length.
Bonding is a fast procedure and doesn’t require any downtime. If you don’t need anesthesia, you can continue with your normal daily routine after the procedure.
Typically, tooth bonding takes between 30 to 60 minutes. Some appointments may run longer depending on the extent of the procedure.
Are there any risks of teeth bonding?
Dental bonding doesn’t have any major risks.
Keep in mind that the composite resin used with this procedure isn’t as strong as your natural teeth.
The material can chip or separate from your real tooth. Chipping or breaking, however, doesn’t occur as often with a crown, veneer, or filling.
A bonded tooth might chip if you eat ice, chew on pens or pencils, bite your fingernails, or bite down on hard food or candy.
The resin also isn’t as stain-resistant as other dental materials. You may develop some discoloration if you smoke or drink a lot of coffee.
How much does teeth bonding cost?
The cost of teeth bonding varies based on location, the extent of the procedure, and dentist expertise.
On average, you can expect to pay around 300 $ to 600$ per tooth. You’ll need to replace the bonding about every 5 to 10 years.
Check with your dental insurance provider before scheduling an appointment. Some insurers consider dental bonding a cosmetic procedure and won’t cover the cost.
How to prepare for teeth bonding
Tooth bonding doesn’t require special preparation. But you’ll need to consult your dentist to see if you’re a candidate for this procedure.
Bonding might not work if you have severe tooth damage or decay. You may need a veneer or crown instead.
How to care for bonded teeth
Taking care of your teeth helps extend the life of a bonded tooth. Self-care tips include:
- brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily
- avoiding hard food and candy
- not biting your nails
- avoiding coffee, tea, and tobacco for the first two days after the procedure to avoid stains
- scheduling regular dental cleanings every six months
See a dentist if you accidentally chip or break the bonding material, or if you feel any sharp or rough edges after the procedure.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR BONDED TOOTH
Nothing is as strong as your natural teeth and enamel, including the composite resin.
So, while your bond repairs the tooth, you still need to take good care of it.
You should avoid doing things like chewing on ice cubes or pens. Hard foods and candies (in excess) can also cause damage to your bond. However, these aren’t good for your natural teeth either, so it’s best to avoid them generally, especially with a history of chipping or breaking teeth.
It’s also important to note that resin doesn’t resist long-term stains as well as your enamel. You’re more likely to experience long-term discoloration if you drink lots of coffee and red wine or if you smoke.
Unfortunately, you can’t whiten composite resin. So, if you stain your bond, then you might be stuck with it unless you replace it or choose to go the veneer route.
You can get your teeth whitened with a bond. Whitening gels won’t harm the composite resin, but you will see a disparity in color as your tooth’s appearance changes, but your bond stays the same.
However, your dentist may be able to offer a very thin bond on your front teeth, depending on the manufacturer of your bonding material.
The bottom line: whitening can be unpredictable, and it’s better to whiten first and bond second, especially if you want a bond on one of your front teeth. Otherwise, you could end up wanting to replace the bond altogether.
How Long Does Tooth Bonding Last?
Bonding on the front teeth can last between 4 and 8 years, depending on the location of the bonded tooth, your bite, and your eating habits. It’s usually better to avoid biting directly into your food, particularly hard consumables that can compromise the structure of the dental teeth bonding.
sources : www.healthline.com/health
