Dental bonding is a durable non-plastic material bonded to the teeth as preventative care or aesthetic pleasure. The durable non-plastic material is a tooth-colored resin. Unlike other cosmetic dental procedures, dental bonding is one of the simplest. Dental bonding can also last up to 8 years depending on the location of the bonded tooth.

The application of dental bonding requires a special LED light that hardens the bond, thereby ensuring the material lasts and an improved tooth structure is formed. Dental bonding helps individuals chew and bite properly, creates a born again beautiful smile, and avoids more harm to the teeth.

Uses of Dental Bonding

Dental bonding has several uses such as:

  • Decayed teeth repair
  • Restoration of discolored teeth
  • Restoration of cracked or chipped teeth
  • Gap closures
  • Lengthening of individual teeth
  • Changes of shape
  • Replacement of fillings (amalgam) as a better alternative for cosmetic
  • Protection of exposed roots due to receding gums or gum disease

Advantages of Dental Bonding

  • Dental bonding is versatile, meaning that it is suitable to correct different types of flaws such as chips, cracks, gaps, etc.
  • It requires a low cost, unlike other cosmetic procedures
  • The time commitment for dental bonding is way lesser than that of other cosmetic dental procedures. In the case of dental bonding, the entire process can be done in a single visit. This is unlike others that may take two or more visits. 
  • Tooth bonding involves little to no enamel removal, which means that the composite resin can be removed at any point. This is helpful because no permanent damage will be done to your teeth due to the removal. Compared to some other cosmetic dental procedures, this is relatively safe and also extremely effective when it comes to the prevention of further wearing of teeth.
  • Tooth bonding is highly convenient

Disadvantages of Dental Bonding

Although dental bonding has advantages, it is not short of disadvantages. However, these disadvantages are lesser than the advantages.

The disadvantages of dental bonding include;

  • Dental bonding is not stain resistant. They will not change colour but can easily become stained.
  • Dental bonding is less durable than other cosmetic dental options like veneers and crowns. The adhesion can break down and lasts for a lesser time than veneers and crowns, which can last for more than ten years

It is clear that the advantages of dental bonding are more than the disadvantages but there always lies a risk factor with all dental treatment. 

Cost of Teeth Bonding

The cost is entirely based on your location, the nature of the procedure, and the dentist’s expertise. However, the average price of having a tooth bonding procedure is between $100 to $600 per tooth. This amount is not fixed as it is prone to change due to the high cost of materials, etc.

It is essential to survey expert dentists’ costs before booking an appointment. If you have dental insurance, that will help take some of the load off. However, you must confirm if they cover the cost of tooth bonding first before proceeding to book your appointment.

How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?

The tooth bonding process can take 30 – 60 minutes or even more in some cases. Your ability to properly maintain your oral health and bonded teeth determines how long your dental bonding will last. Quality dental bonding materials last for three to ten years. Afterward, affected areas must undergo maintenance or be replaced.

Paying proper attention to your oral health and hygiene is vital in maintaining your teeth for this period. 

The Proper Steps to Ensure Dental Bond Longevity

The proper steps to ensure your bond lasts for the expected time are:

  • Do not chew extremely hard food or non-food items
  • Quit biting your nails
  • Use a flossing device or interdental brush to clean between your teeth twice daily or after every meal
  • Gently brush your teeth for two minutes twice daily. Do this with a brush that has soft bristle and a fluoride-containing toothpaste
  • Avoid meals or drinks with excessive sugar
  • Do not smoke or take tobacco 
  • Do not consume foods or drinks that stain the teeth, such as coffee
  • Stop grinding your teeth 
  • Always keep to your dentist’s appointment for guidance

This guide must be followed to ensure dental bond longevity, which will ultimately help you spend less. 

Risks Associated with Dental Bonding

Typically, there are no significant risks concerning dental bonding. However, you must remember that the composite resin in tooth bonding cannot be compared to your natural teeth in terms of strength. So this makes it possible for the chipping material to detach from your actual tooth. The good news is that separation, chips, or breaks are not typical for dental bonding, unlike a filling, crown, etc.

If the bonding is done correctly, the risks of separation are mostly possible when you do not follow the cautionary steps to care for them. Stains are possible because the resin is not strong enough to resist it. This means you should prepare for a change of color on your bonded tooth when you consume foods that stain.

The Takeaway

It is essential to see an expert dentist before carrying out a tooth bonding procedure to ensure that your teeth are suitable for it. Dental bonding is not possible for individuals who have severe tooth damage. A crown or veneer is preferable for such persons instead of dental bonding. If you do not have an expert dentist, you can schedule an appointment.

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