What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a technique that uses composite resin, the same material used for composite fillings, to reshape and repair teeth. Whether your tooth is chipped, cracked, or broken, Bonded Restoration can “build up” the tooth to restore it to like-new condition. With regular care, this repair is long-lasting. Dental bonding can also enhance the appearance of your smile by reshaping teeth, correcting discolouration, and closing gaps—without the need for veneers or orthodontics.
How Does Dental Bonding Compare to Other Options?
There are several ways to restore your teeth or achieve your ideal smile, and the best option depends on your unique needs. We’re happy to discuss all your options during your appointment to help you make an informed decision. Here are some key benefits of dental bonding:
Quick and Painless
Unlike fillings or veneers, which often require drilling, dental bonding usually requires little to no removal of your natural tooth. This means the procedure is typically painless and less invasive.
Affordable
Compared to more extensive treatments like veneers or orthodontics, dental bonding offers a cost-effective solution for minor adjustments, providing excellent results without the high price tag.
Ideal for Small Repairs
If you’re looking for dramatic changes, options like veneers, crowns, or orthodontics may be more appropriate. However, for minor repairs—such as fixing chips, cracks, or gaps—dental bonding is the easiest and most straightforward solution.
The Dental Bonding Process
Whether you’re restoring a tooth or enhancing its appearance, the dental bonding process is the same. Here’s what to expect at your appointment:
Preparing the Tooth
First, a dental matrix—a thin plastic film—is placed between your teeth to protect neighbouring teeth. Then, your dentist will clean and dry the tooth, applying a mildly acidic gel to roughen the surface for better adhesion of the bonding material.
Applying the Composite Resin
Once the gel is rinsed off and the tooth is dried again, the dentist applies a composite resin that matches your natural tooth colour. The resin is layered onto the tooth, with each layer hardened using a special blue light for maximum strength and durability.
Finishing Touches
After ensuring your bite is correct, the bonded tooth will be polished to look as natural as the rest of your teeth. You may even forget which tooth was repaired! During future exams, your dentist will keep an eye on the bonded tooth to monitor for any wear and tear.
Cost of Dental Bonding in Mississauga
The cost of dental bonding can vary depending on your specific needs, but typically ranges from $300 to $600 or more per tooth without insurance. Most insurance plans will cover dental bonding, especially for repairing damaged or broken teeth. With insurance, out-of-pocket costs are usually between $60 to $120 per tooth.
- The number of teeth requiring bonding.
- Whether new X-rays are needed.
- The amount of composite resin required.
- The location of the teeth in your mouth.
- Your overall oral health.
Several factors influence the total cost of your dental bonding treatment, including:
Since dental bonding costs depend on your unique situation, an accurate quote can only be provided after an in-person examination. We’d be happy to discuss your options and provide a detailed estimate during your visit to help you make an informed decision.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental bonding can last between 4 to 10 years or longer, depending on its location and your eating and oral hygiene habits. If your dentist notices wear during routine exams, they can apply additional composite resin to maintain its strength.
While dental bonding isn’t permanent, it is long-lasting. With good dental care and regular exams, bonding can last over a decade. If it begins to show signs of wear, more composite resin can be added to reinforce it.
These are two distinct procedures. Veneers are a better long-term solution for patients seeking dramatic smile improvements. Dental bonding is less invasive and more affordable for minor changes but has a shorter lifespan compared to veneers.
Bonding doesn’t harm your natural tooth, which remains mostly intact underneath. Although the bonding material may chip or break over time, it’s easy to repair. However, dental bonding does not respond to whitening treatments. It’s advisable to whiten your teeth before bonding or replace the bonding to match your natural tooth colour after a whitening procedure. For more durability, veneers or crowns may be better options.