Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is most commonly used as a filling for small to medium sized cavities or as a replacement for gold or silver amalgam fillings. But the composite resin can be used to correct a number of different dental conditions.
Tooth bonding that uses a clay-like composite resin provides a more natural appearance when filling cavities, but it is not suitable for large cavities because it is not structurally strong enough or a wide area. Composite bonding is also useful for repairing chipped or broken teeth, and reshaping teeth or filling small gaps between teeth. Many people now question whether mercury (amalgam) fillings are safe and dentists frequently use composite bonding to replace those older-styles of cavity repair.
A full dental consultation will determine whether dental bonding is the appropriate solution. Teeth that have sustained significant damage from decay or injury may require a different approach. Sometimes, a teeth whitening procedure will be recommended before the dental bonding takes place in order to better match the composite to the existing teeth color.
Bonding procedures can be performed right in the dentist’s office with local anesthesia that is injected into the gum around the tooth. Some cases will not require anesthesia. The dentist will completely clean the tooth’s surface to remove plaque and debris from the surface where the composite will be applied. The composite resin is made to match the color of the surrounding tooth and applied to the tooth and shaped appropriately. Applying a bond requires a high level of skill and careful scrutiny should go into picking a dentist for the procedure.
Small procedures can be accomplished with a dentist office visit of between 30 minutes and several hours and may not require a second sitting. Bigger jobs may require a second appointment and involve temporary procedures such as a filling to remain in place between visits. Usually in this case a custom filling will be made by a laboratory based on a mold of the specific customer’s teeth. The subsequent porcelain fillings are generally considered to have the best durability and stain-resistant qualities.
The dental bonding process will vary in cost depending on the extent of the procedure and whether or not the patient’s insurance plan covers the use of composite resin for fillings. Bonding of a purely cosmetic nature won’t likely be covered by insurance. Out of pocket costs, for the average dental bonding procedure, can run anywhere from $200 to $2,000.
Dental bonding has come a long way since its inception and it is now as strong as it is attractive. But regular dental maintenance, including regular brushing and flossing, is an absolute requirement for the bond to last for years. Activities like biting fingernails, grinding teeth, chewing on pens, ice or any other hard object can cause premature damage to the dental bonding including chips, cracks and fractures that could require additional treatment.
Dental bonding is a routine procedure that is becoming more and more popular as people learn of its benefits and more-natural appearance.