Everything You Need to Know About Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure that can help improve the appearance of your smile. Today, our Lloydminster dentists share how dental bonding can be used to repair discoloured or gapped teeth and restore your smile.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is a safe, effective, and non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment. Your dentist applies tooth-coloured composite resin to your teeth, then shapes and polishes it to match the teeth around it to create a natural-looking smile.

The process is called 'dental bonding' because the composite resin literally bonds to the tooth.

Why would I need dental bonding?

Dental bonding is most often used for cosmetic purposes – to improve the appearance of chipped or discoloured teeth, to make teeth appear longer, or to close gaps between teeth.

Bonding is sometimes used as an alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings and can also be used to cover exposed tooth roots due to receding gums.

What happens during a dental bonding procedure?

During a dental bonding appointment, your dentist will apply composite resin to your tooth in layers, using a light to harden each layer.

After the last layer is hardened, the dentist shapes and polishes it to fit your tooth, resulting in a smooth, natural-looking tooth that complements the rest of your smile.

How long does dental bonding take?

Dental bonding usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete. Unlike veneers, which are custom-made in a dental lab and thus require more time, the bonding process can often be completed in one visit.

How much does dental bonding cost?

Cost is often a consideration when it comes to cosmetic dental procedures. Fortunately, dental bonding is an effective, relatively long-lasting cosmetic procedure. Your specific cost will depend on a number of factors, including:

Scope of work, where in the mouth your procedure is taking place and the size of the area to be bonded
Insurance coverage - how much of the procedure will your insurance cover? (coverage depend on whether your issue is primarily cosmetic or structural)
Your local area - costs may vary depending on which city your dentist is in, and which dental practice completes the procedure

How long does dental bonding last?

The composite resin your dentist will use during the bonding process will likely have a lifespan of between 4 and 8 years, and potentially up to 10 years.

How long the effects of dental bonding last can vary depending on your specific case (where in your mouth it’s applied) and how it’s maintained. Excellent oral hygiene and attending your regularly scheduled dental visits is key.

To ensure your smile lasts as long as possible, we advise avoiding sugary or acidic foods, as these can wear on your teeth. You should also refrain from chewing hard candy or ice, biting down too hard, or grinding your teeth since all of these can chip the bonding material.

Your dentist can touch up the composite resin and re-bond it over time if required.