Dental bonding offers an attractive alternative to traditional fillings.
1) What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a procedure used to restore damaged or decayed teeth and restore the appearance of stained or discolored teeth. It can also be used to close small gaps between teeth by applying thin layers of composite material on the tooth’s surface.
2) Who is a candidate for dental bonding?
Patients with close gaps between teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, tooth decay, discolored teeth, or uneven teeth are good candidates for dental bonding.
3) What is dental bonding used for?
The composite resins used in dental bonding are ideal for filling decayed areas and “refurbishing” a discolored or stained smile, as well as closing small spaces between teeth which may be prone to decay.
4) How is the procedure performed?
Your dentist will apply a very mild etching solution to the surface of the tooth to create a rough surface which will allow the composite bonding resin material to adhere. The resin is applied to the surface in thin layers and a high-intensity light is used to harden the resin. After several layers have been applied, the dentist will sculpt and polish the final layer to fit the tooth and blend with the surrounding teeth.
5) What is the recovery like?
Discomfort is minimal, and can be alleviated with over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin or Tylenol. Bonding material is porous, so care should be taken when drinking coffee or tea or smoking, since these activities can stain the material.
6) Results
Aesthetically, bonding is much more attractive than silver fillings and is available in a variety of tones to match virtually anyone’s teeth. Dental bonding also treats only the decayed area of the tooth, while metal fillings require removal of the surrounding healthy tooth to achieve bonding.
7) Is dental bonding approved for use in the USA?
Dental bonding is approved for use in the U.S.
8) Is dental bonding covered by insurance companies?
Most insurance companies will cover all or part of the costs of bonding, especially when it is performed for preventive or structural reasons.
9) What is the cost for dental bonding?
Dental bonding costs vary based on your location, but generally range from $200 to $600 per tooth.
