What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a versatile cosmetic and restorative treatment that uses composite resin—the same durable material found in composite fillings—to reshape and repair teeth. This technique, known as Bonded Restoration, is ideal for rebuilding chipped, cracked, or broken teeth, restoring their natural appearance and function. With proper care, these repairs can last for years.
Beyond repairs, dental bonding is also an excellent option for enhancing your smile. It can refine tooth shape, correct discolouration, and close small gaps—all without the need for veneers or orthodontic treatment.
How Does Dental Bonding Compare to Other Options?
There are many ways to restore your teeth or achieve your ideal smile, and the best option for you depends on your specific needs. During your appointment, we’ll walk you through all available treatments, outlining the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision.
That said, here are some key advantages of dental bonding:
Quick and Painless
Unlike fillings or dental veneers, which often require drilling to prepare the tooth, dental bonding typically involves little to no removal of natural enamel. This means the procedure is minimally invasive and almost always pain-free.
Affordable Solution
Compared to more extensive treatments like veneers or orthodontics, dental bonding is a budget-friendly option. While complex smile makeovers require customized treatment plans, dental bonding is a simple and cost-effective choice for minor cosmetic improvements.
Ideal for Small Repairs
If you’re looking for a dramatic transformation, a combination of veneers, crowns, or orthodontics may be necessary. However, for small enhancements—such as fixing chips, closing gaps, or reshaping a few teeth—dental bonding offers a quick, effective solution.
The Dental Bonding Process
Whether you’re restoring a damaged tooth or enhancing your smile for cosmetic reasons, the dental bonding process follows the same steps. Here’s what to expect during your appointment:
Preparing the Tooth
To protect neighbouring teeth, a thin plastic film called a dental matrix is placed between them. This prevents any stray preparation gel or composite resin from affecting adjacent teeth. Your dentist will then clean and dry the tooth before applying a mildly acidic gel for a few seconds. This gel roughens the tooth’s surface, helping the bonding material adhere securely.
Applying the Composite Resin
Once the acidic gel is rinsed away and the tooth is dried again, the dentist selects a composite resin that matches your natural tooth colour for a seamless finish. The resin is applied in layers, with each layer hardened using a special blue light to ensure maximum strength and durability.
Finishing Touches
After checking your bite to ensure a comfortable fit, the bonding is complete. The dentist will then polish the tooth for a smooth, natural look—so natural, in fact, that you may forget which tooth was repaired! A note will be added to your chart, and at future checkups, the dentist will monitor the bonded tooth for any signs of wear or adjustments needed.
Cost of Dental Bonding in North Vancouver
Because dental bonding serves a variety of purposes, the cost can vary depending on your specific needs. On average, dental bonding costs between $300 and $600 per tooth without insurance. However, many insurance providers cover the procedure, particularly when it’s needed to repair a damaged or broken tooth. With insurance, your out-of-pocket expense may range from $60 to $120 per tooth.
Several factors influence the final cost of your dental bonding treatment, including:
- The number of teeth being bonded
- Whether new X-rays are required
- The amount of composite resin needed
- The location of the affected teeth
- Your overall oral health
Since every case is unique, it’s not possible to provide an exact quote over the phone. After a thorough examination, we’ll be happy to give you a precise estimate, ensuring you have all the information you need to make the best decision for your smile.
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
The lifespan of dental bonding depends on its location, your eating habits, and your oral hygiene routine. On average, dental bonding lasts between 4 to 10 years or longer. During routine dental exams, your dentist will check for signs of wear and can reinforce the bonding with additional composite resin if needed.
While dental bonding is not a permanent solution, it is a highly durable one. With good oral care, regular dental visits, and healthy eating habits, bonding can last more than a decade. If it begins to show signs of wear, it can be repaired or strengthened with more composite resin.
These are two distinct treatments. Veneers are a longer-lasting solution, ideal for patients looking to make significant or more dramatic smile enhancements. Dental bonding, on the other hand, is more cost-effective and less invasive, making it a great option for minor cosmetic improvements. While bonding has a shorter lifespan, it preserves more of the natural tooth structure.
No, dental bonding does not harm your natural teeth. Your tooth remains largely, if not entirely, intact beneath the bonding. Over time, the composite material may chip or wear down, but it can be easily repaired. One important consideration is that bonded teeth do not respond to whitening treatments. If you plan on whitening your teeth, it’s best to do so before getting bonding, or you may need to have the bonding replaced to match your newly whitened smile. For greater durability, veneers or crowns may be a better alternative.
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