Everything you need to know about dental bonding

We explain what dental bonding is, what it does and what it costs 

Very few people have truly perfect teeth. We don’t always floss as often as we should; it’s hard to always resist acidic foods; a stressful day at work leaves us grinding our teeth in our sleep, and some of us have yet to fully kick our cigarette habit. Maybe your teeth just have natural imperfections, as all of ours do. Either way, if something is holding you back from showing off your smile, dental bonding may be able to help.

Before you consider more comprehensive treatments like dental veneers and caps, it’s worth exploring how teeth bonding can help restore your smile.

In this guide, we’ll teach you all about dental bonding. Book an in-person consultation with our dentists, and we’ll help you discern the right treatment for you.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that uses a composite resin to patch minor defects in your teeth. The composite bonding resin is colour-matched to your natural tooth enamel and carefully shaped and polished to leave you with a natural-looking smile.

What is dental bonding used for?

Dental bonding can be used for:

• Patching cracked, chipped or ground-down teeth
• Bridge minor gaps between teeth, such as those commonly found between front teeth
• Shape natural teeth or reshape chipped teeth
• Recolour discoloured teeth

Dental bonding cannot be used to straighten teeth, but it may be possible to even out slightly misaligned teeth. The putty-like tooth-bonding agent is quite versatile and can be used to treat a range of minor cosmetic issues.

How long does dental bonding take?

The dental bonding procedure can usually be completed within a single session. It is a completely painless procedure that does not require anaesthetics of any sort. It is one of the more straightforward and satisfying cosmetic dental procedures we offer.

The procedure is relatively routine. Your dentist will:

• Confirm your plans so that you’re clear on the expected results
• Apply the dental bonding material and shape it to plan
• Harden the dental resin using UV light
• Polish the bonded tooth to match your other teeth

You can begin eating and drinking as usual immediately after your appointment. We recommend you be gentle with your bonded teeth — we’ll cover aftercare tips in a moment.

How long does dental bonding last?

Well-cared-for bonded teeth can last for a decade before they need rebonding. 

However, ten years is the upper limit for how long dental bonding lasts. The hardened bonding resin is not as tough as tooth enamel and can be weakened, worn, chipped and stained. 

If you fail to care for your dental bonds, you may need to have them touched up again in as little as four years.

Dental bonding aftercare

You should care for bonded teeth the same way you care for your natural teeth — with good oral hygiene.

• Brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Ideally, brush and floss after every meal, particularly after eating or drinking acidic or sugary foods.
• Avoid crunching or grinding on hard foods.
• Avoid anything that might stain your teeth for 24-48 hours after your bonding treatment. That means no coffee, tea or cigarettes.

As with any other cosmetic dental treatments, we recommend you book a six-month dental check-up to ensure your bonds have settled well.

Is dental bonding expensive?

‘How much does dental bonding cost’ is usually the first question we get. The cost of dental bonding depends on the scope of the procedure. Some clients only need to patch over a few minor chips, while others have more decayed teeth. 

To give you a quote for your dental bonding, we will need to consider the following:

• The condition of your teeth
• The number of teeth that need treatment
• Whether you need sedatives or sleep dentistry
• Your insurance

Once we’ve given you a quote for your procedure, we can also arrange a payment plan to make treatment more accessible for you. Get in touch with our team to discuss payment options.

Is the dental bonding procedure covered by insurance?

Insurance typically doesn’t cover dental bonding as it is an elective cosmetic procedure.

However, some private insurance companies may cover it. Contact your insurance provider for details.

Can dental bonding be whitened?

As with natural teeth, the bond resin will stain over time. Unfortunately, dental bonds can’t be whitened.

If you’re looking for a procedure primarily to whiten your teeth, dental veneers may be more appropriate. Book a consultation with our team to explore your options.

Book a consultation with The Point Dental today

Dental bonding is only one of the several cosmetic procedures we offer. Whether you want to whiten, straighten or protect your teeth, we’ll design the ideal treatment plan for you. Book your consultation, and we’ll explain all of our services and discuss affordable payment options, too.