Bonding

Tooth bonding, also called dental bonding, is the use of a bonding material to repair teeth that are chipped, cracked or discolored. Tooth bonding also can fill in gaps between teeth, add protection to roots of teeth or be used as an alternative to cavity fillings. Bonding is a relatively simple and speedy procedure.

Bonding materials typically last 10 to 15 years or longer before they need repair. It is not uncommon that a patient may need some minor touch-up work in the first few years.

The ideal practitioner to get tooth bonding from is a highly-trained and experienced cosmetic dentist. While many dentists are capable of doing basic bonding procedures, a cosmetic dentist has advanced training in the techniques and artistry for creating ideally functioning and beautiful tooth bonding work.

The Procedure

Bonding begins with your dentist selecting a composite resin material that matches the shade of your teeth. The composite material includes acrylic resin, pigments, photoinitiators, inorganic fillers and organic fillers such as quartz or glass. The dentist makes the surface of your teeth a bit rough and applies an adhesive liquid before placing the bond. A special light is shined on the area to harden the liquid and create a secure bond. Then the dentist shapes and polishes the bond so that it is a good and cosmetically-appealing fit. Tooth bonding typically requires no anesthesia. After the tooth bonding is completed, a patient may find that his/her teeth are a little more sensitive than they were previously.

Cost

The average cost of cosmetic tooth bonding is $300-$600 per tooth. Tooth bonding to repair cracks or other damage is often at least partially covered by dental insurance.