What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that uses a tooth-colored resin to improve the shape, size, or appearance of your teeth.
When is it recommended?
Dental bonding is a pretty flexible procedure that can be used in a lot of different applications. Anytime you think that you'd like to do something to improve your smile, make your teeth look better, or feel better because they're maybe smaller than you'd like, or you don't like the color, or there's parts of your teeth that are maybe rough, jagged, or uneven. Dental bonding can help improve your teeth in all of these areas.
Do bonded teeth look natural?
Bonded teeth thankfully look really natural. We have exciting technology that allows us to change the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth in order to make them look better and feel better.
Would you say bonding or veneers are better?
Bonding, as mentioned, is a cosmetic procedure that can help improve the appearance and feel of your teeth. Veneers are also a cosmetic procedure used to improve the appearance of patients' teeth. They both have their pros and cons. Bonding tends to be less expensive and quicker in terms of the turnaround time. Veneers, though they take longer and require multiple appointments, tend to look more natural and lifelike compared to dental bonding.
Is dental bonding painful?
Dental bonding is not painful. Thankfully, not much drilling is involved. Occasionally, we might need to do some drilling to achieve the desired look and feel, but for the most part, there isn't much drilling. Often, we don't need to use anesthesia, so you won't need an injection. In some cases, we will anesthetize patients for comfort, but overall, it's a very comfortable procedure.
What about brushing and flossing? Am I allowed to do that after bonding?
We definitely want our patients to brush and floss after dental bonding is done. We aim to help you keep those dental bonding procedures in your mouth as healthy, stable, and secure for as long as possible.
Are there any other special instructions for caring for my teeth after they've been bonded?
The main thing is to keep your teeth clean, be regular about brushing and flossing, ensure you have a good diet that's not too high in sugar, and come to see us for regular cleanings to maintain the dental bonding procedure so it can last as long as possible.
How long does dental bonding last?
The longevity of dental bonding varies a lot between patients. Some patients can keep them for as long as five to ten years or longer if they take good care of them. Others might find it lasts only two or three years due to eating habits, biting and chewing habits, or oral hygiene habits at home. All these factors play a role in how long the dental bonding will last.
How much does dental bonding cost and does insurance cover it?
Dental bonding will sometimes be covered by insurance, but it's not something to count on because many insurances have restrictions on cosmetic procedures. We will do our best to get them covered, but it's not guaranteed. The cost per tooth can range from $250 to $650, depending on insurance and other factors.
When should I make an appointment for dental bonding?
If you want to improve your smile and feel your teeth aren't the color, shape, or size you want, dental bonding can help you. Please give us a call as soon as you can.