Bonding Teeth

Bonding teeth or dental bonding is a procedure that corrects minor defects in teeth. It is used to improve the appearance of the tooth by restoring broken teeth, fill in gaps between teeth, and recolor the teeth. Bonding teeth involve mildly etching the teeth to roughen its enamel so that there will be crevices that will serve as a surface which the resin will hold. After applying the bonding teeth material, the dentist will sculpt and colour it into desired shape and shade. Then light cure will harden it and the surface will then be made smooth. These materials are considered safe and have been using for other purposes such as repairing decayed tooth.

Typically, composites usually lasts seven years minimum and may last up to eleven years.

There are two classifications of bonding teeth; they are classified according to the degree of corrections that are made. Minor corrections are done to match the colour of the tooth to its adjacent teeth and for correcting small defects that needs small fillings only. Major corrections involve making a model of the teeth and putting a temporary bond. The model is then sent to a dental laboratory for creation of a durable and custom-fit filling which will be bonded to the teeth during second visit. The advantage of laboratory created filling is that it lasts longer, looks more natural, and resistant to stains.

Furthermore, teeth bonding is also used to correct uneven teeth, tooth decay and gum recession. Smokers who have gone dental bonding should reduce their tobacco consumption – the bonding material is easily adhered by the smoke of tobacco thus may be discoloured.

Since bonding is only made to correct structural and cosmetic damages in the tooth, it costs less compared to other procedures such as dental bridges and implants. Typically, teeth bonding costs ranges from $300 – $600. The prices vary depending on the degree of repair that will be done. To minimize the cost, it is better that the patient find a dental insurance that covers the cost of teeth bonding.

In general, bonding teeth are more desirable than using silver fillings because it is more visually appealing. During the preparation of the teeth before applying silver fillings, a healthy part of the tooth is removed to make the silver filling stick in its place. This procedure is not necessary in bonding teeth since only the damaged area of the tooth is removed. Compared to silver fillings, dental bonding materials are more resistant to cracks and breakage. The only advantage of silver fillings is its cost is lower and the procedure takes shorter time. Although bonding teeth is stain resistant, it is not as resistant as dental implants.

To avoid damage in bonded tooth it is recommended that proper oral hygiene be observed. Brushing the tooth and flossing three times a day would help greatly. Dental check-ups at least twice a year is necessary because there are damages in the tooth that cannot be seen when looking at a mirror only.