Dental bonding is a procedure that uses special resin to improve the look or function of teeth. In some cases, it’s used in cosmetic dentistry to cover up minor imperfections, skew teeth, or gaps and restore the appearance of your teeth.
In other cases, it’s used to build up teeth that have been worn down and restore them to full function once again. If you’re considering ways to strengthen or improve the look of your teeth, get in touch with Radiant Smiles Dental Care to find out what options are available for you!
Types of Dental Bonding
There are two main types of dental bonding: direct composite bonding, where the composite resin is applied directly to the tooth in a single appointment, and indirect bonding, which involves creating a custom restoration in a dental lab and bonding it to the tooth during a second appointment.
Direct Composite Bonding
Direct composite resin bonding is a dental procedure where a tooth-coloured composite resin is directly applied to the surface of a tooth to enhance its appearance. The resin is shaped to match the natural tooth, hardened using a curing light, and polished for a seamless finish, typically completed in one appointment.
Indirect Bonding
Indirect bonding involves creating a custom restoration in a dental laboratory, based on an impression of the patient’s teeth.
During the first appointment, the dentist takes an impression of the tooth and its surrounding structure. This mould, along with specific instructions, is sent to a dental lab, where the restoration is made.
Once the restoration is ready, the patient returns for a second appointment. During this visit, the dentist carefully bonds the custom-made piece to the tooth. This method is often used for inlays, onlays, or veneers, which provide a more durable and tailored solution compared to direct bonding.
What is Dental Bonding Used for?
Tooth bonding is used for repairing, reshaping, and protecting teeth while improving their appearance.
Repairing Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Dental bonding is used to improve the look of teeth with chips or cracks. It restores their natural shape and makes them stronger, helping to prevent further damage. This is ideal for those with minor issues that affect the appearance of their smile or the functionality of their teeth.
Closing Small Gaps Between Teeth
Small gaps between teeth can make a smile look uneven. Dental bonding fills these spaces to create a more uniform appearance. It’s a quick and effective solution for those who want to correct spacing without the need for braces or other orthodontic treatments.
Improving Appearance of Stained Teeth
Teeth with stains or discolouration that won’t respond to whitening can be treated with dental bonding. It covers the affected teeth, giving them a cleaner and brighter look. This helps make your smile more consistent and attractive.
Building Up Worn-Down Teeth
Teeth can wear down from grinding, ageing, or other factors, leading to shorter teeth which may cause functional problems. Composite bonding for teeth that have been worn down helps restore their original size and shape, improving both the way they look and how they function.
Lengthening Teeth
Short or uneven teeth can make a smile look unbalanced. Composite resin bonding is used to add length to teeth, helping to create a more symmetrical and attractive appearance.
Protecting Exposed Roots
When gums recede, the roots of teeth can become exposed, causing sensitivity and an increased risk of decay. Dental bonding is applied to protect these areas, reducing discomfort and improving the tooth’s appearance.
The Dental Bonding Process
The dental bonding procedure includes preparing the surface of the tooth, selecting a matching resin shade, and applying, shaping, and polishing the material for a natural look. For indirect bonding, an impression is taken, and a custom restoration is created in a lab before being fitted to the tooth.
Preparation Phase
The dentist assesses your teeth to determine suitability for bonding and will then discuss the desired outcome with you. A composite resin shade is chosen to match the colour of your natural teeth. In most cases, no special preparation is needed. Teeth bonding requires no anaesthesia unless the bonding is for a decayed tooth or near a nerve.
Direct Composite Bonding Procedure
This procedure happens in a single appointment.
1. Preparing The Tooth
The dentist prepares the tooth by roughening its surface to help the bonding material attach properly. A conditioning liquid is applied to clean and prime the surface for adhesion. This step helps create a solid foundation for the bonding process, making it easier for the resin to bond securely and provide a natural-looking finish.
2. Applying the Adhesive
A liquid resin-based bonding agent is applied to the tooth’s surface to improve the connection between the tooth and the composite resin. The adhesive acts as a bridge, helping the resin to stay in place. Once the adhesive is applied, the dental bonding resin is added in layers to build the desired shape and structure.
3. Shaping the Bond
The dentist sculpts and shapes the composite resin to match the natural contours of your tooth. Careful shaping aligns the bonded resin with surrounding teeth and helps maintain proper bite alignment. This step creates a seamless and balanced appearance that blends naturally with the rest of your teeth.
4. Curing
A UV light is used to harden the shaped resin, setting it firmly in place. This step bonds the resin securely to the tooth and makes it strong enough to handle normal chewing forces. Once cured, the resin becomes part of the tooth’s structure and is ready for the final finishing touches.
5. Polishing
The bonded tooth is polished to match the texture and shine of natural teeth. Polishing smooths out any imperfections and enhances the overall look of the tooth. This final step makes sure the bond looks natural and feels comfortable, leaving you with an improved and balanced smile.
Indirect Bonding Procedure
Indirect bonding involves creating a custom-made restoration outside the mouth before it’s placed on the tooth. This process requires two appointments: the first to prepare the teeth and make an impression, and the second to bond the custom-made restoration to the teeth.
1. Initial Consultation and Assessment
The dentist evaluates your dental condition to decide if indirect bonding is the right choice. This process is commonly used for restorations, like veneers, inlays, or onlays, which require precise customisation.
2. Taking the Impression
An impression or digital scan of the prepared tooth is taken. This step captures the exact size, shape, and contours of the tooth. The impression is then sent to a dental lab for the creation of a customised restoration.
3. Creating the Composite Shell
Technicians at the dental lab use the impression to design and create a composite shell or other restoration. The restoration is made from durable materials, such as porcelain or composite resin, and is tailored to fit the tooth perfectly.
4. Placing a Temporary Restoration (If Necessary)
A temporary restoration may be applied to protect the tooth and maintain its appearance while waiting for the custom composite shell. This step is particularly important for teeth that require additional protection.
5. Final Placement of the Composite Shell
Once the composite shell is ready, the dentist checks its fit and appearance. If it meets the necessary standards, it’s bonded to the tooth using dental cement or adhesive. Adjustments are made for comfort and a natural look.
Benefits of Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is minimally invasive, fast, and affordable. Plus, it can be reversible, which may make it more attractive for many people.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Minimally Invasive | Requires only light roughening of the tooth surface, preserving most of the natural enamel. |
| Fast Procedure | Completed in a single visit, usually within 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. |
| Preserves Natural Tooth Structure | Unlike crowns or veneers, bonding doesn’t require significant removal of enamel, maintaining the tooth’s integrity. |
| Affordable Option | Dental bonding is a cost-effective cosmetic treatment, often more affordable than veneers or crowns, while delivering noticeable improvements. |
| Can Be Reversible | Since dental bonding does not involve permanent changes to the tooth, it can be reversed or replaced with other treatments if needed. |
Downsides of Dental Bonding
- Durability: Composite resin, while strong, is not as durable as natural tooth enamel or porcelain used in veneers or crowns. It may chip or crack, especially when biting into hard foods.
- Staining: Composite resin is more porous than enamel, making it more susceptible to staining from substances like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco.
- Longevity: Dental bonding typically lasts 5 to 10 years, after which it may need to be repaired or replaced.
- Sensitivity: In some cases, the bonding process may cause temporary tooth sensitivity.
- Risk of Chipping: The bonded material can chip, particularly if you have a habit of biting your nails or chewing on hard objects.
Dental Bonding vs Other Alternatives
If you’re considering this dental procedure for cosmetic purposes, you may be wondering about the effectiveness of dental bonding vs veneers and crowns, or other cosmetic procedures.
| Ease of Procedure | Look and Feel | Materials Used | Durability | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Bonding | Quick, non-invasive; usually completed in one visit. | Matches natural tooth color, but may stain over time. | Composite resin | Bonding lasts 3 to 10 years with proper care. | $100 to $400 per tooth. |
| Dental Veneers | Requires multiple visits, enamel removal is permanent. | Natural, aesthetic appearance; highly resistant to stains. | Porcelain or composite resin | 10 to 15 years for porcelain, less for resin. | $250 to $1500 per tooth for composite veneers, $1200 to $2500 for porcelain. |
| Dental Crowns | Involves reshaping the tooth and multiple visits. | Highly natural look; feels like a real tooth when properly placed. | Porcelain, ceramic, metal, or resin | 10 to 15 years with proper care. | $600 to $2500 per tooth depending on material. |
| Teeth Whitening | Non-invasive; typically done in one or a few sessions. | Enhances brightness but doesn’t alter tooth shape or texture. | Whitening agents (e.g., peroxide) | Results last 6 months to 2 years, depending on habits. | $350 to $550 for at-home kits, $450 to $1500 per session in the chair. |
| Invisalign | Requires wearing aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. | Aligners are nearly invisible and comfortable. | BPA-free clear plastic | Treatment lasts 6 to 24 months; retainers maintain results. | Starts around $3,500 for simple cases to $9,000 for complex cases. |
Contact Radiant Smiles Dental care to book an appointment with a dental professional who can guide you on what the best dental treatment would be for you.
How Much Does Dental Bonding Cost?
On average, the price of dental bonding in Australia ranges from $100 to $400 per tooth. For more extensive cases, costs can reach up to $1,000 per tooth. The cost varies based on factors such as the number of teeth treated and the procedure’s complexity.
Is Dental Bonding Covered By Insurance?
When dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure it’s generally not covered by health insurance. Dental bonding for gaps might not be covered, for example.
In cases where the bonding is necessary due to decay or used to repair chipped teeth, some insurance policies may provide coverage. Consult with your dental insurance provider to determine the specifics of your policy.
How to Care for Your Composite Resin Bonding
Proper care for bonded teeth is a must if you want them to last as long as possible. Here’s how to make sure the composite resin material stays durable for the long-term.
Avoid Biting Anything Other Than Food
Refrain from using your teeth to open packages, bite your nails, or chew on hard objects like pens. These actions can chip or damage the resin material.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles. Proper oral hygiene helps prevent decay around the bonded area.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Schedule dental check-ups at least every six months. Regular visits allow your dentist to monitor the condition of the bonding and address any issues as soon as possible.
Avoid Eating/Drinking Anything Staining
Limit your consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and foods with artificial colouring, as these can stain your teeth over time. If you do consume these kinds of items, rinse your mouth with water afterward to minimise staining.
Our dentists at Radiant Smiles are here to help you achieve the smile you’ve been waiting for. Get in touch with us today and let’s discuss the best dental procedures for your needs.
FAQs on What is Dental Bonding?
Is Dental Bonding Painful?
Dental bonding is generally not painful for healthy teeth. The procedure is minimally invasive and usually doesn’t require anaesthesia unless bonding is being used to fill a tooth with severe tooth decay.
You might feel slight sensitivity after the procedure, particularly to hot or cold foods, but this usually subsides within a few days.
Is Dental Bonding Reversible?
Dental bonding is not reversible, as it involves the application of composite resin directly onto the tooth surface. While the bonding material can be removed or replaced, any alterations made to the natural tooth structure during the process (like roughening or minimal etching) cannot be undone.
Back to Top: What is Dental Bonding? | Understanding the Process and Benefits
