Dental Bonding![]() What is Bonding?Tooth bonding is a procedure that places and bonds composite resin to teeth that are misshapen and damaged. This is an efficient way to close gaps and repair the shape of a tooth without having to resort to dental crowns or veneers, which can be significantly more expensive. The bonding procedure is relatively simple and can be completed in less than an hour depending on the number of teeth that are being worked on and the complexity of the work being done. The teeth are roughened, and a liquid is applied to enable the resin material to stick to the teeth. Finally, the material is hardened with ultraviolet light. The result is teeth that have the desired shape and coloring. Cost of Dental BondingBonding can cost as little as $120 per tooth. Even small restorations will provide dramatic results which is one of the big reasons the service is popular across dentist offices in the U.S. Do Bonded Teeth Last a Long Time?A bonded tooth that is well taken care of can last up to 10 years. There are things to be mindful of to make this happen, however, such as not applying too much bite force frequently to the tooth. Resin isn’t as strong as natural teeth and can wear down with heavy use, so patients with bonding should avoid hard foods and candies as much as possible. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily will be vital to protecting the bonded tooth. Additionally, when brushing teeth, patients with tooth bonding will want to avoid toothpaste that uses active whitening ingredients such as baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, as these chemicals can damage the resin. Patients that respect their teeth’s limits and practice good oral hygiene will maximize the lifetime of their bonded teeth. When Are Other Options Worth Considering?When longevity is a primary factor, a porcelain crown that can last up to 15 years is a good alternative. Porcelain is incredibly hard and stain-resistant while looking and feeling like a real tooth. Also, a crown might be better for situations where a lot of bonding material will be used for durability reasons. Veneers are also a great choice. Veneers are permanent shells that slip over the patient's natural teeth, and resin veneers can be almost as cost-effective as bonding. Veneers are also available in porcelain which has its durability advantages. Talk To Us About a New SmileIf you are needing cosmetic repairs, our professionals are here to help you at Chicago Dental Esthetics. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team, you can call our office at (224) 341-5162. |