Tooth Bonding Cost

Bonding is one of the most basic and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures. In this procedure, a composite resin is used to repair teeth that are chipped, decayed or discolored. The procedure, quite literally, binds the composite materials to the tooth. Bonding works in a manner very similar to veneers, but it’s cheaper, and can be done faster than veneers treatment can.

Your dentist will use composite resin which is a plastic-like material, to match the other teeth. For instance, a chipped tooth can be bonded with resin to even out the appearance, and enhance the smile. A discolored tooth can also be made to look brighter through this procedure. Bonding can be used if you want to close small gaps between your teeth. It may not be that effective for large gaps, however. If you have teeth that are longer than others, bonding can help even out the size, and make it match the other teeth. 

Bonding may be a simple and inexpensive cosmetic dental treatment, but it can also be used to treat some dental problems that can cause serious complications. For instance, your dentist may use the procedure to protect the tooth root that becomes exposed during gum recession. When the gums pull back, it exposes the part of the root, thus causing sensitivity and pain. When this root is protected, the person is spared infections and other complications, arising from the exposed root.

Bonding is a simple procedure, and involves any hardly pain. Your dentist may not even use anesthesia during the procedure. The success of the procedure will depend on choosing a shade of resin that matches the natural color of the rest of your teeth, as closely as possible. You don’t want the bonded tooth to be brighter or duller in color than the surrounding teeth. Your dentist will choose the right color of composite resin, by using a shade guide. He will then scratch the surface of the tooth to create an abrasive surface. He will then use a conditioning liquid to coat the surface of the tooth. The liquid will help the resin to stick to the tooth. After the tooth has been coated, the resin, which looks like putty, is applied on the tooth. Your dentist will pad and smoothen out the resin, so that it is perfectly molded to the tooth. He will then use a special curing light to harden or set the resin. Your dentist will then trim the resin to ensure a perfect shape. The tooth is then polished to match the other teeth.

Bonding typically takes between half an hour to one hour for a single tooth. If you need more than one tooth to be bonded, you may require more than one sitting.     The average cost of tooth bonding is around $400 per tooth.   You may find the pricing of tooth bonding varies from dentist to dentist, so you may want to shop around.

Because the tooth is being treated using artificial materials, there is some amount of maintenance required to maintain the appearance of the newly bonded tooth. The resin used is not as strong as a natural tooth, and therefore, it may be prone to breaking if you bite or chew on hard objects. Avoid drinking tea or coffee and smoking, because this can stain the resin. Practice proper dental hygiene, and get your teeth cleaned regularly.