If your dentist recently told you that you need dental bonding, you’re probably wondering why you need it, what it is, and how much the process will cost.

Fortunately for you, we compiled everything you need to know to serve as your guide to dental bonding. Whether you’re researching this procedure prior to your treatment or wanting to learn more about the process after spending time in the dental chair, read on to learn more.

How Bonding Works

Dental bonding is a restorative option your general dentist will use when your tooth becomes cracked, chipped, decayed, or discolored. Your dentist will select a shade –– which is composite resin –– that matches your natural teeth, and then cement it to the surface of your tooth to change its appearance and restore it back to its original function.

Once your dentist applies the resin to your tooth, a special light is used to harden the resin. Your dentist will then trim, shape, and file down the resin to the correct shape, size, and thickness.

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is an excellent, less invasive option when it comes to restoring and repairing damaged teeth. Restoring your teeth this way will save you time and money compared to other alternatives, which include dental veneers, fillings, and crowns.

Even though this treatment is the quickest and most cost-effective of these options, it is also the one that people are the least educated about.

Here are a few things you should know before receiving treatment:

• Dental bonding is often covered by insurance: As we mentioned before, dental bonding is very cost-effective and is often covered by insurance. This means that your out-of-pocket payment will be much lower than with other restorative methods.
• You won’t need anesthesia: Because the procedure is fast, simple, and very minimally invasive, you won’t need any kind of anesthesia for the treatment. You’ll also spend significantly less time in your dentist’s office to receive dental bonding versus other restorative treatment options.
• Dental bonding doesn’t hold up as well as other alternatives: There are lots of positives when it comes to restoring your teeth with dental bonding, but there are also some downsides to consider. Unlike dental crowns and veneers that can last up to 20 years with proper care, dental bonding only lasts between 5-10 years. Dental crowns and veneers are made with porcelain, which is much more durable than resin material.
• Your teeth may still be vulnerable to stains: If you’re restoring stained teeth, your dentist might recommend using dental bonding to fix tooth discoloration. However, the composite resin material may become vulnerable to staining over time, just like natural teeth. This discoloration becomes more likely as the bonding gets older.

Candidates for Dental Bonding

It’s important to keep in mind that ideal candidates for this treatment hope to restore aesthetic issues with their smile. If you’ve experienced dental trauma or excessive decay, this procedure won’t be a viable option for you, but your dentist will be able to recommend other restorative options.

Consider discussing the possibility of restoring your smile with bonding to fix minor cosmetic issues, like:

• Tooth discoloration from trauma, medications, or genetics
• Gaps in your teeth
• Small chips or minor cracks in your enamel
• Uneven and worn down teeth from age-related wear
• Teeth overlapped or spaced apart from poor alignment

When it comes to quick cosmetic fixes, your general dentist will be able to guide you on whether or not this treatment is the right choice for you. Should your dentist decide that you need more involved treatment, our team of specialists is here to help. We love restoring our patients’ smiles for years to come. Contact our Pueblo or Colorado Springs office today to schedule an evaluation and learn how we can help you!