Have you ever looked at yourself in the bathroom mirror and wished that those annoying minor imperfections in your teeth would magically disappear? Dental bonding, or cosmetic bonding, might be the solution you’re searching for—it’s produced fantastic results for many individuals and could serve your needs, too. However, you might have concerns about the dental bonding process and its affordability; here’s what you need to know.
The Dental Bonding Process
If your dentist has cleared you for dental bonding, you can expect a quick and straightforward procedure that can usually be completed in just one visit, likely without any local anesthesia. The objective here is to apply a protective coating of hardened resin to the surface of your existing tooth to give it a brand-new appearance.
They’ll start by roughing up the surface enamel of the tooth that needs fixing, and then they’ll add a special solution that will enhance the bonding process. After selecting the correct shade of white to match your other teeth, they’ll apply the putty-like resin to your tooth and fit and sculpt it as needed. After the repairs have been made, an ultraviolet light is used to harden the resin before it’s finally polished.
There are many issues that dental bonding can correct, including:
- Fixing chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth
- Repairing decayed teeth
- Improving the appearance of stained or discolored teeth
- Closing spaces and gaps between teeth
- Fixing the shape of crooked or misshapen teeth
The Price Tag of Dental Bonding
Dental bonding ranges from $300 to $600 per tooth on average—for comparison, porcelain veneers can easily be twice as expensive! This means that you’re getting some serious bang for your buck when going this route. However, keep in mind that if you need bonding for multiple teeth, the price can climb quickly.
Dental insurance will sometimes help cover some of the expense too, making it a very affordable option for many. Since it is primarily a cosmetic option, it might depend on your plan—but in certain instances when the affected tooth is a potential health hazard or long-term problem, you’re probably in luck. Since there are many factors at work here, looking into the specifics of your insurance plan and evaluating your individual needs will help you to gauge the cost of dental bonding.
Why Dental Bonding Is Worth the Investment
Dental bonding also provides extra strength and stability for your teeth in addition to improving their appearance. The process leaves most of your tooth enamel intact, too, meaning your natural tooth will be less sensitive and healthier. The material used is also quite durable and can last for a long time—better yet, it can even be altered later if necessary!
But perhaps the greatest benefit that comes from dental bonding is the boost in confidence it provides; you no longer have to worry about your smile when you’re at a job interview, on a date, or doing anything out in the world! Having a healthy and radiant smile will take you places, and that alone makes the investment worthwhile.
When considering dental bonding, the price tag is certainly a major factor. However, when weighing it against the many benefits of the procedure, it seems like an easy choice to make if you care about your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Steven H. Feit brings over 30 years of experience in his field to the greater Boca Raton community. He received his DMD from the New Jersey Dental School and completed his CAGS in Prosthodontics at the Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry at Boston University. He is a member of many professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association, among others. If you have any questions about dental bonding, feel free to contact Dr. Feit through his website or by telephone: (561) 338-7535.