If you’re thinking about dental bonding as a way to repair your damaged teeth, here are some frequently asked questions that many patients have.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that uses a special material to repair chipped, cracked, and broken or discolored teeth.
Are there different types of dental bonding?
There are two types of dental bonding: direct composite and adhesive.
What are the benefits of dental bonding?
Dental bonding is fast, minimally invasive, and makes teeth look natural despite damage and discoloration.
What are the disadvantages of dental bonding?
The primary disadvantage of dental bonding is that it is not a permanent solution to damaged teeth. The dental bonding agent can crack or come loose over time.
Is bonding the same as composite bonding?
Yes, bonding and composite bonding are the same things. Composite bonding refers to the material that is used in the bonding process.
How long does composite bonding last on teeth?
The lifespan of dental bonding can depend on oral habits and natural wear, but bonding has been known to last 3 to 10 years before needing to be repaired or replaced.
What is the process of bonding teeth?
Once a consultation has been completed, the process begins by preparing the teeth to receive the bonding agent. The dentist will mold the patient’s teeth and then use a composite resin material to fill in cracks, chips, and other damage. The material is then allowed to harden before the process is finalized.
How long does dental bonding take?
The average time for bonding is between 30 minutes and one hour per tooth. Multiple teeth may need to be done in separate visits.
Is dental bonding painful?
No, while the patient may experience some mild sensitivity after the bonding process is complete, the process is pain-free.
How permanent is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is not permanent. Most bonding lasts ten years or less before needing to be replaced.
How much should dental bonding cost?
The price will vary based on insurance and other factors, but an average range is $300 to $600 per tooth.
What to expect after getting dental bonding?
After bonding, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene. Dentists recommend patients brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the bonding and to floss regularly. You should also visit the dentist for routine exams and cleanings to help maintain the bonding.
How long does it take for dental bonding to heal?
There is no recovery time after dental bonding because the procedure does not require any disruption of the function of your teeth. Patients can resume all normal activities once they leave the dentist.
How long will my teeth be sensitive after bonding?
In normal cases, tooth sensitivity should go away within a few days to a few weeks. If the sensitivity worsens or persists longer than a few days, it is important to see your dentist to address any potential issues.
What to do after getting dental bonding?
The most important thing to do after dental bonding is to maintain a proper oral health regimen. Teeth can still be susceptible to damage even after bonding, so proper care is important.
What not to do after getting dental bonding?
Because it may damage the bonding agent and teeth will still be sensitive for a few days, it is best to avoid very hot and very cold foods and beverages. It is also a good idea to avoid eating hard or crunchy foods that could damage the bonding.
What to eat after getting dental bonding?
Soft foods, fruits, and vegetables are great after dental bonding, as teeth may still be sensitive.
What should you not eat after getting dental bonding?
Avoid hard, crunchy, or difficult-to-chew foods. Tough nuts, cruciferous vegetables, and especially tough meats may damage dental bonding.
Who is a good candidate for dental bonding?
Patients with teeth that have suffered minor damage, such as chips that don’t penetrate the inner tooth, minor cracks, and other cosmetic damage, are good candidates for dental bonding.
Who is not a good candidate for dental bonding?
Those with severely damaged teeth and at risk of cavities, gum disease, or infection are not advised to get dental bonding.
What happens when bonding fails?
The bonding may come loose and fall off of your tooth. In the worst cases, this can cause damage to your teeth.
Can you redo the bonding on the teeth?
Yes, your dentist can repair or replace the bonding.
Why does my bonding keep falling out?
The most likely cause is damage to the bonding due to force, such as biting down on something too hard.
Can dental bonding break easily?
Dental bonding is durable and should last long unless patients continue to eat hard foods.
How many times can you replace dental bonding?
So long as there is no damage to the teeth underneath, dentists can replace dental bonding as often as necessary.
Can you use an electric toothbrush for bonding?
Yes, the electric toothbrush should not harm the bonding.
What happens when composite bonding wears off?
The bonding will expose the tooth underneath and need to be replaced.
What is better, veneers or bonding?
Bonding is faster and more effective at repairing damage, whereas veneers conceal the damaged tooth.
Which lasts longer, bonding or veneers?
Due to the material used, veneers often last longer than bonding.
Is bonding cheaper than veneers?
Dental bonding is typically cheaper than porcelain veneers.
Are your teeth shaved down for bonding?
No, there is no grinding or shaving of teeth necessary for bonding.
What happens to teeth after bonding?
The teeth will experience some sensitivity but otherwise should look and feel normal.
How long does bonding last on the front teeth?
The average life of bonded front teeth is 3 to 10 years.
Can bonded teeth be whitened?
The bonding would need to be replaced to whiten a bonded tooth.
Can you chew with bonded teeth?
Most foods are safe to chew with bonded teeth, but you should avoid hard and crunchy foods.
Should I whiten my teeth before bonding?
Whitening teeth before bonding is the preferred way to avoid having bonding redone.
Does bonding weaken teeth?
No, dental bonding does not harm the natural tooth enamel.
What is better, bonding or crowns?
Bonding is used to repair minor damage, whereas a crown is used to fix a tooth that has completely broken.
Is bonding cheaper than a crown?
Bonding can be a cheaper option depending on the material used for the crown. There are some cheap crown options, but crowns typically are more expensive due to the process and materials used.
Is a dental filling the same as bonding?
No, a filling is a material used to treat a cavity, whereas bonding is used to reshape an entire tooth.
Is bonding stronger than a filling?
No, bonding uses a resin-based material that is easy to mold and shape around a damaged tooth. Fillings can be made of many materials, including several different metals.