Dental bonding is an effective restorative, cosmetic dentistry solution to repair or mask cracked, chipped, gapped, and stained teeth. It can also increase the size of a tooth if it is shorter than the rest. Cosmetic bonding offers significant benefits over other cosmetic restoration treatments, such as porcelain veneers, including faster treatment times and a less invasive procedure. However, many patients choose cosmetic dental bonding because it is an inexpensive way to make minor dental repairs and instantly improve their smile. Read on to find out how cosmetic bonding works and what you can expect dental bonding to cost.
What is Cosmetic Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure to correct or disguise chipped, cracked, gapped, or discoloured teeth. Cosmetic bonding uses a tooth-coloured resin to fill in gaps and cover the surface of your teeth. While the treatment is not permanent, it is an excellent option for patients looking for a quick and easy way to immediately improve their smile.
Tooth-coloured composite resin is applied to the tooth, sculpted, hardened, and polished.
Who is a Candidate for Cosmetic Bonding?
While dental bonding offers an effective alternative to many cosmetic restoration procedures, not all patients are candidates for dental bonding. To be considered for cosmetic bonding, you should:
- Not require extensive restoration work due to trauma
- Need to correct minor chips, cracks, gaps or discolouration
- Have good overall oral health
- Have a substantial amount of enamel remaining on your teeth
- Have tooth roots that are intact
Pros of dental bonding:
- Inexpensive
- Non-invasive
- Minimal enamel removed
- Can be completed in a single dental appointment, although the duration of the appointment depends on the extent of the procedure
Cons of dental bonding:
- Not as long-lasting as alternatives like veneers or a dental crown. Learn more about dental restorations.
- Stains easily because the composite resin is porous
The Dental Bonding Procedure
The surface of your tooth is roughened using light air abrasion and a phosphoric-acid-based gel is applied, which enables the composite resin to bond to your teeth. Then a bonding agent is applied and cured using a curing light.
A composite resin matched to the shade of your teeth is then applied gradually in layers and hardened using a curing light. The resin is then shaped and smoothed to achieve the same look and feel like your natural teeth.
Dental Bonding Maintenance
Dental bonding is susceptible to staining and chipping, so here are some tips to increase the longevity of your cosmetic dentistry treatment:
- Limit or avoid pigmented food and beverages
- Stop smoking
- Avoid biting hard objects like your fingernails, ice or even raw vegetables
- Schedule regular dental cleanings and exams
How Much Does Dental Bonding Cost?
While cosmetic bonding is one of the most affordable cosmetic dental options, the overall price of treatment depends on a number of factors, including:
How Many Teeth Require Bonding
Dental bonding is priced per tooth. You can have a single tooth or an entire arch bonded depending on the level of correction needed. However, the more teeth that need bonding, the more expensive the procedure will be.
The Current Condition of Your Teeth
Patients with deep decay or significant crookedness may not be candidates for cosmetic bonding. Prior to your treatment, your dentist will assess your oral health, and the more preparation and cleaning required before treatment, the higher the dental bonding cost. Explore in more detail.
Whether You Need Anaesthesia
Dental bonding is typically performed with a local anaesthetic or no anaesthetic at all. However, for anxious patients, we offer dental sedation, which uses nitrous oxide to put you in a sleep-like state throughout the procedure. You will be conscious during treatment but feel deeply relaxed.
Can I Pay for Cosmetic Bonding Through Medicare?
Medicare will not cover the cost of any cosmetic procedure, including dental bonding, except in cases where it is deemed medically essential for the health and well-being of the patient. To be eligible for special dispensation, you will need a referral from your GP through the GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangement.
Will My Private Insurance Cover Cosmetic Bonding?
Most health care insurance plans offer basic dental coverage as part of your extras cover. Basic coverage covers cleanings, exams, fillings, and other general dental procedures; it usually will not cover the cost of cosmetic dental bonding. Your health fund may cover the dental bonding cost if the procedure is required to repair deep decay or severe cracks.
If you have comprehensive insurance, which includes major dental, you may be covered for minimally invasive treatments such as cosmetic dental bonding. Always check with your health care insurance providers and carefully read your policy before making a claim. Remember, if you choose to increase your level of coverage to claim your dental bonding treatment, there may be a waiting period before you can claim, which means that you may need to pay the cost upfront.
Final Thoughts
Chipped, cracked, and discoloured teeth can adversely affect your oral health and self-confidence. Cosmetic dental bonding is a simple, fast, and affordable way to restore the natural look and function of your smile.
When you feel good about your appearance, you are more motivated to take care of your oral and overall health as well as interact with others.
If you are interested in cosmetic bonding, call Bay Dental Studio on (02) 9327 6856 to schedule an appointment.
