Teeth bonding is a modern method of rebuilding the surface of mechanically damaged or diseased teeth. It is often an alternative to veneers, but such a presentation is an oversimplification.
What is tooth bonding?
Tooth bonding is a technology for restoring tooth surfaces after damage or with significant discoloration using resin-based composite materials. It is a non-invasive method that allows one to recreate the teeth surface in such a way that the perfect aesthetic effect goes hand in hand with proper mechanical strength.
Tooth bonding is a manual restoration technique. While veneers are ready-made shells requiring only some personalization, the effects of reconstruction using composite resins depend entirely on the experience and manual skills of the dentist performing the procedure.
Teeth bonding – before and after effects
Patients with discolored or damaged teeth (cracked or minimally chipped) are eligible for bonding treatment. After the dentist appointment, they can show off their broad smile again, while enjoying the full safety of the procedure.
Like any treatment in aesthetic dentistry, bonding also gives some opportunities to personalize and adapt the restored tooth to the others in terms of aesthetics.
Advantages of tooth bonding
Tooth bonding is a technique for restoring the tooth surface and crown in such a way as to restore its natural, beautiful appearance.
- Bonding treatment does not require the use of anesthesia. Only the outermost, non-nervous surfaces of the teeth are treated, so a satisfactory effect can be obtained without pain and nearly with no discomfort.
- In many cases, the procedure can be carried out within just one visit, and even several teeth can be treated in this way during a single appointment.
- A big advantage of bonding is the possibility of personalization, including, above all, the choice of the color of the restoration to match the remaining teeth and the precise reproduction of the tooth shape.
- Bonding is ideal for patients who expect immediate results, for example, before an important event or trip, and cannot wait for other types of reconstruction to be prepared.
- Tooth restoration using this method is usually cheaper than composite and porcelain veneers, and even more so than a full prosthetic restoration of the tooth crown. Therefore, it can also be used as an ad hoc solution.
The possibility of regaining a beautiful smile quickly, cheaply, and safely is tempting for many patients. Bonding is thus becoming more and more popular.
Disadvantages of dental bonding
Like any technology, dental bonding has some limitations. They result from the reconstruction technology used.
- It is primarily the reconstruction of a tooth with relatively low durability. This itself is not a problem, however, it should be remembered that the effects of bonding last up to five years, and after that time you need to either repeat the treatment or use e.g. porcelain veneers.
- Such reconstruction is not particularly resistant to discoloration. It means that the color of the teeth after reconstruction may change due to improper eating habits or smoking.
- The effect of the procedure depends to a large extent on the experience of the dentist performing it. The resin layer is applied entirely by hand, and after it has been fixed, the possibilities for correction are limited.
All these features require individual assessment. They are not serious disadvantages for all patients, but it is worth keeping them in mind when considering the choice of the ideal method of reconstruction.
Dental bonding – indications
Dental bonding is used when removing small aesthetic defects. However, its potential should not be underestimated, because it is small changes that occur most often. When can this technology be applied?
- In the case of cracked, chipped teeth or those which were mechanically deformed by external factors. Bonding allows to rebuild and give virtually any shape to the formed tooth surface.
- On uneven healthy teeth, for example, the lower tooth can be rebuilt in such a way that it visually aligns with the adjacent ones.
- Bonding can be used to regain the color of the teeth if the discoloration is so deep that the use of other methods could be dangerous or cause discomfort.
Although bonding is used primarily to tackle aesthetic defects, it must be remembered that such reconstruction of the tooth additionally protects its surface. Therefore a properly performed bonding can to some extent protect the patient’s enamel layer.
Tooth bonding – contraindications
Contraindications to the bonding procedure are relatively few and would also be contraindications for other procedures in the field of prosthetics.
- Caries or periodontal disease are absolute contraindications. It is necessary to restore oral health before performing reconstruction to avoid additional irritation and reduce the risk of further development of caries.
- Bonding is not used on patients who grind their teeth. Bruxism should be cured in advance, using the right methods, to avoid the damage of fresh reconstruction.
Because it is a non-invasive method of recovery, the list of contraindications is short. However, it should always be remembered that the dentist will always ask additional questions and, if necessary, suggest postponing the procedure.
What is tooth bonding – the course of the procedure
Bonding is a procedure in which the whole difficulty comes down to the technique, while the overall process is not complicated.
- The first step is to perform an oral health review. It is a necessary step to exclude possible contraindications.
- Next, the dentist prepares the tooth surface, thoroughly cleaning and etching it to increase the adhesion of the composite.
- A resin and composite are applied to the prepared tooth, which will constitute the outer layer of the restoration.
- After shaping the tooth crown, layers of resin and composite are cured with a special dental lamp.
The whole process runs smoothly and does not take much time. There is also no need to worry about pain at any stage because teeth are developed only in the superficial, nerveless layer.
How long does tooth bonding last?
It depends on individual circumstances. Correctly performed procedures can give results lasting for about 5 years (providing proper oral hygiene is maintained). Depending on dietary habits and individual circumstances, this time may be a few to several months shorter. It should also be remembered that discoloration of the composite may occur relatively quickly, although the mechanical durability of the reconstruction will still be maintained.
The durability of aesthetic effects depends primarily on how the patient will take care of their teeth after reconstruction. Regular dentist appointments and good hygiene will allow you to enjoy a beautiful smile for longer.
What is the scope of personalization of teeth bonding?
In the case of bonding, you can match the shade of the tooth after reconstruction to the shade of adjacent teeth. Please note that the composite will be subject to discoloration. Reconstructed teeth can be formed freely, of course within the thickness range of the material provided for in this technique. In the case of this procedure, a lot depends on the dentist’s experience. Theoretically, the resin and composite can be shaped almost freely, but to achieve the right effect, you need the right tools, a steady hand, and a lot of experience. Therefore, the better the performed bonding procedure, the greater the scope of personalization.
How to prepare for teeth bonding?
The use of composites for reconstruction does not require special preparation, but it is recommended to perform an exam and recommended hygienic procedures to also protect the enamel layer under the composite. It is necessary to cure caries or gum disease in advance, but otherwise, you do not need special preparations. As a standard, you also need to inform the dentist if you are pregnant, taking medications that limit blood clotting, and so on. The dentist will then decide whether the procedure can be carried out or make additional individual recommendations.
How much does tooth bonding cost – fees
The prices of bonding and flow injection procedures are very variable. They are higher when the dentist has the right certificate of skills. It must also be remembered that there are different brands of used agents available and that is also a source of price volatility.
- In some cities, a single tooth bonding can cost between PLN 250 and 600.
- An experienced dentist often prices a single bonding at PLN 800-1000.
- Bonding of an entire smile zone depending on the city and the dentist’s experience can cost between PLN 1,500 and 4,000.
Prices should include the costs of consultations, X-rays, as well as subsequent check-ups or hygienic procedures performed before the procedure.
What are the alternatives to tooth bonding?
● Cosmetic fillings
In the case of cavities of a small depth, local fillings can be used. They are cheaper but may be visible due to the difference in color or rate of tartar deposition. Currently, for aesthetic reasons, they are rather reluctantly chosen by some patients.
● Ceramic and porcelain veneers
They are more expensive than bonding, and their durability depends on the quality of the materials used. Potentially, they can stay on the teeth longer, but their color can not always be perfectly matched to the patient’s needs. This technology has been known for a long time and used more widely, but still requires considerable experience on the dentist’s part.
● Prosthetic crowns
In theory, they can be used instead of bonding, however, they are generally used for larger cavities than those filled with composites. It is a technique that usually gives less comfort and requires greater financial outlays.
Tooth bonding in the HCentrum clinic
At HCentrum, we know how important a healthy and beautiful smile is. Bonding is one of the technologies we can use to help you get it back. Book an appointment and talk to your dentist about performing bonding on your teeth. You can have a wide smile on your face even after just one visit!
