PLAY VIDEO Generally speaking, dental bonding can range in cost from $100 to $400 per tooth. Check with your dental insurance company to find out if the cost of bonding might be fully or partially covered by your plan.
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored, durable plastic material is applied and hardened with a special light. This process ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth to restore or improve a person’s smile.
Dental bonding is the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a lab, dental bonding usually can be completed in a single office visit.
Preparation
The Bonding Process
Dental bonding takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete.
Advantages
Dental bonding is the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a lab, dental bonding usually can be completed in a single office visit. Another advantage to bonding over veneers and crowns is that the least amount of tooth enamel is removed.
Also, unless dental bonding is being performed to fill a cavity, anesthesia is usually not required.
Disadvantages
Although the material used in dental bonding is somewhat stain resistant, it does not resist stains as well as crowns. Another disadvantage is that the bonding materials do not last as long and are not as strong as other restorative procedures, such as crowns, veneers, or fillings. Additionally, bonding materials can chip and break off the tooth.
Because bonding material can chip, it is important to avoid such habits as biting fingernails; chewing on pens, ice, or other hard food objects; or using your bonded teeth as an opener. If you do notice any sharp edges on a bonded tooth or if your tooth feels odd when you bite down, call your dentist.
The lifespan of bonding materials for teeth depends on how much bonding was done and your oral habits. Typically, however, bonding material lasts from three years to eight years before needing to be touched up or replaced.
Generally speaking, dental bonding can range in cost from $100 to $400 per tooth. Check with your dental insurance company to find out if the cost of bonding might be fully or partially covered by your plan.