TOOTH BONDING AT BRISBANE SMILE BOUTIQUE DENTISTS
Tooth bonding is the use of a tooth coloured plastic adhesive, called composite resin that your dentist will shape and polish to match the surrounding teeth. By bonding the restorative materials onto your teeth, your dentist can alter or change the appearance of individual teeth and improve your smile.
TOOTH BONDING APPLICATIOns
Tooth bonding is a versatile dental procedure with several applications, making it a popular choice for various cosmetic dental needs:
1. Repairing Chips and Cracks: Bonding is often used to repair minor chips and cracks in teeth, restoring their appearance and preventing further damage.
2. Closing Gaps Between Teeth: It can effectively close small gaps between teeth, offering a cosmetic solution without the need for orthodontics.
3. Reshaping Teeth: Tooth bonding can alter the shape of a tooth, making it a good option for reshaping teeth that are irregularly shaped or slightly misaligned.
4. Concealing Stains and Discolouration: For teeth that are discoloured or have stubborn stains that professional whitening can't address, bonding can provide a more uniform colour.
5. Repairing Broken Front Teeth: Bonding is particularly useful for repairing front teeth that are broken or chipped, as it can restore both the look and function of the tooth.
The tooth bonding process is typically quick and efficient. For a single tooth, the procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. It is generally less costly than other cosmetic dental treatments like veneers or crowns. The procedure is also relatively painless, and in most cases, it can be performed without the need for anesthesia. This makes tooth bonding an attractive option for patients seeking a fast, effective, and affordable way to enhance their smile.
KEEP IN MIND WITH TOOTH BONDING
Indeed, while dental bonding is a valuable and versatile procedure, the composite resin used in this treatment isn't as robust as natural tooth enamel. Therefore, certain habits can pose risks to the integrity of the bonded material:
1. Biting Hard Objects: Habits such as biting nails, chewing on ice cubes, or biting on hard objects like pens can risk chipping or damaging the bonded material. The resin, although durable, is more susceptible to chipping under such stress compared to natural teeth.
2. Oral Care Routine: To maximise the longevity of your dental bonding, it’s crucial to follow a diligent oral care routine. Brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using a gentle touch helps maintain both the health of your natural teeth and the integrity of the bonding material.
3. Flossing: Daily flossing is also essential. Using a soft floss ensures that you are cleaning effectively between your teeth without causing undue stress to the bonded areas.
With proper care, dental bonding can last several years before needing replacement. However, its lifespan can be significantly affected by personal habits and oral hygiene practices. Regular dental check-ups are also important, as they allow your dentist to monitor the condition of the bonding and advise on any necessary maintenance or replacements.
Advantages of tooth bonding
Tooth bonding, a cosmetic dental procedure using composite resin, offers several advantages:
1. Minimally Invasive: Bonding requires minimal removal of tooth enamel, making it one of the most conservative cosmetic dental treatments.
2. Cost-Effective: It is generally less expensive than other cosmetic dental procedures like veneers or crowns.
3. Quick Process: Bonding can often be completed in a single dental visit, as opposed to procedures like veneers or crowns which typically require multiple visits.
4. Improves Aesthetics: It effectively addresses chips, cracks, discolouration, gaps, and minor misalignments, enhancing the appearance of teeth.
5. No Need for Lab Fabrication: The composite resin is applied and sculpted directly onto the tooth, eliminating the need for laboratory work.
6. Colour Matching: The resin can be closely matched to the natural colour of your teeth for a seamless appearance.
7. Immediate Results: You can see the results of tooth bonding immediately after the procedure.
8. Reversible: If minimal tooth structure is removed, the process can be reversed, unlike more invasive procedures.
9. Versatility: Bonding can be used for both cosmetic and restorative purposes, such as filling cavities in visible areas.
10. Repairable: If the bonding material chips or becomes stained, it can often be easily repaired or touched up.
Despite these advantages, tooth bonding may not be suitable for every situation, particularly for major cosmetic alterations. It's also not as durable or long-lasting as other procedures like veneers or crowns. Discussing your specific needs and expectations with a dentist is crucial for making the right decision.
Disadvantages of tooth bonding
Tooth bonding, while beneficial for many dental issues, has some disadvantages:
1. Durability: Composite resin used in bonding isn't as strong as natural teeth or other restorative materials like porcelain. It's more prone to chipping and cracking.
2. Stain Resistance: Bonding material can stain more easily than other dental materials like porcelain crowns or veneers, and may require more frequent touch-ups or replacements.
3. Longevity: Bonding typically doesn't last as long as other dental restorations. It may need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years, depending on care and usage.
4. Aesthetic Limitations: While effective for minor cosmetic changes, bonding might not be suitable for more significant cosmetic alterations.
5. Maintenance: Bonded teeth may require careful maintenance, including regular professional cleanings and avoiding habits like nail-biting or chewing on hard objects.
6. Not for Large Repairs: Bonding is not usually recommended for large dental repairs or for teeth that require significant structural reinforcement.
7. Wear and Tear: The material used in bonding may wear down over time, especially in cases of heavy biting or chewing.
8. Technique-Sensitive: The success of bonding largely depends on the dentist's skill and technique.
Understanding these disadvantages is important for anyone considering tooth bonding, to ensure it aligns with their specific dental needs and expectations. It's advisable to consult with our dentists for personalised advice.
fees and appointments for tooth bonding
Fees range from $350 to $900 for tooth bonding, depending on the complexity of the bonding. A small chip on a tooth may be $300 but changing a tooth dramatically will require a great deal more time and be more complex for your dentist to correct.
Moving a tooth in the bite, or changing the shape or height of the tooth is called a composite resin veneer which would cost $900 per tooth. The dentist will correct your tooth shape and colour until you are happy. Be mindful that there are limitations to tooth bonding, because underlying tooth colour can sometimes shine through, or a tooth may be misaligned and positioned forward meaning any additional material may look bulky, and it may not be suitable for all patients. Your dentist will help you to make the best decision for your case.
You may consider a porcelain veneer which is stronger and will last longer, and be less inclined to stain or chip over time, because it is machined glass, and custom made to look as much like a real tooth as possible in the laboratory, by master ceramists.
The fee for a porcelain veneer is $2100 per tooth, with a 3 week turnaround.
Time required for an appointment for tooth bonding ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours per tooth.
Mostly local anaesthetic is not required, unless there is decay or an old filling inside the tooth.
