Hello. This is Dr. David Koilpillai, from Montpelier Family Dentistry, LLC. We have many people who ask questions about dental bonding in our practice. I'm going to be answering some of those questions today.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a procedure where we add a tooth-colored material to teeth to change the shape or restore a part of the tooth that's missing. It's done right in the chair, and the whole procedure is usually completed in one visit.
When is dental bonding recommended?
Dental bonding is recommended when you want a conservative procedure done on a tooth. There's no removal of tooth structure; it's an additive procedure. We add material to the tooth, reshape it, polish it, and it is relatively quick compared to procedures like crowns or veneers.
What are the advantages of dental bonding?
The advantages of dental bonding are that it is a quicker procedure than others. It can be less expensive in most cases than something that requires lab work. It's done in one visit, and in many cases, you may not need anesthesia. The results are very quick, and you can see the outcome right away.
Do bonded teeth look natural?
Yes, bonded teeth can look very natural. When well done, bonding looks quite natural and matches the color of the teeth very well. The shape should also look very natural, like the other teeth.
Which is better, bonding or veneers?
One is not necessarily better than the other. It depends on your situation. Veneers could last longer than bonding, but bonding can also last quite long depending on how you take care of your mouth.
What takes place during the dental bonding procedure?
During the dental bonding procedure, the teeth are usually cleaned first with an abrasive material. Then they're treated with certain chemicals so that the bonding material can stick to your teeth. Several steps are involved in getting the material to adhere, after which it is reshaped, smoothed down, polished, and then it's done.
Is dental bonding painful?
Dental bonding is not painful. In most cases, it is done without any anesthesia and is a very comfortable procedure to have done.
Can I brush my teeth and floss after bonding?
Yes, you can brush and floss normally after dental bonding. You would treat it just like your own natural teeth, with no difference.
Are there any special instructions for caring for bonded teeth?
You should be careful about avoiding harder foods. Bonding is usually done on front teeth, so avoid chewing extremely hard foods with your front teeth. That's the main precaution I would recommend.
How long does dental bonding last?
Dental bonding could last anywhere from 6 to 10 years. It varies depending on your eating habits, brushing, and oral hygiene habits.
How much does dental bonding cost?
The cost varies. It usually is a few hundred dollars, depending on the size of the bonding and the number of teeth that are going to be bonded.
Does insurance cover dental bonding?
Insurance coverage for dental bonding varies. You should check with your insurance or have the office check because some plans may cover it while others may not.
When should I make an appointment for dental bonding?
Just call our office when it's convenient for you. We will give you an appointment. If you need to talk about it, call our office and set up a consultation so we can provide more information.
I hope we've been able to answer some of your questions on dental bonding. If you have any additional questions, please call us. We're here to help. You can call us at (301) 812-4599.