Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure in which a tooth-colored composite material is applied to a tooth, sculpted into shape, hardened, and polished. It’s called bonding because the material bonds to the tooth. Dental bonding is ideal for small cosmetic dentistry work, such as fixing a broken or chipped tooth or closing small gaps between teeth. Dental bonding is also used as a tooth-colored filling for small cavities because it’s more cosmetically appealing than silver fillings.
Advantages of dental bonding include:
Cost: The average cost of dental bonding ranges from $300 to $600 per tooth. Many dental insurance plans cover most of the cost of bonding, particularly when it is done for structural reasons or to fill a cavity.
Speed: Dental bonding typically requires only one office visit. The entire process can be accomplished in 30 to 60 minutes per tooth.
Ease: Anesthesia is usually not necessary, unless bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth. Compared to veneers and crowns, dental bonding also requires the least amount of enamel removal.
Disadvantages of dental bonding include:
Bonding material can become stained: Unlike crowns and porcelain veneers, dental bonding has a tendency to become discolored over time.
Less durable: Additionally, the material used in dental bonding isn’t as strong and long-lasting as porcelain veneers and crowns. It can easily chip. With proper care though, dental bonding can last three to seven years.
