Dental Bonding Costs: A Guide to Pricing and Affordability

Understanding Dental Bonding and Its Costs

Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance of discolored, chipped, cracked, or misaligned teeth. A tooth-colored composite resin material is applied to the tooth surface and shaped, contoured, and hardened using a special dental light. This guide covers everything you need to know about dental bonding, including factors that impact the costs per tooth.

What is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a quick and affordable cosmetic dentistry procedure. It involves using a pliable, putty-like resin material that is colored to match your natural teeth. This bonding material is applied directly onto the tooth surface, molded into shape, and then hardened using a curing light.

The resin bonds microscopically to the enamel on your teeth. It can be used to fix chips or cracks, fill cavities, close gaps between teeth, cover stained or discolored teeth, or reshape and recontour teeth. Dental bonding generally only requires one dental visit and no anesthesia is needed.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bondings

Compared to other cosmetic treatments like dental veneers or crowns, dental bonding offers several advantages:

• Lower cost per tooth
• Usually completed in one visit
• Doesn't require removing enamel
• Material matches tooth color well

The main downsides of dental bonding include:

• Doesn't last as long as veneers or crowns
• More susceptible to stains over time
• May chip or break off more easily
• Requires more maintenance long-term

Uses for Dental Bonding

Some of the most common uses for dental bonding procedures are:

• Fixing chips or cracked teeth - Bonding material can fill in chips or cracks for a smooth appearance.
• Closing gaps between teeth - Gaps or spaces between teeth can be closed up with bonding material.
• Reshaping teeth - Bonding allows for subtly changing teeth shape or contour.
• Protecting tooth roots - For people with gum recession, bonding can cover exposed root surfaces.
• Repairing decayed teeth - Minor cavities can be filled with bondings instead of silver amalgam.
• Covering stained teeth - Discolorations from medications, foods, or drinks can be hidden by bonding.
• Fixing cosmetic issues - Small cosmetic flaws like overlapping teeth or asymmetries can be improved with bonding.

What Does the Dental Bonding Process Involve?

Getting dental bonding is a relatively quick and easy cosmetic dentistry procedure. It involves just a few steps:

1. Preparation - The tooth surface is roughened and conditioned to help the bonding material adhere.
2. Applying bonding material - The putty-like resin is molded onto the tooth in layers and shaped.
3. Setting with light - A special curing light is used to harden and set the bonding material.
4. Finishing and polishing - The bonding is trimmed, shaped, and polished to a smooth finish.

The entire dental bonding process usually only takes 30 minutes to 1 hour per tooth. No anesthesia is required, making it a comfortable cosmetic improvement option.

How Long Do Dental Bondings Last?

With proper dental hygiene and avoidance of damaging habits, dental bondings can last 5-10 years or longer before needing replacement. However, bonding material is not as strong and durable as dental crowns or veneers.

Factors that affect dental bonding longevity include:

• Proper oral hygiene - Poor cleaning can allow plaque buildup leading to decay under bondings.
• Avoiding tooth grinding - Clenching and grinding can crack or break bondings.
• Careful eating habits - Hard or sticky foods may damage bondings over time.
• Avoiding biting nails and other hard objects - This protects bondings from fracturing.
• Touch up procedures - Small repairs help maintain bondings.

With careful habits and regular dental cleanings, dental bondings can be an inexpensive way to improve your smile for 5-10 years before replacement is needed.

What Impacts the Cost of Dental Bonding?

Several factors affect what you can expect to pay per tooth for dental bonding procedures. These include:

1. Dentist Fees

The largest factor in dental bonding costs is the fees charged by your dentist. Prices vary based on the dentist's education, experience, and geographic location. Cosmetic dentists typically charge more for their services than general dentists.

2. Extent of Bonding Needed

How much bonding is required per tooth also impacts the total fee. Small chips may cost $100-$300 per tooth while more extensive bonding that covers the entire visible surface may cost $400-$600 per tooth.

3. Bonding Material Used

Composite resin dental bonding materials range from inexpensive to higher-end options. Using a superior quality material generally adds $50-$100 per tooth to the total fee.

4. Insurance Coverage

Since dental bonding is considered a cosmetic procedure, most insurance plans don't provide coverage. Without insurance, you must pay the full cost out-of-pocket.

5. Location in Country

The cost of living and average wages influence medical and dental costs in different geographic regions. Bonding tends to cost more in major metro areas and less in rural locations.

Dental Bonding Cost Estimates Per Tooth

On average, you can expect to pay the following prices for dental bonding depending on the type and extent:

• Small broken edge bonding - $150-$300 per tooth
• Chipped tooth bonding - $200-$400 per tooth
• Gap closure bonding - $250-$500 per tooth
• Stained tooth coverage bonding - $300-$600 per tooth
• Full facial surface bonding - $600-$1,200 per tooth

Keep in mind these prices are guidelines only. Actual costs may be higher or lower depending on your specific situation.

Saving Money on Dental Bonding

If you need multiple dental bondings but want to reduce costs, here are some ways to save:

• Shop around - Get quotes from different dentists to compare pricing.
• Ask for a discount for multiple teeth - Dentists may give a break on pricing for doing several bondings at once.
• Inquire about payment plans - Many dentists allow payments over 6 or 12 months to make treatment more affordable.
• Consider dental tourism for major work - Bonding prices tend to be 50-75% lower in countries like Mexico.
• Improve home hygiene - This can extend the lifespan of your bondings, reducing long-term costs.

Talk to your dentist about ways to make obtaining necessary dental bonding procedures more budget friendly.

Is Dental Bonding Per Tooth Worth the Cost?

While paying $150-$600 per tooth may seem expensive up front, the improvements in the aesthetics, function, and confidence in your smile are often worthwhile to consumers. And compared to other more invasive and costly treatments like veneers or crowns, dental bonding provides excellent value.

If you are bothered by unsightly chips, gaps, stains, or other cosmetic dental flaws, getting affordable dental bonding per tooth can provide a fast and noticeable improvement for your smile. Consult with a cosmetic dentist to decide if dental bonding is the right treatment for your needs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.