How Much Does Dental Bonding Cost?
When it comes to a cost versus benefit analysis dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that delivers a lot of bang for the buck. Before we address the affordable range in costs lets identify why you might consider such a procedure, the benefits of the solution and then the actual costs associated with teeth bonding.
The Reasons One Might Consider Dental Bonding
It literally comes down to your smile. What is your smile worth? Most people have no clue on the value of this very personal asset. Your smile helps shape your personality. It is fundamental in establishing your self-esteem and your self-confidence. It has been quantifiably proven through research that if you are happy with your smile it dramatically effects the quality of your life.
What might change your perception of your smile. If you develop a cracked tooth, or accidentally a chipped tooth, your smile has just changed. You might notice a tooth or several teeth that are stained. Stained from coffee, tea, red wine or smoking. You might be tired of the gap between two teeth and would like a smile without that gap. You might have some gum recession and a root or two are exposed creating added sensitivity. Dental bonding can reverse all of the imperfections above.
The Dental Bonding Process
Once you have had a dental consultation and examination and the decision is to proceed with dental bonding, the procedure is very quick and simple and most likely without any local anesthesia. You can have one tooth bonded inside of one hour in one visit. The dentist will begin by roughing up the enamel surface of the tooth to be repaired then a solution will be added to enhance the bonding process. A shade chart is consulted next to confirm the right color of white to match the balance of your teeth. Once that has been chosen a composite resin is applied to the tooth or teeth. This putty like material can be shaped, sculpted and finally smoothed out as the dentist desires, covering cracks or filling gaps. When finished the resin is hardened with an ultraviolet light and then polished. Just like that, in an hour, you have a new tooth.
The Benefits far Outweigh the Costs
The national average for dental bonding ranges from $300 to $600 per tooth. Often times dental insurance will cover this expense or contribute to the procedure so make sure you do inquire. Porcelain veneers easily cost twice that amount. The primary benefits are of course the impact on your smile and the life style improvements. All a win-win, positive experience. Even though you have a new look you must be cognizant that the bonding material is not as durable as a porcelain veneer. It can stain like a natural tooth and you can chip the resin if you insist on chewing on pencils or ice cubes. There will be some aftercare instructions and some common-sense instructions moving forward. It is also wise to continue a strong oral hygiene program with twice a year evaluation to make sure your smile is always the best possible.
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