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| | | In dental bonding, a tooth-colored resin (plastic) composite is applied to a tooth and hardened with an ultraviolet light or a laser, bonding the material to the tooth. Dental bonding is a relatively quick and easy procedure, and can be used for a tooth-colored filling in a decayed tooth or as a cosmetic process to improve the look of a discolored or chipped tooth, or to fill gaps between teeth. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Using dental bonding techniques for a tooth-colored composite resin cavity filling runs $90 -$300 or more, depending on the number of surfaces being filled. Most dental insurance covers only 50 to 80 percent of the cost of this type of dental bonding, although insurance may cover most or all of the cost if a composite filling is used to replace a cracked or broken old silver amalgam filling.
- Cosmetic dental bonding, to repair chipped or cracked teeth, fill a small space between two teeth, or otherwise improve your smile averages $300 -$600 per tooth, but it can be as low as $100 -$200 or as high as $800 -$1,000 per tooth depending on the complexity and extent of the bonding process, prevailing local rates, and the dentist's training, expertise and reputation. Unless it's done for structural reasons, cosmetic dental bonding is generally not covered by insurance.
What should be included: | - Dental bonding is one of the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures and, unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth it can be done without anesthesia. Composite bonds typically last about 7-11 years. WebMD.com provides an overview.
- When dental bonding is used to make minor cosmetic corrections to your smile, the dentist will select a shade of resin to match your tooth; abrade or etch the tooth's surface to roughen it; lightly coat the tooth with conditioning liquid to improve the bond; apply the putty-like resin; harden it with an ultraviolet light or laser; and then trim, polish and shape the bonded material. The process takes anywhere from 30 minutes to just over an hour per tooth and Colgate.com explains how it's done. When dental bonding is used to install a tooth-colored filling created by a dental laboratory, the bonding process is similar but it usually requires two appointments, a mold of your teeth, anesthetic and a temporary filling..
Additional costs: | - Dental bonding is best used to make minor corrections; if more extensive work is needed, instead of bonding you might require veneers at $500 -$1,300 per tooth or crowns at $500 -$3,000 per tooth.
Discounts: | - Dental college clinics often provide services by supervised students or faculty at reduced rates; check DentalSite.com for school locations.
- Some dental groups pay partial fees for low-income patients; the American Dental Association lists state associations.
Shopping for dental bonding: | |
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated January 2009 |
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