What is the Cost of Dental Bonding
When you hear the term dental bonding at kitsap dental in poulsbo, it is referring to the practice of permanently attaching materials to your teeth using adhesives and high intensity light. Since bonding comes in multiple forms, many patients may not realize they have ever received a dental treatment involving bonding. There are two forms of bonding for which we will discuss the characteristics and related costs of: direct composite bonding and adhesive bonding of a laboratory created restoration (crown, veneer, bridge). Consultation with your dentist will be required to determine which type of bonding will be needed for your situation.
With direct composite bonding, your dentist will use tooth-colored materials to fill cracks, chips, close gaps, or repair other abnormalities of the teeth. The tooth will first be prepped or etched using a painless acid solution that allows the bonding material to better adhere to the tooth. Once the tooth is prepped, a composite resin is placed on or in the tooth that the dentist will shape and sculp the as needed. Then, a high intensity ultraviolet curing light will be used to harden the materials. This process is repeated as necessary until the desired final shape is achieved. While complex or extensive treatments can require multiple procedures and may require anesthetics, the placement of the direct composite bonding is precise meaning the procedure is generally completed in one visit.
Adhesive bonding is the process where the dentist will attach a laboratory created restoration to the tooth using an etchant, bonding agent, adhesive, and high intensity light. After placing the adhesive on the restoration, the dentist will ensure the restoration is seated to the tooth and use high intensity light to cure it. Often adhesive bonding is used for metal-free crowns, porcelain veneers, bridges, fillings, or inlays/onlays.
Both direct and adhesive bonding will require an examination by your dentist, evaluation of your gums and teeth, and X-rays be taken to determine your candidacy. Your dentist will also discuss what direct composite bonding can correct. Should your teeth have extensive damage that eliminates candidacy for direct composite bonding, your dentist may present other options such as veneers, crowns, or bridges. Aftercare for both procedures will be recommended by your dentist in order to ensure proper hygiene and patients should avoid any activities or lifestyle habits that might damage your restorations.
Determining the cost for bonding is difficult since the term often refers to both types of procedure and are often performed along with other dental treatments. An example would be someone that needs a metal-free crown created in a laboratory. A separate fee for bonding would not be charged as the charge to adhesively bind the crown into place is already built into the cost for the crown.
However, a patient needing direct composite treatments, such as veneers could see costs vary significantly. One reason is that such treatments are generally elective (cosmetic) which could impact insurance reimbursements and out-of-pocket costs. Other reasons for cost variation could be the reputation of the dentist, geographic location, and experience with bonding. In general, bonding for direct composite binding veneers averages between $350 to $600 per tooth while bonding of porcelain veneers can average between $700 to $1,500 per tooth. Be sure to discuss with your dentist what your best options are and check with your insurance carrier.
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