The Cost of Dental Bonding

Dental bonding at Cherrywood Dental Care is an extremely common procedure used by a dentist to restore a tooth. Direct composite bonding, sometimes called a filling or tooth-colored restoration is where the composite material is applied directly to the tooth. Adhesive bonding involves fabrication of a porcelain restoration which is bonded to the tooth such as an onlay, crown or veneer.

Direct Composite Bonding

Composite resin is a putty-like material used to fill in cavities or repair chips in teeth or even to fill a gap between two teeth. It can also be applied to the front surface of a tooth if there are aesthetic desires to be achieved. Composite veneers are created by bonding the composite to the front surface of the teeth to be treated. The material is pliable and can be shaped to match another tooth, even adding length where necessary.

This option is less invasive that adhesive bonding and is often cheaper. Bear in mind that composite is susceptible to chipping and staining just like our natural teeth.

Adhesive Bonding

This form of bonding refers to the adhesion of a porcelain restoration. Onlays, crowns and porcelain veneers can often be fabricated in-office if your dentist has the technology. If not, the restoration will be made in a dental lab and you will return to your dental office to have the restoration placed. Porcelain is not susceptible to staining as composite is and it is a stronger material and will usually last longer. Adhesive bonding options are usually more costly than their composite counterparts.

Consultation and Treatment Planning

Before you decide which option will best suit your needs, it is important to sit down with your dentist and discuss what exactly you are looking to achieve. You may not be a candidate for the treatment you had in mind or it simply may not be the best option for your health. During your consultation, your dentist will likely perform an exam to evaluate your smile and tooth structure. They may also need to update your x-rays to make sure everything is taken care of properly. An exam can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 and x-rays an additional $250. This may sound unnecessary but your dentist cannot always see decay without x-rays, especially interproximal (between teeth) decay.

You might want to consider having your teeth whitened before restoration to ensure optimal aesthetic results. This can add up to $600.

Cost

Every office is different and will have a different fee schedule. Insurance may cover some medically necessary restorations but they usually have a maximum benefit payment per year. Depending on the extent of treatment, your out of pocket cost can vary greatly. This is why may offices will not usually quote a fee over the phone, instead will want you to come into the office so the dentist can determine what treatment you actually need. If you are shopping for veneers or crowns, they may be able to quote you their basic fee.

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