Dental bonding

Dental bonding is a cosmetic repair in which the dentist applies composite (light-cured) resin directly to the tooth, shapes it and hardens it with light. At SF Dent bonding costs 145.00 € on the clinic's price list, and the treatment is usually done in a single visit.

Bonding corrects small to medium imperfections on the front teeth: a chipped edge, an uneven shape, a small gap between teeth, or a stain that does not respond to whitening. Because the material bonds to the enamel, very little or no healthy tooth needs to be removed in most cases.

When bonding is suitable

• chipped or cracked edges of the front teeth;
• small gaps between teeth (diastemas);
• teeth that are uneven, shorter or differently shaped;
• discolouration and stains that remain after professional whitening;
• replacing old, darkened front fillings.

Bonding is not right for every case. For a badly broken-down tooth, a large colour change across many teeth, or heavy tooth grinding (bruxism), the dentist may recommend something else – for example veneers or a crown. What suits you is decided after an examination.

What to discuss at the consultation

Before bonding it helps to clarify a few things with the dentist so you know what to expect:

• how many teeth will be restored and whether bonding suits each of them;
• whether it makes sense to whiten first, so the composite shade can be matched to the lighter colour;
• whether there is decay, old fillings or gum problems that need treating first;
• how long it will take and whether anaesthesia will be needed;
• how to care for the restoration and how often to come for check-ups;
• what it will cost in your case.

It is also worth mentioning if you grind or clench your teeth, often drink coffee or tea, or smoke – these affect how long the composite lasts and how it keeps its colour.

Bonding price

Service	Price
Examination	30.00€
Bonding	145.00€
Bonding – composite veneer (direct)	145.00€

Prices are from the clinic’s price list. The final cost depends on your case and is confirmed after an examination. See the full price list

The price list gives bonding as a "from" price: the final amount depends on the number of teeth and the extent of the repair, and is confirmed after an examination, before treatment begins.

Who performs bonding

Cosmetic restorations at SF Dent are carried out by Dr. Sandy Festok, the clinic's founder, who has trained in direct composite veneering (BULDENT, 2012) and in aesthetic dentistry.

How it is done – step by step

1. Examination and plan. The dentist examines your teeth and gums, discusses the result you want and decides whether bonding is suitable. If you want lighter teeth, whitening is done before bonding, because composite does not change colour when whitened.
2. Shade selection. The composite shade is matched to your teeth in daylight.
3. Preparation. The tooth surface is cleaned and treated so the material bonds well to the enamel. Any drilling is usually minimal.
4. Applying and shaping. The composite is applied in layers, shaped, and each layer is hardened with light.
5. Polishing and bite check. Finally the restoration is polished smooth and the dentist checks how your teeth meet.

How long it takes

Bonding is usually done in one visit. How long it takes depends on the number of teeth and the complexity – roughly an hour for one tooth, longer for several. Anaesthesia is often not needed, but this is decided case by case.

Aftercare

• Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes.
• Composite can pick up colour over time. Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking speed this up.
• Do not bite nails, pens, seeds in their shells or other hard objects with the bonded teeth.
• If you grind your teeth at night, tell your dentist – a protective night guard may be recommended.
• Come for check-ups and scaling and polishing; if needed, the bonding can be re-polished or repaired.

Bonding – pros and cons

Bonding is quick and preserves your own teeth. It is just as important to know its limits so you can decide with full information.

Pros: one visit in most cases; minimal or no drilling; a lower price than veneers; it can be repaired without replacing the whole restoration.

Cons: composite resists staining and wear less well than ceramic; it can chip under heavy load; over time it may need re-polishing or replacing. Our article "Veneers or Bonding: Which is Right for You?" compares the two in more detail.

The information on this page is general and does not replace an examination by a dentist. The right treatment for you is decided after an examination.

Frequently asked questions

How much does dental bonding cost?

At SF Dent bonding costs 145.00 € on the clinic's price list. The final amount depends on the number of teeth and the extent of the work and is confirmed after an examination, which costs 30.00 €.

How long does bonding last?

It depends on where the restoration is, your bite, your habits and your oral hygiene. Bonding usually lasts less long than ceramic veneers and over time may need re-polishing, repair or replacement. The dentist checks it at your regular check-ups.

Does bonding hurt?

The procedure is usually not painful, because drilling is minimal or not needed at all. Anaesthesia is often unnecessary; if it is needed, the dentist will discuss it with you beforehand.

Bonding or veneers – which is better?

It depends on the case. Bonding is quicker, preserves more of the tooth and costs less, but it stains and wears more easily. Ceramic veneers are made in a dental laboratory and are more durable, but need at least two visits and usually more preparation of the tooth. Composite veneers are made directly in the mouth, like bonding. The choice is made after an examination.

Can bonding be whitened?

No. Composite does not change colour when whitened. If you want lighter teeth, whitening is done before bonding and the composite shade is chosen afterwards.

Does bonding stain?

Over time composite can pick up colour, especially with frequent coffee, tea or red wine, or with smoking. Regular polishing at check-ups helps keep the surface smooth.

How long does bonding take?

Usually one visit. Roughly an hour for one tooth; several teeth take longer. The exact time depends on the complexity of the case.