How is PbBr2 an ionic compound?

[Ben Sanders]

I'm studying electrolysis with ionic compound and the example refers to PbBr2
However, I'm confused as to why this would ever be a substance because a Pb atom has 4 electrons in its outer shell while a Br atom has 7 electrons in its outer shell. If the two Br atoms were to gain an electron each so they both have full outer shells then the Pb atom wouldn't have a full outer shell because it now has 2 electrons in its outer shell..
I thought atoms only bonded if they can get full outer shells..

 

[Dr. Courtney]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead(II)_bromide

 

[SteamKing]

I'm studying electrolysis with ionic compound and the example refers to PbBr2
However, I'm confused as to why this would ever be a substance because a Pb atom has 4 electrons in its outer shell while a Br atom has 7 electrons in its outer shell. If the two Br atoms were to gain an electron each so they both have full outer shells then the Pb atom wouldn't have a full outer shell because it now has 2 electrons in its outer shell..
I thought atoms only bonded if they can get full outer shells..

Like a lot of metallic elements, lead is multi-valent. In the +2 oxidation state, the compounds which lead forms are ionic in nature; in the +4 state, primarily covalent.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead

In general, the chemistry of metallic elements like lead and iron is more complex than the chemistry of the alkali metals, for example.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valence_(chemistry)