Dental Bonding is a restoration procedure in which a tooth-colored resin is applied, shaped, and bonded to a tooth, then cured with ultraviolet light. Bonding has different indications than than veneers or crowns, and can generally be very cost effective, making it a great option for small cosmetic improvements to your teeth.

Bonding is indicated for teeth with:

• small areas of decay
• small chips or fractures
• surface irregularities
• areas of discoloration
• spacing between teeth.

Unlike veneers and crowns, bonding can be done within one office visit since nothing has to be custom made by a dental laboratory. Additionally, the procedure typically requires removing less the tooth enamel compared to veneers and crowns. However, since bonding typically doesn’t last as long as other forms of restoration and is less resistant to stains, it is used more often for small cosmetic touch-ups rather than major restorations.

The Procedure
The bonding procedure typically requires between 30 to 60 minutes to complete, but can vary based on the extent of the bonding and the number of teeth involved. First, our dentist determines the exact color shade of your teeth and selects a resin that will blend naturally with the tooth. Once this is done, we will prepare the tooth so that the bonding material will adhere more easily to the tooth structure. This involves roughening the surface of the affected tooth and applying a liquid adhesive. Following preparation, the dentist will apply the resin to the tooth, and cure it in place using an ultraviolet light. Finally, we will apply the finishing touches by shaping and polishing the resin to ensure both excellent fit and occlusion (bite).