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Cosmetic Tooth Bonding for a Natural, Confident Smile
Bonding is a conservative way to repair slightly chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth, often for cosmetic purposes.
The process involves placing a white filling on your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling "bonds" with your teeth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades, it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth.
Bonding can also be used in place of regular amalgam fillings. Many patients prefer bonded fillings, because the white color is much less noticeable than the silver of the amalgam fillings. Bonding fillings can be used on front and back teeth, depending on the location and extent of tooth decay.
Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and can usually be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and breaks more easily than other cosmetic treatments like porcelain veneers.
If your bonding does break or chip, please let us know. We can generally patch or repair bonding in one visit.
How Does Dental Bonding Work?
To begin the dental bonding process, the tooth surface is lightly etched and treated with a bonding agent. Once the adhesive is set, a tooth-colored resin is applied and expertly shaped to match your natural tooth. After the material is hardened, it is meticulously trimmed, polished, and smoothed for a flawless, lifelike appearance.
Considerations for Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is usually completed in a single office visit and can significantly improve the look of a tooth. While it offers a quick and effective solution, the composite resin used isn’t as strong as natural enamel, making it more susceptible to staining, chipping, or wear over time. On average, bonding lasts about three to five years before touch-ups or replacement may be needed.
