Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is used to repair cosmetic flaws in teeth resulting from multiple causes, including discoloration, chips and cracks, tooth gaps, or unevenly shaped teeth. When teeth are non-uniform, they can cause issues with biting and chewing, which over time can lead to jaw pain and other difficulties.

Dental bonding is the same material used to fill modern cavities and replace old silver fillings with a more appealing alternative. In some cases, dental bonding may also be used to create a protective barrier for exposed tooth roots in cases of severe gum recession.

Also known as teeth bonding or composite bonding, cosmetic dental bonding is a common procedure that can be completed in one visit. The procedure follows 5 simple steps:

1. The resin is color-matched to the tooth to ensure a natural appearance.
2. A tool is used to roughen the surface of the tooth before applying a special liquid that will help the bonding stay in place.
3. The bonding is applied and molded into the correct shape.
4. The bonding is cured using a light that hardens the resin and bonds it to the tooth.
5. The dentist shapes and polishes the resulting surface until it reaches the desired form.

Before a tooth bonding procedure, your dentist will take X-rays and perform a teeth and gum exam to ensure that dental bonding is right for your situation. If for example you have severe gum disease or tooth decay, your dentist will want to treat those issues before the dental bonding procedure.

As a cosmetic procedure, dental bonding is not always covered by insurance. However, it is a minimally invasive and cost-effective way for dentists to make simple cosmetic changes when a full veneer or crown would be too extreme. Beneficially, dental bonding procedures do not require enamel removal, allowing your dentist to make subtle shape alterations to your teeth without irreversible changes.

Dental bonding procedures can be completed on the same day and require no downtime. As soon as you leave the office, you can resume your normal activities