Bonds

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is a simple and economical way to improve many dental flaws. The results look completely natural, and the teeth are totally functional.

Bonding entails applying a high-density composite resin -- the same material used for composite fillings -- directly onto the tooth’s surface. The resin is color-matched to the patient’s natural teeth. While bonding is not as strong or long-lasting a solution as other options, such as porcelain veneers, it is a versatile and expedient fix that improves a smile quickly.

Among the advantages of bonding is that little or no tooth enamel needs to be removed. Also, treatment can usually be completed in one visit without anesthesia. Dental bonding can also be reversed in the future and a permanent or longer-lasting solution, such as a veneer, applied in its place.

What oral flaws can be corrected with dental bonding?

Dental bonding is used to fill gaps between teeth, particularly those caused by small front incisors. It can also correct chips, stains that can’t be whitened, or cracks in teeth. The outer shell of a tooth is made of calcium crystals which are densely packed, hard and durable. The material used in bonding duplicates this extremely well.

What does the procedure entail?

The dentist first selects a shade of bonding material that matches your other teeth. Next, they prepare the surface of the tooth. Once that’s finished, the dentist gently applies a special liquid that helps the bonding material adhere to the tooth. Then the bonding material is applied. It has a putty-like texture that the dentist delicately molds into the desired shape. Once you and the dentist are satisfied with the appearance of the bonding, they will use an ultraviolet light to permanently cure the material.