Dental Bonding

Bonding is a conservative procedure where a tooth-colored filling material is bonded directly to a tooth to correct a defect in color, size, or position. It is done freehand, in the chair, usually in one visit, and usually without removing any healthy tooth structure.

When bonding is the right answer

• A chipped corner on a front tooth
• A small gap between two teeth
• A tooth that is slightly shorter or narrower than the one beside it
• An isolated stain or white spot that will not bleach out
• An exposed root surface near the gum line that is sensitive or notched

What it involves

The tooth surface is conditioned, an adhesive is applied, and composite resin is placed in layers and shaped by hand. Each layer is hardened with a curing light. The material is then contoured and polished until it matches the surrounding enamel in shape and surface texture.

Most bonding takes under an hour per tooth. Anesthetic is often unnecessary, though we will use it if we are working near an exposed root or into decay.

Bonding compared with veneers

Bonding is faster, less expensive, and reversible in a way porcelain is not — no laboratory, no temporaries, and minimal or no enamel removal. The trade-off is durability and stain resistance. Composite picks up stain from coffee, tea, and tobacco over the years and can chip under heavy force, so bonding is typically refreshed or replaced sooner than porcelain would be.

For one chipped tooth, bonding is usually the right call. For six front teeth that need a coordinated change in color and shape, veneers usually are. We are happy to talk through both.

Caring for bonded teeth

Treat a bonded edge the way you would treat the natural one: no ice, no fingernails, no using your teeth as tools. Everyday brushing and flossing are unchanged. Reducing the drinks that stain will keep the color matched for longer, and we will polish the bonding at your recall visits.