Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a cosmetic and restorative procedure used to restore, reshape, and rejuvenate teeth—enhancing both their function and appearance. During this treatment, a dentist applies a thin layer of tooth-colored plastic (composite resin) to the front of the tooth and sculpts it to improve the patient’s smile. Dental bonding is an effective solution for repairing chipped, cracked, broken, misshapen, or stained teeth, as well as for filling small gaps between teeth.
Request an AppointmentDental Bonding Material
The material used in dental bonding is a composite resin—a durable plastic that hardens and fuses to the tooth when exposed to a special curing light. Once applied, the resin is carefully shaped to correct imperfections, color-matched to the patient’s natural teeth, and polished to a smooth, natural-looking finish.
The Dental Bonding Process
Dental bonding involves a three-step process:
Step One
An etching solution is applied to the tooth surface to prepare it for bonding. This step gently roughens the enamel, allowing for a stronger bond between the tooth and the resin material.
Step Two
A thin layer of the bonding resin is applied to the tooth and hardened using a special light. Several layers may be applied and cured in sequence, with each layer taking only a few minutes to set.
Step Three
Once the resin is fully hardened, it is sculpted into the desired shape and color-matched to the patient’s surrounding teeth. The final step involves polishing the bonded tooth until it achieves a smooth, natural sheen.
The entire dental bonding procedure typically takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the number of teeth being treated. Results can last up to 10 years before any touch-up or restoration may be needed.