Bonding

Bonding is an alternative to veneers, and can be used as a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored or misarranged.

How does it work?

The tooth is prepared for the procedure by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding solution.  Sometimes the tooth must undergo minor re-contouring of the enamel prior to etching.  Then, a resin-based composite is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by the dentist.  Once set, the resin is contoured, smoothed, and polished to a natural appearance.

Considerations

The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit and can improve the appearance of a tooth significantly.  However, since the resin composite used is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip, or break, than natural teeth.  Bonding typically lasts three to five years before need of repair/replacement.