Bonding is a procedure that can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or have a space or gap between them. With bonding, tooth-colored materials or bonding is applied to the tooth surface. This process can improve naturally discolored teeth, front-tooth spaces, and accident-induced cracks or chips. Bonding is also used to protect exposed tooth roots that can result from gum recession and fill small cavities. Bonding usually lasts from three to five years with proper care and sometimes longer.
The bonding process involves preparing the tooth surface with an etching solution that allows the bonding material (composite resins) to adhere to the tooth surface. Composite resins are plastic materials made of glass-like substances and resin. Various color resins are carefully blended to match the color of the existing tooth to achieve an accurate match to your existing teeth. The resin is applied, contoured to the proper shape and hardened using a special light or chemical process. It is then smoothed and polished to appear natural and consistent. Bonding may not require the use of anesthesia or drilling and can usually be completed in one visit to our office.