We take pride in how dentistry can restore broken or decayed teeth to their full beauty and function. One of the simplest and most affordable ways to achieve this is through dental bonding.

Bonding involves using tooth-colored materials to rebuild missing tooth structure or conceal minor cosmetic flaws such as chips, discoloration, and small gaps. These materials, known as composite resins, are a blend of plastic and glass, giving them strength and a natural translucency. The composite actually fuses with the tooth, becoming one with it.

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Composite resins come in many shades to match your natural teeth for a lifelike appearance. When applied skillfully, bonding can be virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth. Although bonding doesn’t last as long as veneers, it has the advantage of not requiring a dental laboratory and often can be completed without drilling. It’s especially well-suited for teenagers, who may need to wait until their teeth are fully developed before opting for more permanent restorations.

Insurance and Procedure Details

Since bonding does not involve laboratory work, it can typically be done in a single dental visit, lasting 30 minutes to an hour. The tooth surface is first cleaned to remove plaque, then lightly etched with an acidic gel to open microscopic pores. After rinsing off the gel, a liquid composite resin matching your tooth shade is applied in thin layers that penetrate the pores, creating a strong bond. Each layer is hardened using a special curing light. Layers are built up until the restoration reaches the desired thickness, then shaped and polished to perfectly fit your bite and look natural.

Caring for Bonded Teeth

Bonded teeth require the same daily brushing and flossing as your natural teeth, along with professional cleanings twice a year. Since composite resin can absorb stains like natural teeth, it’s best to limit exposure to smoking, coffee, tea, and red wine. Also, composite material can darken over time but cannot be lightened, so teeth whitening should be done before bonding to ensure a good color match. Avoid habits such as biting your nails, holding pens in your mouth, or using your teeth as tools to prevent chipping the bonding material. With proper care, bonded teeth can remain beautiful for 3 to 10 years.