Dental bonding is the application of a tooth colored resin to restore damaged or discolored teeth. It’s considered one of the simplest dental procedures and can be completed over the course of 1 visit.

Bonding is a powerful solution used to repair a variety of tooth maladies. Bonding is also a more discreet restoration method than amalgam fillings, which give your tooth a blackened appearance. You should strongly consider bonding in order to:

• Repair decayed teeth
• Fix cracked or chipped teeth
• Restore the appearance of discolored teeth
• Close gaps between teeth
• Lengthen teeth
• Shield exposed tooth root

To begin, your dentist will consult a resin shade guide and select the color that best matches your teeth. After settling on a shade, your dentist will abraid the surface of the tooth and apply a conditioning liquid to help the bonding agent stick.

Next, the resin is applied and shaped to cover problematic areas and match the surrounding teeth. Following the molding process, your dentist will use a blue, ultraviolet light to harden the material. Once this process is complete, he/she will most likely make a few minor alterations, trimming the tooth and polishing the surface to match the sheen of your natural teeth.

The process should take no longer than 30-60 minutes, although this can vary slightly depending on the complexity of your case.

Dental bonding is one of the simplest dental treatments on the market today. While veneers and crowns must be custom-made and require multiple visits to finish, bonding can be completed during 1 visit, typically in no more than an hour.

Dental bonding also allows you to retain your enamel, while other procedures force you to grind down your teeth to accommodate implants. For individuals on the go, bonding is particularly convenient, as it doesn’t typically call for anesthesia and allows you to go about your daily routine with limited restrictions.

After your procedure, it’s important to exercise caution with foods that can stain. Avoid items like tea, coffee, and tobacco for the first 48 hours to give the resin time to sufficiently harden and prevent blemishes from taking hold. In addition, try curbing habits that can produce tooth chips, including biting fingernails, chewing on ice, and eating hard candy.

Be sure also to brush your teeth at least twice a day and schedule regular dental cleanings to ensure the well-being of your restored tooth. With proper maintenance, bonding can last up to 10 years before succumbing to natural wear and tear.