Bonding

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

How does it work?

The tooth is prepared for the procedure by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding adhesive. Once the adhesive sets, a plastic resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by the dentist. Once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed, and polished to a natural appearance.

Considerations

The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit and can significantly improve the appearance of a tooth. However, since the plastic resin 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.