Bonding

Bonding 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 liquid. Once the liquid 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 improve the appearance of a tooth significantly. 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, and often can last longer depending on oral hygiene and lack of oral habits. 

To ensure its longevity, please:

• Maintain excellent excellent home care, brushing along the gumline and flossing. The acid that plaque produces will cause the breakdown of the bond.
• No biting into hard foods such as corn on the cob, apples or carrots.  These foods need to be cut up into smaller pieces.
• No lollipops, or hard candies such as Jolly Ranchers, Tootsie Rolls or Now and Laters.
• No biting on objects such as pen caps, marker caps, toys, or biting on fingernails.