Dental bonding: what to expect, aftercare and FAQs

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is a cosmetic treatment in which a dentist applies tooth-colored composite resin to a tooth. Cleveland Clinic says it is also called composite bonding or teeth bonding and that, unlike porcelain veneers, it is reversible. WebMD says it can repair chips, fill cavities, close gaps, change tooth shape and improve color. Our guide on what teeth bonding is goes through the details.

How does bonding work?

Cleveland Clinic describes five steps: the dentist matches the resin shade to your teeth, roughens the surface and applies a liquid that helps the resin stick, applies and shapes the putty-like resin, hardens it with a curing light, and then makes final adjustments and polishes the tooth. WebMD says the visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and describes protecting nearby teeth and using a blue LED light. Colgate says the resin is shaped to fit your bite.

What is it used for?

Cleveland Clinic lists reshaping teeth, closing gaps, covering small chips or minor cracks, hiding discoloration and making teeth look longer. WebMD says it suits chipped, cracked, decayed or discolored teeth and small cosmetic concerns, and that it is used on front teeth, which bear less bite pressure. Cleveland Clinic says it is better suited to small changes than dramatic ones, and that if you have decay you may need other treatment first.

Pros and cons

Cleveland Clinic lists as advantages that it is minimally invasive, usually with no enamel removal, is among the least expensive cosmetic options, works on a range of imperfections and is typically done in one appointment. Its disadvantages are that it stains more easily than porcelain, can chip over time, and lasts a shorter time than veneers or crowns. WebMD adds that it can be a color mismatch, is less strong than natural teeth, and that dentists generally do not recommend it for healthy teeth needing only small changes.

Does it hurt?

Cleveland Clinic calls bonding painless, with possible short-term sensitivity afterwards that over-the-counter pain relievers can ease. WebMD says anesthetic is usually unnecessary, though it may be needed for fillings, drilling or work near a nerve. Tell your dentist if you have sensitive teeth before you start.

How long does bonding last?

Cleveland Clinic says bonding typically lasts about three to ten years, depending on habits and the number of teeth treated. WebMD says bonded teeth with mostly intact enamel can last more than ten years, while more extensive work lasts up to ten, and repairs may last from six months to many years. Colgate lists chewing ice or non-food items, sugary or acidic foods, tobacco, staining foods and grinding as things that can shorten the life of bonding.

Aftercare

Cleveland Clinic says there is generally no downtime. It advises brushing twice daily with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, using alcohol-free mouthwash, avoiding chewing nails or pens, limiting dark drinks like coffee, tea and red wine and acidic foods, and quitting smoking if applicable. WebMD suggests a mouthguard if you grind your teeth and flossing sideways through the contact point.

Bonding or veneers or a crown?

WebMD says bonding is done in one visit while veneers are made in a lab and usually need several visits, and that veneers may remove up to 30% of healthy tooth tissue and cannot be reversed. Cleveland Clinic says bonding has a shorter lifespan than veneers or crowns. For a damaged tooth that needs a larger repair, see our dental crown guides. Which option suits you depends on how much tooth is missing and what you want to change.

Questions to ask your dentist

Bring these to the consultation.

• Is bonding the best option for my tooth?
• How long should I expect it to last in my mouth?
• How will the color match over time?
• What should I avoid eating or drinking?
• What happens if it chips or stains?

Guides in this topic

Frequently asked questions