What is teeth bonding?

What is teeth bonding?

Cleveland Clinic describes dental bonding as a cosmetic treatment in which a dentist applies tooth-colored composite resin to a tooth. It is also called composite bonding or teeth bonding. WebMD describes the same procedure and adds that bonding can fill cavities as well as repair chips, close gaps, change tooth shape and improve color. Colgate says the resin is applied, hardened with a special light and shaped to fit your bite. Unlike porcelain veneers, Cleveland Clinic says bonding can be reversed.

What can bonding fix?

Cleveland Clinic lists reshaping teeth, closing gaps, covering small chips or minor cracks, hiding discoloration and making teeth look longer. Colgate adds covering an exposed root. WebMD says it suits people with 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. If you also have tooth decay, Cleveland Clinic says you may need other treatment first.

What happens at the appointment?

Cleveland Clinic describes five steps. The dentist matches the resin color to your teeth with a shade guide. The tooth surface is roughened and treated with a liquid that helps the resin stick. The putty-like resin is applied, shaped and smoothed. A curing light hardens it, and the dentist makes final adjustments and polishes the tooth. The process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes per tooth and is typically finished in one visit. Cleveland Clinic calls it painless; WebMD says anesthetic is usually unnecessary but may be needed for fillings, drilling or work near a nerve.

How long does bonding last?

Cleveland Clinic says bonding typically lasts about three to ten years before it needs touch-ups or replacement, depending on habits and the number of teeth treated. WebMD gives a wider spread, saying bonding used on teeth with mostly intact enamel can last more than ten years, while more extensive work lasts up to ten years, and repairs may last from six months to many years. Colgate lists habits that shorten life: chewing ice or pens, sugary and acidic diets, tobacco, staining foods and grinding without a guard. The ranges differ, so ask your dentist about your tooth.

Bonding or veneers?

WebMD says bonding is done in one visit and shapes resin directly on the tooth, while veneers are custom-made in a lab and usually need several visits. It says veneers may remove up to 30% of healthy tooth tissue, while bonding removes little, and that veneers cannot be reversed. Cleveland Clinic says bonding is among the least expensive cosmetic options, stains more easily than porcelain, can chip, and has a shorter lifespan than veneers or crowns. See the cost guide for fees.

Aftercare

Cleveland Clinic says there is generally no downtime and normal activities can resume right away, with possible short-term sensitivity that over-the-counter pain relievers can ease. It advises brushing twice daily with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, using an alcohol-free mouthwash, keeping up with checkups, avoiding chewing nails or pens and using teeth as tools, and limiting dark drinks like coffee, tea and red wine. WebMD adds that alcohol can soften resin and suggests flossing sideways through the contact point rather than snapping the floss up, and a mouthguard if you grind your teeth.

Risks and downsides

Cleveland Clinic says bonding generally poses no risk to oral health when teeth and gums are healthy. WebMD lists chipping or breaking, staining and color mismatch, a shorter lifespan than other restorations, and the need for repair or replacement over time. WebMD also says dentists generally do not recommend bonding for healthy teeth that only need small cosmetic changes. Ask whether your dentist thinks bonding is the right choice for your tooth.

Questions to ask your dentist

Ask these before you book.

• Is bonding right for my tooth, or would another treatment last longer?
• How many teeth can be done in one visit?
• What will the resin look like next to my natural teeth in a few years?
• How will I care for it, and how often will it need checking?
• What happens if it chips, and who repairs it?

Frequently asked questions