Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin to repair or reshape a tooth, and it is one of the most conservative cosmetic treatments available because it typically does not require removing any healthy enamel the way a crown or veneer does. We start by lightly roughening the tooth surface and applying a conditioning liquid so the resin adheres securely.
Using a shade guide, we match the composite to the exact color of your surrounding teeth, then apply it in a soft, putty-like form and sculpt it directly onto the tooth. Once we are happy with the shape, we cure it hard with a special light, then trim, smooth, and polish it until it blends in with the sheen of your natural enamel. Most teeth take about thirty to sixty minutes to bond, and it happens in one appointment.
Bonding is a versatile fix for a range of everyday problems: a chipped or cracked tooth, a gap between two teeth, a tooth that is slightly misshapen or uneven, or discoloration that professional whitening could not fully resolve, since resin does not respond to whitening gel the way natural enamel does.
It is worth knowing that composite resin is not quite as strong as natural tooth enamel, so bonded teeth are somewhat more prone to staining or chipping over time and typically last three to five years before they need a touch-up or replacement. For a larger repair, a more heavily damaged tooth, or a fix meant to last decades rather than years, a dental crown or porcelain veneer may be the better long-term investment, and Dr. Locklear will tell you honestly which option fits your tooth and your goals.
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