Tooth bonding

We want you to have the confident smile you deserve. One way we can achieve this is with tooth bonding procedures, when necessary.

If you have a chipped tooth, your dentist may recommend a restorative dentistry procedure, tooth bonding, also known as dental bonding. Our dentists in Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts and Alabama provide cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures, such as bonding teeth, for our patients. For some, dental bonding can restore the natural look of your teeth and help keep your teeth healthy, so you can keep on flashing those pearly whites.

What is tooth bonding?

Bonding is a process that dentists use to "bond" material to a tooth to change its shape or color. Your natural tooth is fused with a bonding material (usually composite resin) to create a strong tooth that looks like your original tooth. Composite resin creates a beautiful result and one that perfectly matches the color of your natural teeth.

What is dental bonding used for?

Reasons your dentist might suggest you undergo a tooth bonding procedure include:

• Correcting a chipped or discolored tooth
• Filling a gap between teeth
• Changing the shape of a tooth
• Making a tooth look longer
• Protecting tooth enamel
• Protecting an exposed tooth root (receded gums)

Tooth bonding cost

Tooth bonding is one of the simplest and least expensive dental procedures. In the U.S., the cost of tooth bonding ranges from $100 to $600 per tooth. If you have dental insurance, check with your provider to see if tooth bonding is covered by your dental plan.

Advantages of tooth bonding

There are many advantages to dental bonding. For instance, the procedure can correct chipped, stained and misshapen teeth. Additional benefits of tooth bonding include:

• Saves time – A dental bonding procedure is usually completed in one appointment; no dental lab work is required
• Safe – Bonding material is 100% compatible with living tissue
• Natural appearance – Composite material is available in a wide range of natural-looking shades; your dentist will help you choose the perfect shade to blend with your natural teeth
• Improve the shape and color of teeth – Dental bonding is used to correct small flaws in the shape or color of teeth; a natural tooth that is discolored may not respond to teeth whitening treatments and dental bonding can change the tooth's appearance so that it matches the surrounding teeth

What to expect during a dental bonding procedure

The dentist will use a shade guide to determine tooth shade and to select the best resin color to match the color of your natural teeth.

• The dentist will first roughen the tooth surface and then coat it with a conditioning liquid; the conditioning liquid allows the bonding material to stick to the tooth surface
• Then, the dentist will apply the selected resin to the tooth and mold the resin to the proper shape
• The dentist will use an ultraviolet light to harden the bonding material
• When the resin has set, the dentist will do additional shaping and polishing to match your natural teeth and create a winning smile

How long does it take to bond a tooth?

Tooth bonding is a simple cosmetic procedure that is usually completed in one visit. The process usually takes less than an hour. Although, if you are having several teeth done, it may require additional office visits.

Is tooth bonding painful?

Unless the bonding procedure is done to fill a cavity, tooth bonding usually doesn't require anesthesia. Tooth bonding is one of the least invasive procedures that a dentist performs. You'll be able to go about your daily activities immediately after the procedure.