Dental bonding refers to a procedure that involves bonding a tooth coloured filling material known as composite resin to a single tooth or multiple teeth. It is typically done to change the shape of a tooth or to enhance tooth colour. Bonding may also be used when small chips, cracks or fractures of teeth are evident.
Dental bonding can be quite cost-effective, when compared to other cosmetic procedures such porcelain veneers or crowns. The procedure is minimally invasive; often it is not necessary to remove any sound tooth structure. In some cases, however, the tooth or teeth may require very minimal preparation which involves a small amount of natural tooth being shaved off or shaped to best accommodate the filling material. Following this step, the teeth are prepared chemically to ensure that the material can bond well to the tooth. Composite resin is then placed on the tooth and shaped appropriately before being set. One or more appointments may be required depending on how many teeth require dental bonding. Small additions or changes can be made to the teeth over time if required. Like all fillings, bonding requires good oral hygiene and dietary practices to maintain them.
