Dental Bonding is a technique by which a patient’s teeth are literally reshaped, as is in the case of enamel shaping. Unlike the latter procedure however, bonding is an additive process in which material is applied to damaged teeth then molded and sculpted into a natural shape. Both procedures fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry; however, bonding is also a form of adhesive dentistry.

A good candidate for bonding is someone whose teeth have been injured - chipped or cracked in the course of an accident, or worn down because of bruxillism (grinding of the teeth). Once the cosmetic dentisty professional has determined how to proceed and what reshaping must be done, s/he will apply a very mild etching solution - a weak form of acid - to the teeth which will create micro-crevices in the surface of the enamel. This is similar to what craftsmen and hobbyists do when using sandpaper in order to “rough up” the surfaces of two objects they plan to join together using a resin-based epoxy or cyroacrylate cement (”super glue”).

In fact, resin is exactly what the cosmetic dentisty practitioner uses in order to restore damaged and injured teeth. This is a particular type of resin specially formulated for us in cosmetic dentistry applications. This resin, which is colored to match the patient’s own natural teeth, is applied in several thin layers. The entire dental bonding procedure can usually be accomplished in one appointment over the course of two to three hours, unless the tooth damage in substantial. In cases requiring more serious dental reconstruction, the dentist will need to make a mold and create a temporary filling while a permanent one is created in a laboratory. This takes a minimum of two visits, but with proper care, the results can last up to eleven years.