Bonding shapes tooth-colored resin directly onto a chipped, cracked, worn, or discolored tooth and hardens it in place. It is usually done in a single appointment, often without numbing, and it is the least expensive way to make a front tooth look whole again.
What bonding can fix
A chipped corner, a small gap between front teeth, a tooth that is a little short or worn, a dark spot that whitening will not lift, or an exposed root that is sensitive. It is a repair, not a rebuild: for a tooth with a lot missing or a whole-smile change, a crown or veneers hold up better.
How it is done
Dr. Seyal roughens the surface slightly, applies a bonding agent, then layers and sculpts the resin to match the shape and shade of your tooth. A blue light hardens each layer. He shapes and polishes it, checks your bite, and you leave with the tooth finished. Thirty to sixty minutes per tooth.
How long it lasts
Three to ten years, depending on where it is and how you treat it. Bonding can chip if you bite fingernails, ice, or pens, and it can pick up stain from coffee and smoking over time. It is easy to touch up or redo.
What you get
- One visit, usually no numbing
- The least expensive front-tooth repair
- Matched to your tooth's shade and shape
- Very little natural tooth removed
- Easy to repair or redo later
Questions people ask
Tooth Bonding: FAQ
Bonding or a veneer?
Bonding for a small chip or gap on one or two teeth. Veneers when several front teeth need reshaping or the change needs to last longer. Dr. Seyal will show you both options and the cost of each.
Does bonding stain?
It can, more than natural enamel does. Rinsing after coffee or tea and keeping up with cleanings helps. It polishes back up at your checkups.
Will it look natural?
Yes. The resin is shaded to your tooth and shaped by hand. People do not notice it unless you point it out.
