Dental Bonding

Bonding, along with crowns and porcelain veneers, is a procedure used for both structural and cosmetic purposes. If you have a tooth that needs to be reshaped in addition to whitening, you might consider bonding.

How Dental Bonding Works

Bonding is probably the least involved procedure out of the above three structural and whitening techniques. Bonding usually requires only one dentist visit, lasting about one or two hours. A dentist will prepare your tooth, and then mold a white filling material (often plastic resin) onto the front surface of a tooth. The dentist then uses a laser to harden the plastic resin securely on the tooth. Bonding can reshape a tooth that has been chipped, broken, or decayed. Usually bonding deals with more minor structural tooth issues. Also, bonding generally looks more life-like than crowns or veneers, as well.

How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?

Bonding lasts about five to 10 years, which is a few years less than crowns or veneers. However, with bonding, if the plastic chips or breaks, most often it only requires quick patching and easy repair. Keep in mind that if you smoke, you should consider that the plastic resin will likely become yellow faster than with veneers or crowns.

Dental Bonding Side Effects

Although rare, a few people experience allergies to the bonding resin material. Allergy symptoms can include itching, burning, dermatitis, skin rash and blistering. As long as you’re not a highly sensitive person, however, you most likely do not need to worry about bonding allergies.