Your Invisalign® ProviderWhat is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a dental treatment where a tooth-coloured composite resin is used to repair a tooth.
The composite resin can be shaped and polished to match surrounding teeth, creating a natural-looking smile.
It's called dental bonding because the composite resin literally 'bonds' to the tooth.
What is composite dental resin?
Composite resin is typically composed of a resin-based matrix, such as bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate and an inorganic filler like silica.
The filler gives the composite improved mechanical properties, wear resistance, and translucency.
Why might I need dental bonding?
Dental bonding is often used in cosmetic applications - to improve the appearance of discoloured or chipped teeth, to close spaces between teeth, to make teeth look longer, or to change the colour of teeth. Bonding is also sometimes used as an alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings, or to protect tooth roots that have been exposed due to receding gums.
What happens during a dental bonding procedure?
During the dental bonding procedure, your dentist will apply the composite to your tooth in layers, and use a light to harden each layer.
Once the final layer is hardened, your dentist will then shapes and polishes it. The final result is a smooth, natural-looking tooth.
How long does dental bonding last?
Composite resins used in the bonding process have an average lifespan of four to eight years. They can often last longer, depending on where in the mouth it is applied and how it is maintained.
The composite resin can be touched up and re-bonded by your dentist over time, if necessary.
How long does dental bonding take?
Dental bonding generally takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. Unlike veneers, which are custom made in a laboratory, bonding can be completed in a single visit.