What is bonding?

Tooth bonding is a procedure that allows a dentist to restore chipped or a broken tooth, fill in the tooth's gaps and reshape a smile.

"Bonding is a process where you etch the surface of the

tooth, and after it is etched, you place materials on it that stick to that etched surface," says Dr. Lawrence Addleson who practices general restorative and cosmetic dentistry, with an emphasis on aesthetics. He has been practicing dentistry for 36 years and has been practicing cosmetic dentistry for 29 years. "There is a difference between bonding and doing a bonding."

According to About Cosmetic Dentistry.com, bonding is a composite resin filling that is placed in the back teeth as well as the front teeth. "Composites are the solution for restoring decayed teeth, making cosmetic improvements and even changing the color of your teeth or the reshaping of teeth. Bonding will lighten any stains you may have, close up minor gaps and can be used to correct crooked teeth." Basically, the procedure will cover flaws by applying a thin coat of plastic material on the front surface of the tooth. Then the dentist will apply a bonding material and sculpt, color and shape it for a nice result. A laser is placed on the plastic to harden it and then it is finely polished. The bonding is supposed to last between seven and eleven years. The resin that is applied comes in an array of colors to closely match the tooth's color. This procedure takes longer than traditional silver fillings because of the multiple layers.

"When people refer to a bonding, they are most likely referring to having resin put onto the tooth and then having it shaped," says Addelson. "We do bonding on almost everything we cement into the mouth. Both use bonding agents. Bonding is a process of making something stick, as well as an individual process, such as adding resin."

People who have small gaps between their front teeth or have chipped or cracked teeth are good candidates to receive bonding. Bonding can also be used for people who have uneven teeth, gum recession or tooth decay. Bonding resin is porous, so smokers and caffeine drinkers will see their bond yellow over time.

"If a patient has a bite that is correct and they have a space in between their teeth, then it is probably easier to add a little resin, called bonding to close the gap," says Addleson.

The cost of dental bonding depends on the location, the extent of the bonding process and the dental insurance plan of the patient. The average cost ranges from $300 to $600 per tooth. The advantages of dental bonding is the bonding is applied directly to the tooth so it provides support, there is not a need for silver fillings, and it permits the dentist to remove only decayed parts instead of the whole tooth. The disadvantage of bonding is it costs more money and more time to apply on the tooth.