By Dr. Harsh Patel, DDS · Next Care Dental, Houston
A small chip on a front tooth. A gap that has bothered you in photos for years. One tooth that looks a little darker than the rest. These are some of the most common things patients ask us about, and for many of them, dental bonding is a simple, affordable place to start.
Here are straight answers to the questions we hear most often about bonding at our office on Westheimer.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a way to repair or reshape a tooth using a tooth-colored material called composite resin. Your dentist matches the shade to your natural teeth, applies the resin in thin layers, shapes it by hand, and then hardens each layer with a special light. At the end, the tooth is smoothed and polished so it blends in.
Because the material is added to the tooth, bonding usually needs little or no removal of healthy enamel. That is one of the main reasons people like it.
What Can Bonding Fix?
Bonding works best for small to moderate cosmetic problems, such as:
- Chipped or cracked edges, especially on front teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Stains or discoloration that whitening doesn’t improve
- Teeth that are a little short or uneven compared to their neighbors
- Exposed root surfaces where gums have pulled back, which can help with sensitivity
Bonding can make slightly crooked teeth look straighter, but it doesn’t move teeth. We cover that in more detail in Can Dental Bonding Fix Crooked Teeth?
What Can’t Bonding Fix?
Bonding isn’t the right choice for every tooth. If a tooth is badly broken, has a large cavity, or has had a root canal, it usually needs more support than bonding can give, often a crown. Bonding also isn’t ideal for back teeth that take heavy chewing forces. Your dentist will look at the tooth, your bite and your habits before recommending anything.
What Happens During a Bonding Visit?
For most patients, bonding is done in a single visit. A typical appointment looks like this:
- Shade matching. We choose a resin color that matches your natural teeth. If you’re thinking about whitening, it’s best to do that first, because bonding material doesn’t whiten.
- Preparing the tooth. The surface is gently roughened and a conditioning liquid is applied so the resin can stick.
- Building and shaping. The resin is placed in layers, shaped, and hardened with a curing light.
- Polishing. We trim, smooth and polish the tooth, then check your bite.
Time in the chair depends on how many teeth are involved and how much shaping is needed. Numbing is often not needed for simple cosmetic bonding, though it may be if we’re also treating decay. We’ll tell you what to expect before we start.
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
Bonding is durable, but it isn’t as strong or as stain-resistant as porcelain. Many bonded teeth last several years before they need a touch-up or replacement. How long yours lasts depends a lot on habits: biting nails or pens, chewing ice, grinding your teeth at night, and heavy coffee, tea or tobacco use can all shorten its life.
The good news is that bonding can usually be repaired or refreshed without starting over. For more detail, see How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
How Do I Take Care of Bonded Teeth?
- Brush twice a day and floss daily, the same as your natural teeth.
- Avoid using your front teeth to bite hard things like ice, pens or fingernails.
- Rinse with water after coffee, tea or red wine to cut down on staining.
- If you grind or clench at night, ask about a night guard to protect your bonding and your natural teeth.
- Keep up with regular cleanings so we can polish and check the bonding.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Bonding?
It depends on why you’re getting it. When bonding is purely cosmetic, most dental plans don’t cover it. When it’s used to repair a chipped or damaged tooth, some plans may cover part of the cost. Our front desk can check your benefits before your visit so there are no surprises. If you need to spread out the cost, we offer financing through CareCredit, Sunbit and Cherry.
Is Bonding Right for Me?
Bonding may be a good fit if:
- You have a small chip, gap or stain you’d like to fix
- You want a quick, conservative option that keeps your natural tooth structure
- Your teeth and gums are otherwise healthy
The best way to know is a quick exam. We’ll look at the tooth, talk about what’s bothering you, and explain your options, including when something other than bonding would serve you better.
Dental Bonding at Westheimer & Gessner
Next Care Dental is at 9650 Westheimer Rd, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77063, at Westheimer & Gessner next to Randall’s. Our team speaks English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Gujarati and Hindi, and we’re open Monday through Thursday 8–5 and Friday 8–3.
Learn more on our dental bonding page.
Ready to talk about that chip or gap? Call or text (713) 952-0522 or book online.