Are your teeth chipped, cracked, broken or stained? Does the shape of your teeth match the shape of your face or balance your facial features? Do gaps between your teeth make you feel unattractive or self-conscious when you smile? Dental bonding may be the answer to your problems.

Depending on the extent of your tooth damage, bonding can repair your teeth without causing too much damage to your bank account. Compared to other dental treatments, it's an inexpensive solution for minor dental repairs. Many dental insurance plans cover the cost of bonding, especially if it addresses tooth decay or structural issues.

What is Dental Bonding?

Bonding is a dental treatment that uses composite resin, a durable plastic material, to repair teeth and restore smiles. A dentist applies this tooth-colored, putty material to a damaged tooth and sculpts it into shape. After the resin hardens, the dentist trims and polishes the repair to match the rest of the tooth.

Bonding is ideal for small cosmetic dentistry work, and it requires little advance preparation. Anesthetics are often unnecessary unless the treatment involves filling a decayed tooth. A shade guide helps the dentist choose a resin color that matches the original tooth, so the end result is a very natural smile.

Pros and Cons of Bonding

Dental bonding is a suitable treatment for minor dental problems — for example: repairing chips, closing gaps or filling cavities that show when you smile. It's also good for reshaping or contouring the teeth at the front of your mouth. Most bonding treatments take between 30 and 60 minutes per tooth to complete.

The cost of bonding varies depending on where you live and, of course, on the extent of tooth damage. It can range from $100 to several hundred dollars per tooth. However, many insurance plans cover this cost when the bonding fills a cavity or supports a tooth structure.

While bonding is less expensive than porcelain veneers and crowns, there are a couple of drawbacks to this treatment. Composite resin is a porous material, so drinks like coffee, tea and red wine can stain it. Cigarette smoke can turn the bonding material yellow. Since the material is less durable than crowns, veneers or silver fillings, it can also chip if it's not cared for properly.

Other Considerations

Are you ready to improve your smile with dental bonding? A bonding treatment requires artistic skill, so it's important to choose the right dentist for the job. Look for an experienced cosmetic dentist who understands your issues and can help you choose the best treatment for your needs.

How do you find a dentist? Ask your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers for recommendations or referrals. Read online customer reviews. Request before-and-after photos so you can make an informed decision about the dentist's work.

Bonding is an appropriate treatment for a variety of dental problems, and it's an economical way to improve your smile. It can also be a confidence booster. Feeling good about yourself and your appearance can help you maintain your dental health and enhance your general well-being.

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