Meet your hygienist, Shannon

What is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth to restore or improve a person’s smile.

For What Conditions Is Dental Bonding Considered?

Dental bonding is an option that can be considered:

  • To repair decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
  • To repair chipped or cracked teeth
  • To improve the appearance of discolored teeth
  • To close spaces between teeth
  • To make teeth look longer
  • To change the shape of teeth
  • As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
  • To protect a portion of the tooth’s root that has been exposed when gums recede

Who is a good candidate for Dental Bonding?

In order for bonding to be effective, the teeth need to be otherwise healthy enough to undergo this cosmetic treatment. If there is decay or other issues with the teeth, we may recommend various treatment options to be done prior to the bonding. Bonding is best suited for adult patients. Our dentists in Sandy Springs carefully match the color of the composite resin to ensure it blends in well with the rest of your smile.

What’s the Procedure for Having a Tooth Bonded?

  • Preparation.  Little advance preparation is needed for dental bonding.  Anesthesia is often not necessary unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth, the tooth needs to be drilled to change its shape, or the chip is near the nerve. Your dentist will use a shade guide to select a composite resin color that will closely match the color of your tooth.
  • The bonding process.  Next, the surface of the tooth will be roughened and a conditioning liquid applied. These procedures help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. The tooth-colored, putty-like resin is then applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape. A bright, usually blue, light  is then used to harden the material. After the material is hardened, your dentist will further trim and shape it, and polish it to match the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface.
  • Time-to-completion. Dental bonding takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete.

If dental bonding sounds like a solution to your smile problems, call us today and our friendly staff members can get you scheduled with an appointment.

Want to schedule an appointment?