Dental Veneers
Thin, custom shells that cover chips, gaps and stains on your front teeth.
About dental veneersCosmetic dentistry
Tooth bonding in Herriman
A small chip, a gap or an odd-shaped tooth can bug you every time you smile. Bonding can often fix it in one short visit, with little or no drilling.
What is tooth bonding?
Bonding uses a soft, tooth-colored resin that your dentist shapes right on your tooth. A special light hardens it, and then it is polished to blend in. It can change the shape, size or color of a tooth.
- Usually done in one visit
- Little or no enamel is removed
- Often costs less than veneers or crowns
When bonding is a good choice
Bonding works well for small cosmetic fixes. It may help if you have:
- A chipped or cracked tooth edge
- A small gap between two teeth
- A spot of stain that whitening does not lift
- A tooth that is shorter or shaped a bit differently from the rest
- An exposed root that feels sensitive
Bonding is not as strong as porcelain. For large repairs, heavy biting areas or many teeth, your dentist may suggest veneers or a crown instead. If you want to whiten, do it before bonding, since the resin is matched to your current shade and does not get lighter.
What to expect
- Shade match. Your dentist picks a resin color that blends with your tooth.
- Prep. The tooth is cleaned and the surface is lightly roughened so the resin can grip. Numbing is often not needed.
- Shaping. The resin is applied in thin layers and sculpted into shape.
- Hardening. A curing light sets each layer in seconds.
- Polish. Your dentist trims, smooths and polishes the tooth and checks your bite.
Most teeth take about 30 to 60 minutes. You can go back to your normal day right after.
Caring for bonded teeth
Brush twice a day and floss daily. Resin can stain more easily than enamel, so rinse after coffee, tea or red wine and avoid tobacco. Do not bite nails, pens or ice, or open things with your teeth. Keep your regular cleanings so your dentist can polish the bonding and catch small chips early.
Cost and insurance
Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.
FAQ
Questions about tooth bonding
How long does bonding last?
Bonding often lasts several years, and many people get 5 to 10. Where the tooth is, how you bite and your habits all affect how long it holds up. Your dentist can touch it up or redo it when needed.
Does tooth bonding hurt?
Most people feel little or nothing, since little or no enamel is removed. If the bonding is filling a deeper chip, your dentist may numb the area.
Can bonding be whitened later?
No. The resin will not change color with whitening. If you plan to whiten, do it first so your bonding can be matched to your new shade.
Is there any downtime?
No. You can eat and go about your day once you leave. Your bite may feel a little different for a day while you get used to the new shape.
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Call to book your visit
Our Herriman team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.