Of all cosmetic dentistry procedures, tooth bonding is often the easiest and most cost effective solution in correcting a number of dental flaws.  It is a great solution to fixing everything from gaps in your smile line, to rebuilding structure for chipped or broken teeth, to repairing cracks, to restoring decaying teeth.   The principle of tooth bonding is based on using a composite resin filling.  By applying a thin coat of plastic material, flaws will be covered, allowing the tooth to be cosmetically enhanced.  The cosmetic dentist can then manipulate the appearance of the tooth, crafting the perfect shape and determining the exact color.  Being able to manipulate the color makes bonding an excellent option in correcting stained or discolored teeth.

The procedure itself is rather simple. Often small corrections can be completed in one visit, however larger corrections may require additional appointments.  The cosmetic dentist begins by isolating the area to be worked on.  Next a mild etching solution is applied to the tooth.  This creates small crevices that the composite can adhere to. Then the bonding material, otherwise known as resin, is applied in layers. The color options are endless as resin is available in all shades.  After determining the correct shade to make the tooth esthetically pleasing, the master then sculpts the resin layers to the perfect shape.  With an element of artistry involved, the end results rely heavily the on skill of your practioner. It is crucial to research the qualifications of your cosmetic dentist.  A high intensity light is then used to harden the plastic quickly.   The surface is the polished to perfection.

Composites usually last between seven and eleven years, exceeding the life of traditional fillings.  The average cost per tooth can range between three and six hundred dollars, but will vary depending on your location.  Larger corrections may exceed this price range as they may require multiple visits.  Dental insurance will often cover a portion of this procedure especially if there are structural elements involved.  All of these factors make tooth bonding a practical solution to a variety of tooth issues.  Of all cosmetic procedures, tooth bonding is a quick and relatively inexpensive solution.