Bonding is a procedure in which tooth-colored materials are applied to the surface of a tooth. Bonding covers discolorations, repairs chips, breaks, and cracks, and fills in gaps. Bonding is a virtually painless procedure that is usually completed in one visit. Periodically, bonding may have to be recoated or replaced, since it usually lasts from three to five years.

The bonding process involves etching the tooth surface with a conditioning solution that allows the bonding material, made of composite resins, to adhere. To match your own teeth, various color bond resins are carefully blended so the bonded tooth will look completely natural. After application, the bond resin is contoured into the proper shape and hardened using a special light or chemical process. The bond is then smoothed and polished to appear natural.