Dental Bonding

Do you have chipped, stained, gapped, or cracked teeth? Bonding can help and is a cost effective alternative to crowns or veneers. With the use of composite resin, Dr. Murdoch can achieve a very natural looking result.

When should Dental Bonding 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

How Does Dental Bonding Work?

Many times anesthesia is not necessary. However, if there is decay being removed Dr. Murdoch may choose to use local anesthesia for your comfort.

First, we will work to find a great color to match your surrounding teeth, and have many shades to choose from.

Dr. Murdoch will then prepare the tooth by roughing it (similar to the process of sanding before painting). Next, a conditioning liquid is added before the bonding material is placed and carefully molded and smoothed. Our goal is to have the most natural looking tooth possible.

Finally, it’s time for the actual bonding! A curing light is used on the tooth to harden the material and actually bond it to your tooth.

Each tooth will usually take 30-60 minutes for the bonding process. Dr. Murdoch will take as much time as necessary to achieve the best result possible.

Bonding offers several benefits. It is quick, affordable and relatively painless. The composite resin is very flexible and allows for expanding and contracting with your natural tooth. This prevents cracks and tooth loss. One point to consider with bonding is that resin is not as strong as the enamel on your natural tooth and is more prone to staining, chipping and breakage than your own teeth. Bonding usually lasts around five years before needing to be repaired.