Dental bonding
Bonding is an aesthetic dental procedure in which a small amount of composite material is used to change the shape, size or colour of the teeth. Thanks to its non-invasive nature, more and more people choose it as their way of transforming their smile.
Bonding is usually chosen for smaller aesthetic corrections when we want to avoid cutting into the tooth substance. It is an additive technique – a technique of adding – so the teeth need no prior grinding. A further advantage is the small number of visits; sometimes a single one is enough.
The procedure is patient-friendly – no anaesthesia is needed, and there is no pain or swelling afterwards.
Compared with veneers it is also more affordable, as it involves no laboratory work or costly materials. The price is considerably lower, yet the aesthetic effect is remarkable.
Bonding is rarely suitable for more extensive changes. With a misaligned dental arch, heavier tooth wear or truly severe discolouration that whitening and bonding together cannot improve, we prefer orthodontic appliances, veneers or crowns.
The effect of bonding can last a very long time, but several factors deserve attention. Good oral hygiene is essential, as is avoiding food and drink that stain the teeth. Smoking, too, speeds up the discolouration of both the tooth and the composite material.