Dental Bonding

Bonding uses the same tooth-colored composite resin as a filling. Dr. Gailey applies it to the tooth, shapes it, and hardens it. Minor chips and gaps can often be fixed this way in a single visit. Bonding can stain or chip over time, especially on edges you bite with, and may need touching up after a few years.

Because little or none of the natural tooth has to be removed, bonding is a good place to start for small changes. For larger changes to a tooth's color or shape, porcelain veneers are usually the longer-lasting choice, and Dr. Gailey will explain the difference for your teeth.

Bonding that repairs a chipped or broken tooth also restores function, so it may be partly covered by insurance. Bonding done only to change how a tooth looks usually isn't.