An alternative to veneers, bonding is a restorative dental procedure used for chipped, damaged, discolored or crooked teeth.
The tooth is prepared by lightly roughing the surface and applying the bonding liquid. Once set, a plastic resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by the dentist. It is then trimmed, smoothed and polished to a natural appearance.
Bonding is typically done in one office visit and can dramatically improve the appearance of a tooth. However, the plastic resin used is not as strong as natural tooth enamel and usually only lasts three to five years before needing repair.