Bonding

When teeth are discolored, worn down, or misaligned, there are multiple options for correction the existing condition to create a more beautiful smile. One option is Bonding, which is similar to Porcelain Veneers, but can be much more conservative. This procedure is done in one visit (as opposed to 2 visits for veneers), and uses a plastic filling material selected to match the desired tooth color. Depending on its location and size, it may not last as long as a Porcelain Veneer, however, in many cases it can be less invasive, less expensive, as well as a good trial period before proceeding to Porcelain Veneers.

Case #5 - Diastema Closure

This patient had a space between her front teeth, partially resulting from undersized central incisors. Orthodontic treatment like Invisalign® braces could have been used to close the gap, but due to finances, bonding was chosen. This approach did not involve removal of any tooth structure which keeps this procedure reversable, and orthodontics as an option for the future.

Case #4 - Restoring Chipped Front Teeth

This patient had an accident that resulted in chips to her front teeth. She did not like the look or feel of her front teeth after the accident and wanted them fixed. As the teeth where healthy and chips relatively small, bonding was done without any freezing or drilling.

Case #3 - Restoring Chipped/Decayed Tooth

This case is more of a conventional tooth colored filling, but fits well in this category as a significant portion of the tooth require restoring, and cost was an issue. 

Case #2 - Restoring Discolored Tooth Structure

This patient had a dark developmental stain in her tooth that she wanted removed, but did not want anything too expensive or invasive done. Resin bonding worked well for this case. With minimal cost, and minimal removal of tooth structure (remove the stained tooth structure), a very happy patient was the final result.

Case #1 - Buildup of Misshapen Tooth

An increasingly common problem today is people with under-developed teeth. The upper lateral incisors (2nd tooth from the front) are very prone to this and can look like little pegs. Bonding, Veneers and even Crowns are often used to restore these teeth to a more ideal shape. In most cases, bonding is a great place to start to see the possible desired changes that can be made without any removal of healthy tooth structure. It will also serve as a guide for shape and design of future restorations on the tooth. In this photo, you can see the buildup of the right lateral incisor (2nd tooth to the left of center).