Bonding is an alternative to veneers that can be used to restore
teeth that are discolored, chipped, cracked, or misarranged.
The dentist prepares the tooth for bonding by lightly etching
the surface, and coating the tooth with a bonding liquid. Once
the liquid has set, then the dentist applies a plastic resin
and sculpts it into the desired shape. When the resin has set,
it is trimmed and polished to a natural appearance.
Considerations
Bonding can significantly improve the appearance of a tooth
and can usually be done in a single office visit. Because the
plastic is not as strong as tooth enamel, it can be chipped,
or broken, and is more likely to pick up stains than natural
teeth. Bonding usually lasts for three to five years before
needing repair.
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