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Teeth bonding, also known as dental bonding, is a cosmetic dental procedure that improves the appearance of your smile. Teeth bonding fixes small cracks, chips and tooth discoloration with composite resin, a putty-like texture molded and polished to closely match your teeth.
If you’re considering teeth bonding to strengthen your smile, read on for everything you need to know about the procedure, including the cost, benefits, potential risks and more.
“Teeth bonding refers to the process of chemically adhering a substrate—typically a resin-based dental composite—to the enamel, outermost layer of the tooth,” says Lilya Horowitz, D.D.S., a dentist and owner of Domino Dental in Brooklyn, New York. “Composite resin is a plastic tooth-colored material that is widely used for fillings and other types of dental restorations.”
Sometimes called cosmetic bonding, the procedure applies composite resin—also used in restorative dentistry to restore cavities and tooth decay—to alter the shape, size and color of teeth for a natural appearance.
There are several reasons to undergo teeth bonding, according to Rhonda Kalasho, D.D.S., a dentist in Beverly Hills, California, and chief executive officer of TruGlo Modern Dental.
If you have the following dental issues, you may be a candidate for teeth bonding:
If you want to drastically alter the shape or color of your teeth, bonding may not be the answer—instead you may consider veneers, says Dr. Kalasho. “You want to think of bonding as your natural smile, enhanced,” she says. This means minor and subtle alterations.
Before bonding, Dr. Kalasho recommends professional teeth whitening. “The reason being is the material for bonding does not bleach, so it’s best to start with the color you are happy with and then the bonding can be matched.”
The pain-free procedure, carried out by your dentist, is relatively quick, and is typically completed without removing any portion of the tooth, says Dr. Kalasho.
First, an adhesive is applied to the surface of your tooth before the resin, which your dentist molds to the correct shape. A UV light is used to harden the resin, with the final step consisting of buffing to smooth out any rough patches, followed by a polish. As the resin dries immediately, you can eat and drink regularly after.
“You want to maintain bonding by seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and polishing, and performing periodic teeth whitening sessions either at home or in the office,” suggests Dr. Kalasho.
Much like many other dental procedures, teeth bonding has pros and cons, which should be weighed before considering any aesthetic enhancements. One of the major pros is its versatility, explains Dr. Horowitz. “In the right hands, it’s an excellent way to cosmetically enhance teeth.”
Other outlined benefits, according to Dr. Horowitz, include:
While the procedure is reversible and the risks are minimal, touch-ups are required more often than with porcelain veneers, typically every five to 10 years. With advancements in composite resin, one study found that 85% of patients who received restorations had no issues at a nine-year check-up[1]Galiatsatos A, Galiatsatos P, Bergou D. Clinical Longevity of Indirect Composite Resin Inlays and Onlays:. An Up to 9-Year Prospective Study. Eur J Dent. 2022;16(1):202-208. .
However, Dr. Horowitz cautions: “The teeth bonding technique is sensitive, so its success greatly depends on the skill of the dentist, the materials used, the health of the teeth and gums of the patient, as well as the long-term care and maintenance.”
“The downside of bonding is that it does not last long and requires constant upkeep and adjustment,” adds Dr. Kalasho, meaning ongoing trips to the dentist. Unlike veneers, which are made of a strong ceramic, bonding is made of BPA-free resin from plastic and quartz, meaning it can easily chip or break, and caution should be taken when eating or tearing through foods. Other factors affecting the performance of composite resin include a patient’s diet and oral hygiene.
The cost of teeth bonding differs between dental offices and the patient, and is mainly dependent on the amount of tooth surface involved or whether or not the bonding is hand or lab-made, says Dr. Kalasho. If more teeth are involved, the cost will be higher. Typically, though, the price may range from $300 to $600 per tooth.
In some cases, your insurance may cover a portion or more of the cost, reducing your out-of-pocket payment. “It’s always recommended to first consult with your dentist and insurance company for specifics about your case costs and coverage before moving ahead,” suggests Dr. Horowitz.
Many offices offer bonding packages and payment plans for patients.
As teeth bonding is cosmetic in nature, you will typically see a dentist on a non-emergency basis to fix an ongoing aesthetic issue. “If you are overall happy with your smile, but you want to close a gap or make minor changes to the shape of your teeth, then you are a bonding candidate,” says Dr. Kalasho.
In this case, speak with your dentist to discuss how they can lengthen, widen or make slight alterations to the appearance of one or more teeth.
If you’ve had teeth bonding (whether recent or not) and are experiencing any issues, speak with your dentist.
Use Zocdoc to find local dentists who take your insurance. It’s simple, secure and free.
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Leoni Jesner is a fitness and health writer contributing content to Verywell Fit, Byrdie, Forbes Health, Everyday Health and Insider, as well as providing expert features to LIVESTRONG, Bustle, CNET and Fitbit. Leoni is passionate about all things fitness and holds qualifications as an ACE CPT, Level 3 mat Pilates instructor and nutrition coach.
Dr. Holli Careswell is a board-certified general and cosmetic dentist with a private practice in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She has taken hundreds of hours of continuing education, focusing on cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and facial esthetic procedures. She enjoys all aspects of general dentistry and has a special interest in cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Careswell was recently featured on the Emmy award winning Netflix original series Queer Eye, and has been recognized as one of Kansas City’s Top Dentists by the Kansas City 435 magazine for the past five years. She is known for her beautiful cosmetic dentistry and has patients regularly travel across the U.S. to see her for their dental work. Dr. Careswell is married to Vinny and together they have two wonderful boys, Camden and Boston, and two mini-goldendoodles. She enjoys watching her boys’ sporting events, boating, skiing, photography and working out.