Before your dentist proceeds with the tooth bonding, he or she will examine your teeth thoroughly to rule out any underlying dental conditions such as tooth decay that might interfere with receiving optimal cosmetic results. Your dentist may use a computer and new imaging technology to help you "see" the results you can expect. Sometimes a shade guide - little models of teeth in varying shades - will be used to select a color to match your teeth. An impression of your teeth may be taken to help determine the amount of material and contouring necessary to rebuild or cover the tooth.
Once this preliminary work is concluded, the bonding will begin. Your dentist will apply a mild acidic compound to the tooth to create a rough surface that will help the bonding material adhere more tightly to the tooth. Afterward, he or she will coat the tooth with a liquid compound resin and then shine a special light on the surface to harden the material. Once that phase of the procedure is complete, the dentist will add a tooth-colored resin not unlike putty to the tooth, mold it into the proper shape and again employ a special light to harden it. Afterward, it is smoothed and polished to appear natural.
Most often, tooth bonding will be performed without the use of anesthesia.
The entire treatment should be accomplished during a single visit to the dentist; although more visits may be required depending on the number of teeth involved. The actual bonding procedure itself will take from 15 minutes to an hour per tooth.
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