Reviewed by Dr. Adel Elbaz, DDS, general dentist · Last reviewed
Dental Bonding in London, Ontario
Dental bonding (also called composite bonding) repairs and reshapes teeth with a tooth-coloured resin, the same family of materials used for modern white fillings. We sculpt the resin directly onto the tooth, harden it with a light, and polish it to blend in. It’s one of the quickest, most affordable and most conservative ways to improve a smile.
At Lunar Smile Dentistry, most bonding is done in a single visit, and often without freezing, because little or none of your natural tooth needs to be removed.
What bonding can fix
- Chipped or cracked edges on front teeth
- Small gaps between teeth, including the gap between the two front teeth
- Worn or uneven edges, for example from grinding
- Teeth that look short, small or slightly misshapen
- Isolated stains or white spots that whitening won’t remove
- Exposed, sensitive roots where the gum has receded
- Small cavities on front teeth, as a tooth-coloured filling
How bonding is done
- Shade matching. We choose a resin colour (or several layers of colour) to match your teeth. If you plan to whiten, do it first: bonding doesn’t change colour, so we match it to your brighter shade.
- Preparing the surface. We lightly roughen the enamel and apply a conditioning gel and bonding agent so the resin grips.
- Sculpting. We build up the resin in layers and shape it by hand.
- Hardening. A blue curing light sets each layer in seconds.
- Finishing. We trim, shape and polish until the tooth looks natural and your bite feels right.
A single tooth usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Bonding vs veneers vs crowns
| Bonding | Porcelain veneers | Crowns | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visits | Usually 1 | Usually 2 | 1 (same-day CEREC) or 2 |
| Tooth removed | Little or none | A thin layer of enamel | More, all around the tooth |
| Best for | Small chips, gaps, edges | Several front teeth, bigger changes | Weak, broken or heavily filled teeth |
| Stain resistance | Moderate | High | High |
| Lifespan | Several years, with touch-ups | Many years | Many years |
| Cost | Lowest | Higher | Higher |
Bonding is ideal for small changes and for trying a new shape before committing to something more permanent. For bigger changes across several teeth, veneers usually last longer and look more lifelike.
Caring for bonded teeth
- brush twice a day and floss daily
- limit coffee, tea, red wine and smoking, which can stain resin over time
- don’t bite nails, pens or ice with bonded teeth
- wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- we’ll polish your bonding at your regular cleanings to keep it bright
Bonding commonly lasts several years. If an edge chips, it can usually be repaired quickly by adding a little more resin.
Cost and coverage
Bonding to repair a broken tooth or a cavity is often covered by dental insurance and may be covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Bonding done purely to change appearance, such as closing a gap, is usually considered cosmetic and not covered. Our fees follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide, and we tell you the cost before we start.
Common questions
Does bonding hurt?
Usually not. Because little or no tooth is removed, most bonding doesn’t need freezing. If we’re repairing a cavity or working near a sensitive area, we’ll freeze it first.
Can bonding be whitened?
No. Whitening gels don’t change the colour of resin. If you want whiter teeth, whiten first, then we match the bonding to the new shade. New patients can choose professional whitening as their free gift.
Is bonding reversible?
Often, yes. Because little or no enamel is removed, bonding can usually be polished off or replaced later, for example if you decide on veneers.
Can I eat normally after bonding?
Yes, as soon as you leave. Avoid strongly staining food and drink for the first 48 hours.
Book a bonding appointment in London
Have a chip or a gap that bothers you? Book online or call 226-884-2573. We’re open six days a week, with evening appointments until 9 pm on weekdays. See all cosmetic dentistry options.
Part of our cosmetic dentistry services in London, Ontario. See all dental services.