Cosmetic Dentistry / Dental Bonding
Dental Bonding in Irvine
Tooth-colored bonding can fix a chipped tooth, close a small gap or cover a stain, usually in a single visit and without removing much of your natural tooth.
Bonding at a glance
- Good for: small chips, gaps, stains, worn or uneven edges
- Visits: usually one
- Time: often 30 to 60 minutes per tooth
- Numbing: often not needed, unless we are also treating decay
- Lasts: often 5 to 10 years with good care
- Tooth-coloredmatched to the shade of your teeth
- Little or no drillingmost of your tooth stays in place
- Open until 7 PMon Mondays and Thursdays
- Since 2008caring for Irvine smiles
What bonding can fix
Bonding uses a tooth-colored resin, the same kind of material used in tooth-colored fillings, shaped right onto your tooth.
Chipped or cracked edges. A small chip on a front tooth is one of the most common reasons for bonding.
Small gaps. Resin can be added to the sides of teeth to close a small space.
Stains that whitening can't fix. Some spots and discoloration don't respond to whitening, but they can be covered.
Uneven or worn teeth. Bonding can even out a tooth that is shorter or a different shape than its neighbor.
Exposed roots. When gums pull back, bonding can cover a sensitive root surface.
Your dentist will check that the tooth is healthy first. If there is decay or a large crack, a filling or a crown may be the better fix.
Bonding or veneers?
Both improve how front teeth look. The right choice depends on how much change you want, your budget and how long you want it to last.
| Bonding | Porcelain veneers | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small repairs on one or a few teeth | Bigger changes in shape, color or size |
| Visits | Usually one | Usually two or more |
| Tooth removed | Little or none | A thin layer of enamel |
| Stain resistance | Can pick up stains over time | Resists stains |
| Typical lifespan | Often 5 to 10 years | Often 10 to 15 years or more |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Want to compare in more detail? See our porcelain veneers page or the cosmetic dentistry overview.
What happens at your visit
Most bonding is done in one appointment.
Choose the shade
We match the resin to the color of your teeth. If you want whiter teeth, whiten first, because bonding doesn't change color with whitening.
Prepare the tooth
The surface is lightly roughened and a conditioning liquid is applied so the resin sticks. Most patients don't need numbing for this step.
Shape the resin
Your dentist applies the putty-like resin and sculpts it into the right shape, layer by layer.
Harden and polish
A special light hardens each layer. Then the tooth is trimmed and polished so it blends in with your smile.
Caring for bonded teeth
Bonded resin is strong but not as hard as natural enamel or porcelain. A few habits help it last.
Don't bite hard things
Avoid chewing ice, pens and fingernails, and don't use your teeth to open packages.
Limit stains
Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking can darken resin over time. Rinse with water after dark drinks.
Wear a night guard if you grind
Grinding can chip bonding. A custom night guard protects it while you sleep.
Keep up with cleanings
We polish bonded areas at your regular cleanings to keep them smooth and bright.
Touch-ups are simple
If bonding chips or stains, it can often be repaired or refreshed without starting over.
Call if something feels off
A rough edge or a change in your bite is worth a quick check.
Cost and insurance
The cost of bonding depends on how many teeth are treated and how much resin each one needs. Bonding usually costs less than veneers or crowns.
Dental insurance often covers part of bonding when it repairs a chipped or broken tooth. Bonding done only to change how a tooth looks is usually considered cosmetic and not covered. We accept most PPO plans, including Delta Dental, and we check your benefits and give you a price before we start. Insurance and payment options
Dental bonding questions
How long does dental bonding last?
Bonding often lasts 5 to 10 years, depending on where it is in your mouth and your habits. It can usually be repaired or refreshed when it wears.
Does dental bonding hurt?
Usually not. Most bonding doesn't need numbing because little or none of the tooth is removed. If decay is being treated at the same time, the tooth is numbed first.
Can bonding fix a chipped front tooth?
Yes. Repairing a small chip on a front tooth is one of the most common uses for bonding, and it is usually done in one visit.
Is bonding or veneers better?
Bonding is faster and costs less, and it is great for small repairs. Porcelain veneers last longer, resist stains and are better for bigger changes. Your dentist can help you compare them.
Can bonded teeth be whitened?
No. Bonding resin doesn't change color with whitening. If you want a whiter smile, whiten first so the bonding can be matched to your new shade.
Does insurance cover dental bonding?
Often in part when bonding repairs a chipped or broken tooth. Bonding done only for appearance is usually not covered. Sand Canyon Dental in Irvine checks your benefits and gives you a price before treatment.
Fix a chip or gap in one visit
Book a visit and we will tell you whether bonding, a filling or a veneer is the best fit for your tooth.
Sand Canyon Dental
16100 Sand Canyon Ave, Suite 270
Irvine, CA 92618
Mon and Thu 8 AM to 7 PM
Tue, Wed, and Fri 8 AM to 5 PM