Bonding, also called composite filling, is an invisible, cost effective way to repair or reshape front teeth that are misshapen, have spaces, or are chipped or cracked. It is also a great way to replace unsightly or leaky old silver fillings in back teeth. In fact, tooth colored composite fillings have become the most requested material for fillings in back teeth because, not only are they better looking, they also strengthen decayed teeth because they chemically bond directly to tooth structure instead of just filling a hole.
To see a dramatic example of composite bonding, click here.
Reasons for bonding:
How are bonded composite fillings placed?
Bonding is done in one appointment. In many cases, no injection is needed, especially in front teeth. If necessary, old filling material and decay is removed, then the tooth surface is treated with a chemical bonding agent to allow the composite resin to adhere to it. A composite resin, or sometimes several resins, that match the color of the tooth is placed and hardened with a high-intensity light. After polishing, the tooth is ready for immediate use.