Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-coloured resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied to a natural tooth and hardened with a special light which ultimately “bonds” (sticks) the material to the tooth to restore or improve a person’s smile. Dental bonding for cosmetic purposes (as opposed to treatment of dental decay) involves minimal tooth preparation, and therefore is very conservative of tooth substance. Little or no enamel removal is required, thereby leaving your tooth strong and intact. Bonding can generally be done in one visit. Because of some of the limitations of dental bonding, it is very well suited to small cosmetic changes, for temporary correction of cosmetic defects, and for correction of teeth in areas of very low bite pressure (for example, front teeth). At Nuala Cagney Dental & Facial Aesthetics Clinic, we will take the time to explain the various options available to you,