Small Fixes, Big Difference
Not every cosmetic improvement needs porcelain and a lab bill. Dental bonding uses the same tooth-coloured composite resin we fill cavities with — but applied as sculpture: layered, shaped and polished by hand to rebuild a chipped corner, close a small gap or smooth a worn edge. Done well, it's invisible. And it happens in one appointment, at a fraction of the cost of veneers or crowns.
What Bonding Fixes Beautifully
- Chipped front teeth — the classic bonding case, repaired in under an hour
- Small gaps between front teeth, closed or narrowed without braces
- Worn or uneven edges that make a smile look older than it is
- Discoloured spots or white flecks masked seamlessly
- Short or misshapen teeth brought into proportion
- Exposed root surfaces from gum recession, covered to reduce sensitivity
- Minor rotations camouflaged with clever contouring
The limits are honest ones: bonding relies on the tooth beneath it, so large structural rebuilds, dark whole-tooth discolouration, and heavy-bite situations usually point to veneers or crowns instead. We'll tell you which side of the line your tooth sits on.
A One-Visit Transformation
Your visit is refreshingly simple: we select the resin shade against your natural teeth in daylight-balanced light, gently condition the enamel, then layer and sculpt the composite — building in the subtle translucency and texture that make it disappear. A curing light hardens each layer; final shaping and a high polish finish the job. Total time: typically 30–60 minutes per tooth. Most patients drive back to work with the fix already forgotten — which is rather the point.
Caring for Bonded Teeth
Treat them like teeth, with two footnotes: don't use them as tools (no opening packages, no chewing ice — advice your unbonded teeth would also appreciate), and keep up your cleanings, where we polish and inspect the bonding each visit. Years from now, refreshing it is quick and painless.
Got a chip you've been ignoring — or hiding? It's likely a smaller fix than you think. Book online or call (613) 491-3300.
Dental Bonding — Frequently Asked Questions
How long does dental bonding last?
Typically 4–8 years before touch-ups, depending on location, bite forces and habits. The good news: repairs are quick and inexpensive — bonding is the most easily refreshed treatment in cosmetic dentistry.
Does bonding require drilling or needles?
Usually neither. For most cosmetic bonding the tooth surface is simply cleaned and conditioned — no anesthetic needed. If we're also repairing decay, local anesthetic keeps things comfortable.
Bonding or veneers — how do I choose?
Bonding wins on price, speed and conservativeness: one visit, no lab, minimal or no tooth alteration. Veneers win on stain resistance, longevity and transforming multiple issues at once. Small, localized fixes favour bonding; comprehensive front-tooth transformations favour veneers. We'll show you both quotes.
Will bonding stain?
Composite resin can pick up stain over years faster than porcelain, especially with heavy coffee, tea or red wine. Polishing at hygiene visits helps; when the shade eventually drifts, the bonding can be refreshed. If you whiten your teeth, do it before bonding so we match the brighter shade.