When it comes to fillings most people still think first of the traditional silvery amalgam fillings - but they aren’t as common these days as they once were. More and more often, dentists are using a bonding procedure to create white (tooth colored) fillings that don’t stand out when the patient smiles, laughs or talks.

Bonding is a process in which the dentist uses a resin to create the look of a “healthy” tooth after the patient’s actual tooth has decayed, cracked or been broken (by biting down on something hard, falling or being involved in some other accident).

Basically, it’s a procedure that’s done in a single visit to the dentist. The damaged part of the tooth is addressed and then a bonding agent is applied. The resin is placed on the repaired tooth, and then is shaped. Once sculpted, the resin looks natural, and your teeth and smile don’t show that the work has been done.

Bonding (and white fillings along with it) can be a great option, but it’s important to point out that the resin does wear over time. 5 years or more may pass, but eventually the resin will need to be replaced, so it’s important to talk it over with your dentist to see if it’s really the best option for you.

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