One of the many treatments we use to enhance a patient's smile is Cosmetic Bonding. In general, this procedure involves adding tooth-colored composite resin directly onto parts of the patient's teeth to achieve the desired results. When done correctly, the bond between the composite resin and the tooth is very strong and the shade of the resin exactly matches that of the tooth.

Similar to Porcelain Veneers, Bonding is used to create the illusion of a straight, bright, even smile when the natural teeth alone are not quite up to the task.

There are differences, though, between Veneers and Bonding:

• Porcelain veneers are an indirect technique: after the teeth are shaped, an impression is taken and this is sent to a dental lab. The lab technician fabricates the veneers on an accurate model of the teeth. Composite bonding is done directly onto the actual teeth.
• Unlike Porcelain Veneers, Cosmetic Bonding can often be completed in a single visit. Most porcelain veneers are fabricated in a dental lab and therefore require at least 2 visits. 
• Very often, Cosmetic Bonding can be accomplished without altering or removing any natural tooth structure. "Prepless" porcelain veneers can only be accomplished on very specific types of cases - usually at least a very small amount of tooth enamel must be removed to provide space for the porcelain material.
• Since no laboratory work is needed to do direct composite cosmetic bonding, the Dentist performing the work is in complete control of the outcome.

Here are some recent examples of Direct Cosmetic Bonding:

So here's Jojo, a super cute lady who was doing some modeling but was frustrated that she seemed to be hitting a plateau with the calls whe was getting:

She had a big shoot coming up and wanted to do something to enhance her smile. She didn't have time to do Adult Orthodontics or even

any restorations that involved a laboratory. So, in analyzing the fundamental flaws in her smile, I came up with a very creative solution using

Conservative Aesthetic Bonding. Here are the before and afters:

Now, this is NOT a cosmetic simulation using Photoshop... this is real Cosmetic Dentistry using conservative direct composite bonding, an experienced, artistic eye and a passion for Aesthetic Dentistry ... 1 long visit and then some "tweaking" at a 2nd short visit. Again, the before and afters from the side ...

... and away she flew!!

So, now JoJo's friend, Karlee, was blown away with how good Jojo looked and flew in from LA to have me take a look at her smile:

... beautiful teeth, but similar issues as with Jojo's smile. Here's what we were able to do in 1 visit:

... and away she flew!!