What are the alternatives to having indirect dental bonding?

One alternative to indirect dental bonding is direct dental bonding. In the latter process, a dentist uses material called composite resin to repair or improve the appearance of a decayed or damaged tooth. After applying composite resin, the dentist uses a special light to harden the material. The procedure requires only one office visit.

In indirect dental bonding, the dentist makes a mold of the damaged tooth. The mold is sent to a lab, where it is used to make a filling or inlay (a type of large filling). At a second office visit, the dentist cements the filling or inlay to the damaged tooth.

Your dentist may recommend other alternatives to indirect dental bonding, depending on your needs. They include fillings and other tooth restorations made of amalgam, gold, ceramic, or glass isomer.