Tooth structure
Dr. Lee evaluates enamel, existing restorations, fractures, and the amount of material the tooth would need added or replaced.
Dental bonding in Seattle
Dental bonding uses tooth-colored restorative material to make selected localized changes in tooth shape, chips, surface defects, or small spaces.
Dr. Jaime Lee would evaluate enamel, bite forces, tooth position, color, and the size of the change before deciding whether bonding is conservative enough and strong enough for the specific tooth.
Conservative cosmetic restoration
When is dental bonding a good fit?
Bonding can add or reshape material without the broader tooth preparation required for a veneer or crown when the cosmetic or structural change is small.
Its usefulness depends on location and bite because an additive restoration that looks appropriate still has to tolerate the forces placed on the tooth.
- Repair selected small chips
- Refine localized tooth shape
- Close selected small spaces
- Preserve unaffected tooth structure
What does Dr. Lee check before recommending bonding?
Bite forces
The location of the tooth and how it contacts the opposing teeth affect whether a bonded repair can function predictably.
Alternative cosmetic treatment
For extensive structural or aesthetic changes, Dr. Lee bypasses minor bonding and evaluates orthodontics, custom veneers, or crowns to predictably achieve your clinical goal.
How is dental bonding done?
- Define the change. Dr. Lee identifies the exact shape, chip, space, or surface defect being addressed.
- Evaluate structure and bite. She determines whether additive bonded material can achieve the goal without creating an unstable contact or excessive bulk.
- Select and shape the material. The restoration is built to match the planned contour and surrounding tooth color.
- Finish and evaluate. The bonded surface is polished and the final bite is checked.
Am I a candidate for dental bonding?
Dr. Lee may recommend dental bonding to correct chips, small shape differences, small spaces between teeth, and minor defects in adult patients.
Dr. Lee compares bonding with orthodontics, veneers, or crowns when a broader treatment would address the goal more predictably.
Is bonding or another treatment better for my tooth?
Comparison is useful when the desired change involves a larger portion of the tooth, significant alignment, heavy bite forces, or a tooth that is structurally compromised.
Dr. Lee should select the least invasive option that can meet the goal predictably rather than defaulting to a more extensive restoration.
What affects the cost of dental bonding?
Cost depends on the number of teeth, size and complexity of each bonded area, and whether the treatment is cosmetic or restorative.
PPO insurance
Smile Art accepts all PPO insurance.
Contact the office with your plan details to ask about coverage and network participation.
Coverage depends on whether treatment is restorative or elective cosmetic care and on the individual plan.
Third-party financing
Available through:
- CareCredit
- Cherry
- LendingClub
Financing is subject to the provider’s approval and terms.
Who provides your care at Smile Art?
Dr. Jaime Lee combines restorative planning with an undergraduate background in fine art, using tooth structure, bite, color, and proportion to determine whether a conservative bonded change fits the goal.
Frequently asked questions
What can dental bonding change?
Bonding can be used for selected small chips, localized shape changes, minor spaces, or surface defects when the tooth and bite support that approach.
Is bonding the same as a veneer?
No. Bonding places restorative material directly on the tooth, while a veneer is a custom surface restoration made separately and bonded to the prepared tooth.
Can bonding fix crooked teeth?
Bonding can change visible contour but does not move tooth roots. Orthodontic treatment may be more appropriate when actual alignment needs to change.
Can bonded material chip?
Yes. Bite forces, location, habits, and the size of the restoration influence how bonded material wears over time.
When is bonding not the best cosmetic option?
A broader restoration or orthodontic treatment may be more appropriate when the change involves significant tooth structure, alignment, bite forces, or several surfaces.
Does insurance cover bonding?
Coverage depends on whether the procedure is restorative or elective cosmetic treatment and on the individual PPO plan.
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Smile Art by Dr. Jaime Lee901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030
Seattle, WA 98104
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.