SUMMERLIN DENTAL SOLUTIONS
Dental Bonding
in Summerlin & Las Vegas
Cosmetic Tooth Repair by Dr. Marianne Cohan, DDS, AACD
851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230, Las Vegas, NV 89145
+1(702) 341-9160 | summerlindentalsolutions.com
19x Best of Las Vegas | AACD Accredited | One Patient at a Time
If a small chip, a hairline crack, a stubborn gap, or a discolored edge is the only thing standing between you and the smile you want, dental bonding may be the fastest, most affordable, and most conservative cosmetic procedure available to fix it.
It is fast (typically 30 to 60 minutes per tooth), conservative (preserves more natural tooth structure than any other cosmetic restoration), affordable (a fraction of the cost of porcelain veneers), and when executed by a skilled cosmetic dentist, the results are virtually indistinguishable from natural tooth enamel.
At Summerlin Dental Solutions, dental bonding is performed by Dr. Marianne Cohan, one of the few AACD-accredited dentists in Nevada. AACD Accreditation means her cosmetic work has been independently evaluated and approved by a panel of the nation’s leading cosmetic dental experts. For a procedure like bonding, where the outcome depends entirely on the artistic skill and color-matching ability of the provider, this credential matters enormously. A bonding placed by a generalist and a bonding placed by an AACD-accredited cosmetic artist look fundamentally different. The shape, translucency, surface texture, and polished finish that Dr. Cohan achieves create results that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Our advanced technology supports this artistry: AI-assisted diagnostics identify subtle issues before treatment, high-powered magnification enables micro-level sculpting precision, and our shade-matching system uses spectrophotometry to select the exact composite resin color that matches your natural enamel under all lighting conditions. And because we see one patient at a time, Dr. Cohan can take as long as the case requires without the time pressure that compromises results in multi-patient practices.
Our office at 851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230, is located near Tivoli Village and Boca Park in the heart of Summerlin.
Dental bonding is also an outstanding entry point for patients considering a broader smile makeover but want to start conservatively. Because bonding preserves your natural tooth structure and is mostly reversible, it allows you to improve your smile incrementally without committing to permanent restorations.
Dental bonding is a cosmetic and restorative procedure in which tooth-colored composite resin is applied directly to the surface of a tooth, sculpted into the desired shape, hardened with a curing light, and polished to match the surrounding enamel. The term ‘bonding’ refers to the chemical adhesion between the composite resin and your natural tooth structure, creating a durable, seamless repair.
The composite resin used in bonding is a sophisticated dental material engineered to mimic the optical properties of natural tooth enamel, including its translucency, surface texture, and light-refracting behavior. Modern composites are available in dozens of shades and opacities, allowing Dr. Cohan to layer multiple tones within a single restoration to replicate the natural depth and dimension of a real tooth. The result, when placed by an AACD-accredited provider, is a repair that is virtually invisible.
Unlike porcelain veneers, which require removing a layer of enamel and fabricating the restoration in a laboratory, bonding is completed in a single appointment with minimal or no tooth preparation. This makes it one of the most conservative cosmetic treatments available, preserving the maximum amount of your natural tooth structure.
Unlike dental crowns, which cover the entire tooth, bonding addresses only the specific area of concern. It is an additive procedure: material is placed onto the tooth rather than removed from it. For patients who want to improve their smile without irreversible structural changes, bonding is often the ideal first step.
The clinical advantages extend beyond aesthetics. Bonding can seal small fracture lines, protect exposed dentin from sensitivity and bacterial infiltration, and reinforce weakened enamel margins around old fillings that have begun to deteriorate. We use only top-tier nano-hybrid composites from manufacturers like Tokuyama, Kulzer, and Ivoclar that are formulated for superior aesthetics and durability.
Chipped or Cracked Teeth
The most common reason patients seek bonding. A chip from biting into hard food, a hairline crack from a sports impact, or a rough edge from grinding can all be repaired with composite resin sculpted to restore the tooth’s original shape and contour. The repair is structurally integrated with the tooth and polished to an invisible finish.
Gaps Between Teeth
Small to moderate gaps (diastemas) between teeth can be closed by building up the sides of adjacent teeth with composite resin. This provides an instant, same-day alternative to orthodontic treatment for patients who want to close a gap without months of aligners.
Discolored or Stained Teeth
Some stains are too deep for professional whitening to address. Bonding covers the affected surface with composite resin matched to your surrounding teeth, eliminating the stain without affecting other teeth.
Uneven or Short Teeth
Teeth worn down by grinding or acid erosion can be built up with bonding to create a more uniform smile line. This is often combined with teeth contouring on adjacent teeth for a harmonious result.
Exposed Root Surfaces
When gum recession exposes the root surface, that area becomes sensitive and vulnerable to decay. Bonding covers exposed roots, reducing sensitivity and protecting against further damage.
Tooth Shape and Contour
Teeth that are naturally pointed (canines that appear too sharp), peg-shaped (undersized lateral incisors), or irregularly contoured can be reshaped with bonding to create more aesthetically pleasing proportions. Dr. Cohan uses Digital Smile Design principles to ensure the reshaped teeth complement your facial structure.
Dental bonding is one of the simplest and fastest cosmetic procedures available. Most cases are completed in 30 to 60 minutes per tooth with no anesthesia required.
Step 1: Shade Selection
Dr. Cohan uses a spectrophotometric shade guide to select the precise composite resin color that matches your natural tooth. Unlike basic shade tabs, spectrophotometry measures the exact optical properties of your enamel, including hue, value, and chroma, ensuring an invisible color match under all lighting conditions, from daylight to LED to incandescent.
Step 2: Surface Preparation
The tooth surface is lightly etched with a mild phosphoric acid gel, creating microscopic roughness that allows the bonding agent to form a strong mechanical bond. A liquid bonding agent is then applied and cured with UV light. This preparation takes seconds, removes no structural tooth material, and typically requires no anesthesia.
Step 3: Composite Application and Sculpting
Dr. Cohan applies the composite resin in thin layers, sculpting each layer to build the desired shape, contour, and dimension. Under high-powered magnification, she creates the subtle surface anatomy, including mammelons, perikymata lines, and translucent incisal edges, that make the bonding indistinguishable from natural enamel. Each layer is cured with a high-intensity LED light before the next is applied.
Step 4: Finishing and Polishing
After the final layer is cured, Dr. Cohan refines the shape with fine diamond burs and finishing discs, then polishes the bonding through a multi-step sequence that produces a natural luster matching the gloss of your surrounding enamel. The bite is checked and adjusted to ensure comfortable, even contact. You leave the office with your final result.
Choosing the right cosmetic restoration depends on the nature of your concern, the condition of the underlying tooth, and your long-term goals.
Factor | Bonding | Veneers | Crowns |
Appointments | 1 (same-day) | 2 (or same-day CEREC) | 1-2 |
Tooth Removal | None to minimal | Thin enamel layer | Significant reduction |
Reversibility | Mostly reversible | Permanent | Permanent |
Durability | 5-10 years | 15-20+ years | 15-20+ years |
Stain Resistance | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent |
Cost Per Tooth | $300-$600 | $1,000-$2,500 | $1,000-$2,000 |
Best For | Minor chips, small gaps, single-tooth fixes | Smile makeovers, multiple teeth | Damaged or weakened teeth |
Dr. Cohan evaluates your specific situation during your consultation and recommends the most conservative approach that achieves your goals. For patients who want to start small, bonding is often an excellent first step that can be upgraded to veneers later if desired.
AACD-Accredited Artistry
Bonding is the most technique-sensitive cosmetic procedure in dentistry. The result depends entirely on the provider’s artistic skill. Dr. Cohan’s AACD Accreditation means her cosmetic work has been independently judged among the finest in the country. For bonding, this translates to invisible color matching, natural surface anatomy, and seamless blending that generalists simply cannot replicate.
One Patient at a Time
Beautiful bonding requires patience. Layering composite, sculpting anatomy, and polishing to a natural luster cannot be rushed. In our one-patient model, Dr. Cohan has as much time as the case demands. No other patient is waiting. No time pressure exists. The only thing that matters is getting your result right.
Spectrophotometric Shade Matching
Basic shade guides rely on subjective human perception, which varies by lighting and fatigue. Our spectrophotometer measures the exact optical properties of your enamel digitally, selecting the composite shade that matches under all conditions. The difference between ‘close enough’ and ‘invisible’ often comes down to this one step.
High-Powered Magnification
Dr. Cohan performs all bonding under surgical-grade magnification loupes, enabling her to sculpt surface details at a level invisible to the naked eye. The mammelons, micro-texture, and translucent layering that make bonding look real are only achievable under magnification.
Premium Composite Materials
We use only the highest-grade nano-hybrid and micro-filled composite resins from industry-leading manufacturers. These materials offer superior color stability (less yellowing over time), higher polish retention, and better wear resistance than economy composites.
0% Interest Financing
Even though bonding is among the most affordable cosmetic procedures, we remove every barrier. 0% interest financing through HFD provides approval in under 60 seconds with no credit score impact.
“I chipped my front tooth at dinner and was devastated. Dr. Cohan saw me the next morning and repaired it with bonding in about 45 minutes. I have shown the tooth to friends and family and no one can tell which tooth was chipped. The color match is absolutely perfect.”
Summerlin Patient, Bonding Repair 2024
DDS, SUNY Buffalo: Dual honors: Operative Dentistry Award and Periodontics Award.
AACD Accredited: Peer-reviewed by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Fewer than 1% of dentists achieve this distinction.
AAFE and AAID: American Academy of Facial Esthetics. American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
19x Best of Las Vegas: Best Dentist, Best Cosmetic Dentist, Best Dental Office, Best Customer Service.
Laser Dentistry: Academy of Laser Dentistry. Er:YAG and diode protocols.
AGD, ADA, NDA: Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, Nevada Dental Association.
Best Dentists in America: Peer-nominated by dental professionals nationwide.
31+ Years Clinical Experience: Thousands of cosmetic bonding cases with AACD-caliber results.
Q: Does dental bonding hurt?
A: In most cases, no. Bonding typically requires no anesthesia because the procedure does not involve drilling into tooth structure. You may feel mild sensitivity from the etching gel, but it lasts only seconds. Patients with dental anxiety can request sedation options if needed.
Q: How long does dental bonding last?
A: With proper care, dental bonding lasts 5 to 10 years before needing repair or replacement. Factors that affect longevity include bite forces, dietary habits, and oral hygiene. Patients who grind their teeth should wear a custom night guard to protect both bonding and natural enamel.
Q: How much does dental bonding cost?
A: At Summerlin Dental Solutions, bonding ranges from $300 to $600 per tooth depending on the size and complexity of the repair. This is significantly less than porcelain veneers ($1,000 to $2,500 per tooth) and crowns ($1,000 to $2,000 per tooth). 0% interest financing is available through HFD.
Q: Does insurance cover dental bonding?
A: Many dental insurance plans cover bonding when it is performed for restorative purposes, such as repairing a chipped or fractured tooth. Coverage for purely cosmetic bonding varies by plan. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and provides a clear cost estimate.
Q: Can dental bonding stain?
A: Composite resin can absorb surface stains over time, particularly from coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. However, premium composites resist staining better than older materials, and regular professional polishing during cleanings can maintain the bonding’s original appearance.
Q: Is bonding better than veneers?
A: They serve different purposes. Bonding is ideal for minor repairs on one or two teeth, costs less, and preserves more tooth structure. Veneers are better for comprehensive smile makeovers involving multiple teeth, last longer, and resist staining more effectively. Dr. Cohan recommends the most conservative option that achieves your goals.
Q: Can bonding fix crooked teeth?
A: Bonding can create the illusion of straighter teeth by modifying the visible surfaces, but it does not move teeth. For significant alignment issues, ClearCorrect (clear aligners) or other orthodontic treatment is the appropriate first step. Bonding can then refine the result after alignment is complete.
Q: How long does the bonding appointment take?
A: Most bonding appointments take 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. Simple chips may take as little as 20 minutes. More complex cases involving multiple surfaces or significant reshaping may take longer. Because we see one patient at a time, scheduling is flexible and unhurried.
Q: What is the difference between bonding and a filling?
A: The materials are similar (both use composite resin), but the intent and technique differ. A filling restores a tooth damaged by decay, focusing on function. Bonding is a cosmetic procedure focused on aesthetics, using layering and sculpting techniques to replicate natural tooth appearance. Dr. Cohan applies cosmetic bonding principles even to fillings on visible teeth.
Q: Can bonding close a gap in my front teeth?
A: Yes. Bonding is one of the fastest ways to close a small to moderate diastema (gap) between front teeth. The composite is built up on the sides of each adjacent tooth, and the result is immediate. For larger gaps, veneers or orthodontic treatment may produce a more balanced result.
Q: Will bonding match my other teeth?
A: When performed by an AACD-accredited dentist using spectrophotometric shade matching, the bonding will be virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Dr. Cohan matches not just the color but also the translucency, surface texture, and gloss of your surrounding enamel.
Q: Can I whiten my teeth after bonding?
A: Yes, but the bonding will not change color. If you whiten your natural teeth after bonding, the bonding may no longer match. This is why Dr. Cohan recommends completing professional teeth whitening first, then matching the bonding to your newly whitened shade for uniform results.
Q: How do I care for bonded teeth?
A: Care for bonded teeth like natural teeth: brush twice daily, floss daily, and keep your scheduled professional cleanings. Avoid biting hard objects such as ice, pens, or fingernails. If you grind at night, a custom night guard protects both your bonding and natural enamel.
Q: Can bonding be whitened later?
A: No. Composite resin does not respond to bleaching agents. If bonding has discolored, it can be professionally polished to refresh its appearance, or replaced with new composite matched to your current tooth shade.
Q: Is bonding a good option for older adults?
A: Excellent. Bonding is conservative, requires no anesthesia in most cases, and is completed in a single short appointment. For patients with gum recession exposing sensitive root surfaces, bonding provides both cosmetic improvement and protective coverage.
Q: Can bonding be combined with other cosmetic treatments?
A: Yes, and it frequently is. Bonding is often part of a broader smile makeover plan. Common combinations include: bonding on minor teeth with veneers on the most visible teeth, bonding after ClearCorrect alignment to refine edges and close remaining micro-gaps, or bonding combined with teeth contouring to reshape the entire smile line in a single visit.
Q: How soon can I eat after bonding?
A: Immediately. Modern light-cured composite resin is fully hardened by the LED curing light during the procedure. By the time you leave the office, the bonding is at its full strength. There are no dietary restrictions after bonding, though we always recommend avoiding extremely hard foods that could chip any tooth, bonded or natural.
Q: Do you offer emergency bonding for chipped teeth?
A: Yes. A chipped front tooth is a dental emergency that affects your appearance and confidence. Current patients have access to our emergency contact line, and we make every effort to see you the same day for urgent cosmetic repairs. Because bonding requires no laboratory fabrication, Dr. Cohan can repair a chipped tooth in a single emergency visit. Call +1(702) 341-9160 immediately.
Q: What if I do not like the result?
A: Because bonding is additive and mostly reversible, adjustments are straightforward. If the shape, contour, or surface texture needs refinement after placement, Dr. Cohan can modify the bonding by adding more material or reshaping the existing composite. This is one of the key advantages of bonding over permanent restorations: the flexibility to adjust until you are completely satisfied. Our one-patient-at-a-time model ensures there is always time for refinement.
Q: How do I get started with dental bonding?
A: Call +1(702) 341-9160 or request an appointment online at summerlindentalsolutions.com/contactus. During your consultation, Dr. Cohan examines the area of concern, discusses your aesthetic goals, explains whether bonding is the ideal approach (or whether veneers or another option would serve you better), and provides a clear, itemized cost estimate. In many cases, the bonding can be completed the same day as your consultation.
Dental bonding is one of the fastest, most affordable, and most conservative ways to transform your smile. When that bonding is placed by an AACD-accredited cosmetic artist in a private, one-patient-at-a-time environment with spectrophotometric shade matching and surgical-grade magnification, the result is something extraordinary: a repair no one can see.
Call: +1(702) 341-9160
Online: summerlindentalsolutions.com/contactus
Address: 851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230, Las Vegas, NV 89145
Related Services
Cosmetic Dentistry | Porcelain Veneers | Smile Makeovers | Crowns
Teeth Contouring | ClearCorrect | Financing | Office Tour
19-time Best of Las Vegas winner. AACD-accredited cosmetic dental bonding in Summerlin and Las Vegas.
