Usually, patients undergo dental bonding to improve the appearance of their smile. This may involve improving the appearance of yellowed and discolored teeth. It may also involve repairing cracked and chipped teeth. In some cases, composite resins may be used to fill the cavities in decayed teeth. Dental bonding is an alternative to amalgram fillings, which are often used to treat cavities. If the gums have receded, dental bonding may protect the exposed root of a tooth. Other uses for bondings include closing gaps between teeth and changing the shape of the teeth. As far as cosmetics go, dental bonding is a popular alternative to veneers and crowns because this procedure can be performed in just an hour.