What Is Bonding?

November 18, 2023 / By Bob Williams

Bonding is a term that gets thrown around quite a bit by business owners in service-based industries. This is because, in many cases, you have to be licensed, bonded and insured to do what you do for a living. That said, you may not fully understand what being bonded actually means.

In the context of a dental procedure, being bonded refers to the process by which a tooth is repaired with composite resin, making it look whole again. There are a variety of cosmetic issues that can be addressed with this process, including chipped teeth, discolored or stained teeth, and gaps between teeth. In addition, a tooth can also be lengthened using this method, for instance, if it is significantly shorter than the other teeth.

The bonding process involves a composite resin that is colored to match your natural teeth. A special light activates the resin, which bonds with your tooth, creating a strong, durable restoration. There are a number of benefits to this type of procedure, including the fact that it is relatively quick and affordable. Additionally, it is less invasive than other dental procedures, such as veneers or crowns. However, it is important to keep in mind that bonding is not permanent, and the composite resin isn’t as resistant to chips and stains as your real teeth and enamel. It can also develop discoloration or staining over time, especially if you are a smoker.

In terms of a business, being bonded can be beneficial for a variety of reasons. First of all, it can help you build a sense of trust with your clients and potential customers, as it demonstrates that you are willing to take responsibility for any legal or financial issues that may arise due to the work you do.

There are different types of bonds, but the most common is covalent, which happens when non-metallic atoms share electrons. For example, water (H2O) is a covalent bond because two hydrogen atoms share an oxygen atom. There are also ionic bonds, which happen when metallic and non-metallic atoms attract each other with opposite charges. The most familiar example of an ionic bond is magnesium and calcium in rocks, which are attracted to each other because of their positive and negative charges.

The phrase ’licensed, bonded and insured’ is often used by businesses that deal with the public, such as construction contractors, auto dealers, freight brokers, etc. Being bonded typically means that you have obtained a surety bond, which is a guarantee that the business will meet all of its legal obligations. The bond works much like an insurance policy, except that it doesn’t give the business owner any ownership rights. Rather, the money you pay for the bond is held by the surety company and made available to customers who have been harmed by the business’s actions. For this reason, it is more of a risk protection mechanism than an insurance policy. Some business owners choose to get bonded, even though they are not legally required to do so.