bonding [ME, band, to bind] , 1. (in dentistry) a technique of joining orthodontic brackets or other attachments directly to the enamel surface of a tooth, using orthodontic adhesives. 2. The restoration of anterior teeth with a tooth-colored composite resin material. 3. the reciprocal attachment process that occurs between an infant and the parents, especially the mother. Bonding is significant in the formation of affectionate ties that later influence both the physical and psychological development of the child. It is usually initiated immediately after birth by placing the nude infant on the mother’s abdomen so that both the parent and the child can see and touch one another and begin to interact. The newborn is in an alert, reactive state for about 30 minutes to 1 hour after birth and displays such behaviors as crying, sucking, clinging, grasping, and following with the eyes, which in turn stimulate the expression of parenting instincts. Also called maternal-child attachment. See also maternal deprivation syndrome, maternal-infant bonding.
