Composite bonding can be carried out in one appointment and is an effective way to correct many cosmetic issues. Unlike more invasive treatments such as veneers, it does not require any tooth preparation and the natural teeth are left intact.
The colour-matched composite resin blends perfectly with your natural teeth and is virtually impossible to distinguish. However, it does not resist staining as well as your natural enamel so it’s a good idea to avoid coffee and red wine.
Versatility
Composite bonding is like a Swiss army knife for modern dentistry, taking the complexity out of many cosmetic problems. It can be used for secure fillings, add strength and resilience to teeth, smooth uneven edges and even attach veneers, crowns or bridges.
It can also be used to camouflage chips, cracks or gaps in your teeth. Skilled cosmetic dentists can match the composite resin to your tooth shade, meaning it won’t stand out as a noticeable repair.
It’s an ideal treatment for people with discoloured teeth, or those who are not ready to undergo a full dental treatment like veneers. It can be carried out alongside teeth whitening treatments for a brighter smile. It’s not suitable for severe damage though, and if you have gum disease it’s important that this is treated and under control before carrying out the procedure. Generally, composite bonding is completed within one appointment. It is a minimally-invasive procedure, with only the surface of your tooth needing to be roughened to help the resin adhere.
Minimal Invasiveness
Unlike alternative cosmetic treatments such as veneers, composite bonding does not require the expert dentist to drill the natural teeth. The minimally invasive procedure can be completed in just one appointment, saving both time and money for the patient.
During the treatment, the dentist will roughen the surface of the tooth and apply a conditioning liquid to help the composite stick to it. They will then apply the bonding material, molding and shaping it to shape the desired result before hardening it with a special high-intensity light.
The bonding material comes in a range of tooth shades so skilled cosmetic dentists will be able to make it blend perfectly with your existing teeth. This means that other people won’t be able to distinguish it as being an artificial addition to your smile.
Bonding can also be used to mask discoloured teeth. However, it does not offer the same level of protection as other dental treatments such as veneers. This is because the material can be susceptible to staining from drinks such as red wine and coffee and smoking.
Natural Appearance
The composite resin used to achieve cosmetic bonding is custom-shaded to match your natural tooth colour, ensuring that the restored teeth appear perfectly normal. When performed by a cosmetic dentist, this is one of the most effective means for achieving a convincing result.
Once the correct shade has been applied to your teeth, the bonding material is hardened using a special curing light and then trimmed, polished and checked. It is important that patients with composite bonding follow a regimented oral care routine and avoid chewing on pens, nails or hard foods as this can cause damage to the bonding.
It is also essential to note that dental bonding cannot be whitened like natural tooth enamel, so if you are prone to staining it may not be the right treatment for you. Your dentist will advise on your best option after a thorough evaluation of the tooth. Ideally, if you suffer from a severe rotation or crowding of your teeth it may be better to choose veneers instead of composite bonding.
Longevity
Composite bonding is not as durable as porcelain veneers or crowns, so it may need touch-ups or replacements over time. The resin composite is more susceptible to staining from coloured foods and drinks than natural teeth, so patients are advised to maintain good oral hygiene practices and avoid chewing on hard objects or sticky foods. Similarly, bruxism (teeth grinding) may damage the composite and cause it to chip or wear down over time, so we recommend treating this issue before undergoing a composite bonding treatment.
Composite bonding is a quick, affordable and minimally invasive cosmetic dental treatment that can repair a wide range of aesthetic issues with your smile. The resin composite can be used to cover and protect damaged teeth, improve the appearance of crooked or misaligned teeth, fill gaps, and restore teeth that have been discoloured by cavities. It can even be used to replace a missing tooth, although alternative treatments such as dental crowns or invisible brace london may be better suited for this purpose.
