If you want a beautiful and sparkling smile, but want to maintain your natural tooth structure, composite bonding may be the right option for you.
Composite bonding is a dental procedure that involves using a tooth-colored resin to fill in the gap between your teeth. It’s one of the most popular ways to improve the appearance of your smile, but it’s also one of the easiest and safest ways to do so.
What is composite bonding?
Composite bonding fills in gaps between your teeth and makes them look uniform by using composite resin. It’s also known as tooth-colouring, because the composite resins can be matched to the shade of your natural teeth.
The process starts with a thin layer of resin being applied to the tooth to be restored. Then, a special light is used to harden the resin so it can be shaped like your natural tooth. A mould is taken off your tooth and sent off to a lab where it’s cast in a permanent material that matches your natural tooth shade.
Finally, the crown will be permanently cemented into place on top of your existing tooth’s root structure. The final result should be a seamless match for your natural teeth!
Benefits of composite bonding
Composite bonding is an excellent way to repair damaged, broken or worn down teeth. It can be used to treat many different types of dental problems, such as gaps between teeth, chipped or misshapen teeth, and weakened enamel.
Composite bonding can be used to improve the appearance of your smile by improving the shape and contour of your teeth. It can also strengthen your teeth and prevent further decay or cracks from developing in the future. The benefits of composite bonding include:
Smile enhancement: Composite bonding can be used to create a beautiful smile that you will be proud to show off. If you are unhappy with the shape and colour of your teeth, composite bonding can help you achieve the look that you desire.
Healthier teeth: Composite bonding is a very strong material that protects your teeth against decay and cracks from developing in the future. This makes it a great option if you have weak or damaged enamel on your teeth as well as strengthening already healthy teeth so they stay healthy for longer.
How much does Composite Bonding cost
The average cost of composite bonding ranges from £90 to £125 per tooth. The price will vary depending on the complexity of your case and the material used. If a tooth requires a lot of preparation, or you have a lot of damaged teeth, then it may be more costly.
Composite bonding is a fantastic option for many patients because it can often be completed in one visit. This means you won’t have to spend money on multiple visits with your dentist, which can really add up over time.
The cost of composite bonding can vary based on several factors:
- Your location: The cost of composite bonding will vary depending on where you live and what dentist you visit. Some dentists charge more because they’re located in areas with higher costs of living; others charge less because they offer discounts to patients who pay cash upfront or use insurance plans that require no copayments or deductibles.
- The complexity of your case: A more complex case may require more material and more time for the dentist to complete the procedure, which would increase the overall price tag for your treatment plan.
What is the procedure for composite bonding?
Composite bonding is used to repair minor chips, cracks and stains on teeth. It can also be used to cover discoloured spots caused by trauma or ageing.
Composite bonding can correct minor imperfections in your smile without replacing the entire tooth. The procedure usually takes about an hour or two, depending on the amount of work needed on your teeth.
Composite resins come in different shades so you can choose one that matches your natural colour as closely as possible. They’re also available in clear if you want them to blend in with your natural teeth when you smile, but keep in mind that they can’t be seen if you talk or chew food with them.
- The dentist will first clean the tooth and then apply an etching agent to the affected area. This etching agent will help roughen up the surface of your tooth so that the composite material can bond more effectively.
- After the etching, you will be given a local anaesthetic and the composite material will be applied to your tooth in layers. The dentist will use high-quality dental materials and take great care to ensure that they are not too thick or too thin. Once everything has been finished, you may need to wait for the material to harden before you can go home.
- You should always follow any instructions given by your dentist when it comes to caring for your teeth after composite bonding. If you do not follow these instructions carefully, there is a chance that your teeth could discolour or crack again in the future.
How to care for composite bonds?
To care for composite bonding:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Floss once daily and use mouthwash at least twice daily to prevent plaque build-up around the composite bond.
- Avoid biting on hard foods like ice cubes or crunchy pretzels that could chip or crack your composite bond prematurely.
- Do not chew gum; chewing gum causes plaque build-up which can lead to decay underneath the composite bond.
Composite Bonding Before and After
Composite bonding can be an effective way to repair chipped or broken teeth, as well as provide you with a new smile. The procedure is relatively simple, and it can be done at your local dentist’s office in just one visit.
In fact, composite bonding has become one of the most popular methods for repairing damaged teeth because it is cheaper than other options like porcelain veneers or crowns.
Once your teeth have been cleaned and polished, you will be able to see how well your new smile matches your original one!
FAQs
How can composite bonding work with teeth whitening?
The answer is yes, but only in certain situations.
For example, if you have a chipped tooth or a small crack in your smile, composite bonding may be able to hide the imperfection so that you look great again. However, if your teeth are badly discoloured from years of drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes, these stains won’t go away with composite bonding alone. You may need veneers instead.
How Long Do Composite Bonds last?
The good news is that composite bonding is a long-lasting solution. In fact, it’s one of the most durable restorative materials available. The average lifespan of an esthetic composite is five years, but you can expect yours to last even longer if you take care of it.
What are the Alternatives to Composite Bonding?
The primary alternative for composite bonding are Dental Veneers: Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are cemented over the front surface of your teeth to give you a beautiful smile without altering the natural colour of your enamel.
Conclusion
If you have teeth that are in need of emergency repair, the best treatment possible is composite bonding. It saves your real teeth from being weakened or damaged during the process. Composite bonding will also allow you to eat whatever you want after the procedure is done. It’s easier to apply than dentures and will save you time and money as opposed to more invasive types of dental work.
Dr. Anne Gormley is a highly experienced dentist who has been practising for over 30 years after graduating from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne School of Dental Sciences in 1991. She is also a facial aesthetic clinician, having obtained the Level 7 PGCert in Non-surgical Facial Aesthetics in 2019 from Northumbria University. She received her MFGDP(UK) qualification in 1996 from the Royal College of Surgeons, completed an Open University module in Paediatric Dentistry from Bristol University and finished a one-year part-time course in implant surgery and prosthetics. Dr. Anne has worked in the Restorative Department of the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Orthodontic Department in the Waveney Hospital.
Dr. Anne specialises in cosmetic dentistry, with a particular interest in Align, Bleach, Bond (ABB). This technique involves straightening the teeth using Invisalign, followed by teeth whitening treatments and composite bonding and veneers. She loves enhancing facial features with non-surgical aesthetic treatments such as dermal fillers, botulinum toxins (also known as “Botox”) and Profhilo. In addition, Dr. Anne also specialises in crown, bridgework and ceramic veneers.