Composite bonding, also known as teeth bonding or cosmetic bonding, could be the answer. It is a procedure where the dentist adds a special coloured resin to your teeth, which improves their appearance.
Tooth bonding covers cracks and fractures and restores that sparkling smile. Unlike a porcelain veneer, the tooth does not need to be prepared for tooth bonding. This means the procedure is pain free and no anaesthesia is needed. It also means that the procedure is relatively quick. Just one visit is required. There is no drilling, no screws, and no permanent alteration to the natural tooth structure.
Sounds good? Composite bonding teeth will restore the smile on your face.
So what is Composite Bonding?
It begins with a special composite resin, which your dentist will prepare to match your tooth colour perfectly. The resin is a harmless, non-toxic plastic, which sticks to the surface of the tooth forming a very strong bond. The resin is applied to your tooth to build up a new surface, either to change the appearance of the tooth, or to fill a gap or crack. It hardens rapidly when exposed to a special blue light, becoming a permanent new surface. It will last typically from ten to fifteen years if you look after your new teeth. And the treatment can all be done in one visit.
Although it has some similarities to a porcelain veneer, there are important differences. The main one is you don’t need to trim the enamel off your teeth for the resin to bond. So the tooth remains unchanged, and is not weakened.
Teeth bonding for crooked teeth
Composite teeth bonding can give a wonderful appearance of straightness to your teeth. The resin is added in strategic places, allowing your dentist to build up a layer which will hide misaligned teeth, straightening out their appearance immediately. The resin is mixed to match your teeth colour, so the end result will look completely natural.
Composite bonding can also be used to fill in a small gap between two teeth, bringing the teeth closer together and improving their appearance. It works very well on narrow gaps, though for larger gaps your dentist might recommend orthodontic treatment first.
It’s not a cure-all. But for minor problems it works very well. For major problems we would still recommend an appropriate orthodontic treatment. Composite bonding can also be used to even out the bottom teeth. But for patients with strong bites, or a tendency to grind, this might not be the best option.
How do I care for my composite bonded teeth?
You care for a bonded tooth the same way you should be caring for your regular teeth – by brushing regularly, at least twice a day. Floss regularly, and be careful with stain-prone liquids like coffee or red wine. Cracking nuts with your teeth, or eating hard foods like sweets, or very chewy toffee, is not recommended, as these carry the risk of damaging composite bonded teeth, and regular teeth.
Composite bonding costs
What about composite bonding costs? You will be delighted to know that tooth bonding costs less than you might imagine. It is one of the most cost-effective ways of improving the appearance of your teeth.
Composite bonding is suitable for most patients, but if you have any doubts, consult with experts who offer dental bonding near you. That’s where we come in!
You can read more about our composite bonding dental service here.
