Life is more beautiful when we smile!
Smiling is a pure signal of joy but a lot of people wish they had nicer teeth to show off. A recent study showed that more than half of all Britons are unhappy with their teeth.
This may be because of chipped teeth, discoloured teeth, a gap between several teeth or other cosmetic dental problems. There is an excellent, yet simple solution that can solve all of your tooth woes — composite bonding!
Composite bonding treatments are quick, easy and affordable. Talk to a dentist about it today, and tomorrow, you be smiling with confidence again.
But what is composite bonding? Keep reading to find out all about the innovative dental technique used to correct a wide variety of cosmetic dental complaints.
What Is Composite Bonding?
Composite bonding is a dental procedure that involves using a composite resin to fill tooth cracks, gaps, and discoloured or chipped teeth. Sometimes called dental bonding or tooth bonding, this dental treatment matches the correct tooth colour and restores the tooth’s original appearance.
A composite bonding procedure is an innovative and cost-effective way to restore your smile and your self-confidence.
For more on what composite bonding is, watch this short video from Dr Angela explaining what the treatment is and what dental issues it can fix:
What Is Composite Bonding Made of?
Composite bonding is a composite putty-like resin material. The material is made to match your tooth colour or to look whiter, in the case of tooth whitening procedures.
Composite resin is a resistant material that is highly malleable and adhesive. It solidifies with the use of a special ultraviolet light.
When Is Composite Bonding Used?
Composite bonding is an affordable and quick and easy option to correct the appearance of your teeth. Applied in many different dental situations, here are some of the more common uses for composite bonding.
To Fix Crooked Teeth
For slightly crooked teeth, composite bonding may be the answer. By adding the composite resin in specific areas of your tooth, it hides or camouflages gently misaligned teeth, improving the appearance of your teeth and smile.
This treatment corrects only minor tooth positioning problems while other, more serious alignment issues may need alternate treatments.
To Fix Broken Teeth
Cracked, chipped or fractured teeth are often corrected using composite bonding. This procedure is less invasive and less expensive than other dental treatments, such as veneers and crowns. Composite bonding may only be used on teeth with minor damage, while other more severely damaged teeth require other dental interventions.
To Adjust the Size and Shape of Teeth
Sometimes a tooth may need lengthening or an adjusted shape to give your smile a uniform look. Your dentist modifies your teeth using composite resin, taking care to adjust the teeth to the desired shapes and/or sizes.
On Stained Teeth
Some stains—caused by medications, trauma, age or genetics—are difficult to remove using standard whitening treatments. If your teeth are resistant to whitening treatments, composite bonding is a great alternative. Your dentist mixes the composite resin’s colour, and by choosing a whiter tone, has a whitening effect on the teeth.
To Fill Gaps
One of the most common uses of composite bonding is to fill tooth gaps. The composite resin is used on one single tooth or on multiple teeth to create the desired effect. Gaps are often corrected using veneers or braces, but composite bonding is a much less expensive and less time-consuming option.
To Cover Exposed Roots
Having an exposed root in your mouth is uncomfortable and painful at times. Composite bonding covers exposed roots caused by receding or injured gums, and to avoid the unwelcome sensitivity it causes.
What’s Involved in a Composite Bonding Procedure
After a dental examination, your dentist may discuss some personal dental or teeth restoration requirements. This may include the repair of a chipped or discoloured tooth, tooth gap or other dental concerns.
After determining the required repair, your dentist will do a colour match. This ensures that the composite resin bonding material blends naturally with the colour of your teeth.
If the treatment area requires freezing, they will do so before applying the composite bonding to your tooth. The surface of your tooth is roughened to allow for the bonding material to stick. The resin, which resembles putty, is then applied and sculpted to your tooth.
A special light source is then used to activate the composite, allowing it to harden and set on your tooth. Finally, the composite resin on the tooth is adjusted and polished.
A composite bonding treatment takes between half an hour and an hour to complete, on average.
Does the Composite Bonding Procedure Hurt?
A composite bonding treatment is most often a non-invasive procedure with minimal pain. Sometimes, for treatments near the gum line, there is some sensitivity. In some rare cases, freezing in the tooth area may be required to apply the correct composite treatment.
Does Composite Bonding Require Any Recovery Time?
Composite bonding is a quick procedure that doesn’t require any recovery time. All normal activities resume as soon as you depart your dentist’s office.
What Is the Cost of Composite Bonding?
In most cases, composite bonding is not covered by insurance because it is considered a cosmetic dental procedure. Some cases are covered, however, so verify with your dentist and insurance company to be sure.
Even when paying out of pocket for a composite bonding procedure, it is a reasonably-priced treatment. Depending on the work being done, prices range from £200 to £400 per tooth. Visit your dentist to get a clinical assessment and to get a more accurate confirmation of costs.
How Long Does Composite Bonding Last?
Composite bonding on your teeth lasts up to seven years with excellent oral hygiene and dental care regimen. The bonding material used and the positioning of the composite may also play a role in the longevity of your composite bonding treatment. Some bonding treatments may need to be replaced or touched up sooner.
Certain things can stain composite bonding over time, such as coffee, tea and cigarettes. These stains are avoidable to an extent by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily.
Can You Whiten Composite Bonding?
Composite bonding is often used for whitening teeth and fillings. The treatment can be used in conjunction with other teeth whitening treatments to achieve a balanced and bright smile.
Dentists often suggest any teeth whitening treatment done first, followed by composite bonding. This allows the dentist to match the composite resin colour to the whitened teeth. Composite resin is also used to target trouble areas that don’t respond to the whitening treatments.
Benefits of Composite Bonding
Composite bonding has revolutionised dentistry. Dentists will often recommend the treatment as an advantageous solution to many dental issues and to restore teeth. Here are some of the benefits of composite bonding.
It’s Minimally Invasive
Composite bonding is minimally invasive, especially when compared with veneers or crowns. Additionally, the use of composite resin does not require the removal of tooth enamel, keeping the structure of the tooth intact. The surface of the tooth is only roughened slightly for the resin to adhere to the tooth.
It’s Fast, Effective and Convenient
The application of composite bonding is often completed in a single visit to the dentist. In less than an hour, minor cosmetic dental issues can be repaired and your teeth ready for use.
It’s Cost-Effective
Composite bonding is one of the least expensive dental procedures. The treatments, considered cosmetic procedures and therefore not often covered by insurance providers, are still affordable for most people.
It’s Versatile
Composite dental bonding is useful for fixing a wide range of cosmetic problems. These include chipped or cracked teeth, gaps in teeth, or tooth discolouration.
Composite Bonding Vs. Veneers
There are several differences between composite bonding procedures and the application of dental veneers. In some cases, their uses are interchangeable, but in other situations, one may work better than the other.
Differences Between Composite Bonding and Veneers
Composite teeth bonding is a non-invasive reversible treatment. The treatment is reversible, as opposed to veneers, which require tooth drilling to fit it.
With the treatment completed in a single dentist appointment, composite bonding offers immediate results. Veneer fittings require at least two appointments because the veneer itself needs preparation in a dental laboratory before placement on the tooth.
Cost is another major difference between composite bonding and veneers. Composite bonding costs between £200 and £400 per treated tooth, while veneers may cost £600 per tooth or more.
Composite bonding treatment may last five to seven years with good care. Porcelain veneers can last more than fifteen years.
Porcelain veneers, known to be one of the most resistant materials, are more resistant to staining and breakage when compared to composite bonding.
Where Can I Get Composite Bonding Treatments Near Me in Bath?
What is composite bonding and how do I find a dentist for composite bonding treatments in Bath? Look no further than Bath Spa Dentistry!
We provide affordable and efficient composite bonding treatments to correct chipped or broken teeth, fill gaps or whiten teeth. Contact us at Bath Spa Dentistry for an evaluation today!