WHAT IS COMPOSITE BONDING?
Composite bonding is a modern way to restore teeth, either for cosmetic reasons or to build up tooth structure lost to chips and breakages. It involves bonding a tooth coloured resin material to existing teeth to reshape or improve their colour. Because it is a unique substance that mimics the colour and appearance of tooth enamel, and it adheres well to the tooth surface, even a flat surfaces.
What is Composite Bonding used for ?
Dentists can use the material in several ways to help fix and repair teeth.
1) White fillings
2) Correcting minor tooth imperfections or repairing chipped or broken teeth – The strength of the material makes it an excellent solution for this.
3) Closing tooth gaps – Sometimes, it is better to close up minor teeth gaps on teeth using composite bonding materials as it is more robust and quicker than going through a lengthy orthodontics procedure.
4) Composite Veneers to build up a smooth set of teeth, e.g. smile fast system that perfects teeth and smiles with a layer of composite bonding moulded onto the tooth, then excess removed and polished up to a lustrous finish.
What are the Steps in using Composite bonding
Step 1 Colour matching the enamel – to get the best colour match, the dentist will carefully select the closest match to the surrounding teeth and use the colour that closely resembles the teeth already in place.
Step 2 The dentist will prepare the surface of the teeth – with a clean and, in some cases, a micro burr is used to prepare the surface of the teeth to accept the composite material.
Step 3 The dentist will shape the material onto the tooth either by hand using small tools to press and shape it or by creating an impression mould of your teeth and then building up from there using a mould to place a thin layer onto the tooth.
Step 4 Hardening using a LED light – a high-intensity light is used to “cure” the composite bonding material on the tooth. The cured surface provides a solid overlay which can then be worked and polished, and shaped if needed to provide final finishing.
Our dentist may repeat steps 3 and 4 should a chipped tooth need several layers to rebuild it to get a natural-looking result.
Composite bonding is helpful as a treatment option where 80% or more of the original tooth is still in place and healthy. But depending on the damage to teeth – dental implants/bridges or dentures may be a better alternative. Your dentist will advise you on the best course of action.
Why Would I Need Composite Bonding?
There are a few reasons that can affect the overall look of our smile. Typically composite bonding is used for:
- Chipped teeth
- Gappy smiles (small gaps possible to be closed without the need for braces)
- Stained teeth/fillings
- Perfecting the edges of our teeth (embrasures)
This procedure is a particularly minimally invasive cosmetic treatment. It is often the preferred solution for minimal improvements before considering veneers (or complete smile makeovers).
Benefits of Composite Bonding
The composite material used is the same as found in white fillings. The main benefit is the immediate improvement of the teeth aesthetically. The dentist will use the material to change the looks of your teeth (in line with your goals) and repair any chips or blemishes to perfect those imperfections.
The dentist can build up your teeth to close small gaps (a more severe case may require braces). The lengths and shapes of the teeth can also be adjusted using this technique.
Other Suitable Options
When it comes to enhancing your teeth cosmetically, there are now many different options that our dentists can use to reach that goal:
1) Veneers are effectively like false fingernails but for your teeth. Veneers are made of a composite or porcelain material. They are custom built to meet your goals. Your teeth need to be prepared for the veneers (shaved down slightly) and bonded to the surfaces of your teeth for instant cosmetic improvement. Your dentist will always discuss in detail what precisely each option entails. Worth noting that the preparation stage is more invasive than composite bonding. The procedure requires some healthy tooth structure to be removed (but porcelain veneers can be made thinner due to their strength and require less prep work).
2) Teeth whitening is a relatively common and easy way to give your smile a lift. Using safe & approved whitening techniques, we can change the shade of your teeth, which can help enhance your confidence.
3) Invisalign, Composite bonding may not be the most suitable option if the gaps are too large or if your teeth are crooked. By using Invisalign clear aligners, your teeth can be gradually re-positioned.
Composite bonding can often be used at the end of Invisalign treatment to treat those slight imperfections or blemishes to complete your smile.
How Is Composite Bonding Achieved?
The first step is for a dentist to assess your teeth and ensure you have achieved dental health. For any cosmetic treatment, this is always the first step.
Our Dentists can usually complete Composite bonding in one appointment. Using the composite material, the dentist will apply it to the treatment area. Once they are happy, they will use a UV light to harden it. Once set, they will further shape and trim the material to give you the desired look. They will then finish up with polish so it matches the sheen of the surrounding natural tooth.
Book Your Assessment Today
If you are interested in exploring your options and want to find out how we can help improve your smile. Please do not hesitate to call us and book your dental assessment today.