Do you have a chipped tooth, a misshapen tooth or even a small gap between your teeth?
If the issue is considered purely cosmetic, your dentist may suggest composite bonding to conceal the imperfection.
Cromer House is a leading provider of composite bonding which we offer part of our wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry treatments.
In this post, our dentists are here to explain everything you need to know about how does composite bonding work to guide you.
What is composite bonding and how does it work?
Composite bonding involves placing composite material onto your tooth to create a more desirable shape or colour.
As an additive process, composite bonding isn’t an invasive procedure. That’s because the layers of the composite are layered on top of your tooth, sculpted and then cured.
Typically, composite bonding is geared towards any dental issues that are considered purely cosmetic. This includes teeth that are chipped, cracked, misshapen, crooked or discoloured.
Your dentist may also suggest composite bonding as an alternative to veneers, including to correct minor imperfections.
What is the procedure of composite bonding like?
Often, cosmetic dental treatments are associated with having to spend hours in your dentist’s chair. Thankfully, composite bonding is incredibly straightforward and is also a painless procedure with no drilling or injections to worry about.
Composite bonding can involve just the edges (edge bonding) or a larger portion of the tooth.
In any case, your dentist will begin by matching the composite shade to your natural teeth so that the material they add will have a seamless appearance.
While some light roughening of the tooth surface can be required to make the bonding material stick to the tooth, the process isn’t painful.
Once the material is applied, it is carefully sculpted to address your applicable concern before being cured which will make the composite set.
Your dentist will complete your treatment by giving the tooth a gentle polish and buff.
How does composite bonding look?
Composite bonding is intended to look like it’s part of your natural tooth in terms of its shade and texture. Since the treatment is geared towards minor issues, any bonding you have done will not stand out unnaturally.
Obviously, for repairing damage or minor tooth imperfections this is exactly what you want. However, if you are in search of a more dramatic makeover for your teeth, we suggest coming to see us for a consultation for veneers instead.
That said, composite bonding can be a great alternative to veneers if you are not ready to commit to veneers, or if you are in search of a more budget-friendly option.
Does composite bonding last?
Composite bonding typically lasts for between 5 to 7 years before it will need to be redone.
Getting the maximum lifespan out of your composite bonding depends on many factors, including your commitment to good dental care.
Chewing hard or crunchy foods, or using your teeth as tools (i.e. to bite sellotape) are all activities which can stress your composite bonding. So, it’s important to listen to your dentist to avoid damaging any cosmetic dental work you have done.
It’s also essential to schedule an appointment with a hygienist regularly. Depending on your oral health, you may need to see us anywhere from every 3 to 12 months to have your teeth professionally cleaned.
By also keeping up with your dentist appointments, we can keep a close eye on your composite bonding, plus help ensure the rest of your teeth and gums remain healthy.
Are there any drawbacks?
Similar to any cosmetic dental treatment, the key to successful composite bonding is understanding what the treatment is for and crucially that it aligns with your specific concern.
When used to treat minor cosmetic imperfections, composite bonding can offer an excellent solution. While the 5-7 year average lifespan is shorter than veneers (which can last up to 15 years), the non-invasive nature of the treatment is a huge advantage.
However, if you are in search of more dramatic results, then composite bonding may not go far enough. As we’ve mentioned above, you would need to opt for veneers if you want to achieve a complete smile makeover. Likewise, if you want a solution that will last upwards of 10 years or more.
Ready to visit our Liverpool dentists about getting composite bonding?
Hopefully, we’ve answered all your questions about how does composite bonding work.
But if you have any further queries, please give our dental practice a call on 0151 489 2139.
Or, if you’re ready to book your consultation please head over to our online booking portal.
As a new or existing patient, the Cromer House team looks forward to welcoming you to our dental practice in Huyton, Liverpool.
