Is there something wrong with your teeth? You may notice evidence of chips and cracks appearing on your teeth, which are affecting your ability to smile confidently. Composite bonding is a simple procedure that can help disguise those flaws and restore a confident appearance to your smile.
What Is Composite Bonding and How Does It Work?
Composite bonding is a process in which the dentist repairs any damage to the teeth by applying and hardening composite resin material to the damaged area. This will ‘bond’ the tooth and restore a straight set of teeth.
When Would I Need Composite Bonding?
There are a variety of reasons why dental bonding is required, in addition to any chips or cracks:
- Gaps in your teeth are starting to form
- Your teeth are too short, and you want them to look longer
- To cover parts of the tooth root exposed to gum disease
What Happens In A Composite Bonding Procedure?
Teeth bonding treatment is divided into three parts. The dentist doesn’t need to do anything in advance, such as administering a local anaesthetic. Only if bonding treatment is utilised to cure decaying teeth would anaesthesia be required. The procedure is painless.
The dentist will discuss the composite resin colour that most nearly matches the tint of your natural teeth in this case. The bonding, also known as a shade guide, blends in seamlessly with your sparkling whites.
The tooth’s surface is ‘roughened’ or hardened, and a liquid is applied to ensure that the bonding agent adheres to the tooth. After that, the composite resin is put into the liquid, and the tooth is sculpted and solidified using ultraviolet radiation.
What’s Better – Composite Bonding or Dental Veneers?
Whilst both composite bonding and dental veneers are designed to deliver restorations for a strong smile, there are some differences to be aware of with both treatments.
| COMPOSITE BONDING | DENTAL VENEERS |
| Reversible and repairable | Irreversible as they’re a permanent fit. |
| Requires just a single visit to the dentist | Veneers require a minimum of two visits to the dentist. |
| Composite bonding costs start from $250 per tooth. | A porcelain veneer starts from $500 per tooth. |
| Shelf-life of up to seven years, | Shelf-life of up to fifteen years. |
| Resistant to breaking and chipping. | More resistant compared to composite bonding. |
What is key is to ensure that you continue to look after your teeth daily to get the best out of your bonding or veneer (depending on the treatment you’ve chosen).
How Do I Look After A Bonded Tooth?
It’s crucial to keep in mind that the bonding material can chip. As a result, certain behaviours must be avoided to avoid this. Biting fingernails, chewing or biting down on hard objects, or opening packages are all bad habits. Many people have these habits when they have natural teeth, but the implications are substantially worse if you have a bonded tooth.
To maintain strong and healthy bonding of the tooth, you must continue to practice good oral hygiene, which includes:
- Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day
- Avoiding biting and sticky foods
- Visiting the dentist for a regular checkup
- To minimise bacteria, use antimicrobial mouthwash.
Get a Bonding Treatment Right Now…
Teeth bonding therapy may be the solution for you if you’re lacking in self-confidence due to minor flaws in your teeth that you’d like to correct. Make an appointment with your dentist today.