Composite bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves the application of a tooth-coloured composite resin material to the surface of the teeth. It is a popular method used to improve the appearance of teeth by enhancing their shape, size, colour, or alignment.
Composite bonding is commonly used to address various dental issues, including:
Repairing chipped or cracked teeth: The composite resin can be applied to the affected area and sculpted to restore the tooth's shape and function.
Closing gaps between teeth: Composite bonding can effectively close small spaces or gaps between teeth, improving the overall appearance of the smile.
Covering stained or discoloured teeth: If teeth whitening treatments are not effective in removing certain stains, composite bonding can be used to cover and mask the discoloration, providing a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is composite?
Composite is the material that white fillings are made of. It is composed of small particles held in a gel like resin. Once minimal preparation is carried out onto a tooth surface, composite is able to stick to the tooth surface on a microscopic level. This means it can be applied to flat surfaces of a tooth and will remain attached predictably over time.
2. What is the process?
Following minimal surface preparation to the teeth, the clinician will layer composite onto the surfaces of the teeth to improve their shape and position. By selecting a whiter shade of composite the smile can be transformed to a brighter shade of white. These shapes will then be refined and polished to a high gloss to make them look natural. This procedure does not hurt at all and can even been completed without local anaesthetic.
3. How long does it take?
Composite bonding can be delivered relatively quickly. For simple cases we may only need a single appointment followed by a review to ensure that you are happy. If there are more teeth to be treated or if the case is more complex, we would take a digital scan of the teeth. 2 weeks later we could then show what the shape, size and colour of the teeth could look like once complete via a “Trial Smile” and showing a model of the patients own teeth. Once this had been completed, all treatment can be completed in a single appointment with a review appointment afterwards.
4. How long do they last?
Composite bonding is a relatively new technique so there are few studies to quote. In our experience of carrying out the technique we have seen excellent long lasting results. We do advise our patients that the composite will need ongoing repair and maintenance. Composite wears at similar rates to natural tooth. Therefore it may chip and wear like natural teeth and need repair from time to time. But that is also the beauty of composite. If a porcelain veneer were to chip or fracture it needs completely replacing. Composite sticks to teeth, and old composite, and as such can be repaired many years after it was initially placed. This means ongoing repairs are less time consuming and affordable.
5. How much does it cost?
Composite bonding starts from £250 per tooth.
6. What payment options are available?
Treatment can be scheduled with a deposit, the remainder payable on the day of the treatment.
We offer 1 year interest free finance as standard on all our treatments over £250.
Please call us on 01530 510533 to speak to one of our treatment co-ordinators about composite bonding.
Comments