Composite Bonding [GUIDE] Fix Teeth Stains, Gaps, Shape & More
Your smile is one of your most prominent and pretty features. Composite bonding is one of the newest dental technologies to help you be proud. Thanks to Mint Dental Center, you don’t need to be ashamed of smiling in public or taking photos. Your smile should be an asset; we want the world to see you glow. Dental bonding can fix many problems you may be self-conscious about, enhancing your confidence and personality to shine through your beautiful smile. Call us today if you want to improve your self-esteem and be proud of your pearly whites.
What is Composite Bonding?
Composite bonding is one of cosmetic dentists’ best aesthetic procedures to correct teeth’ appearance. It is a type of synthetic, coloured resin that is applied to correct problems such as fractured or chipped teeth, misshapen or discoloured teeth, or fill-in worn or decayed teeth. Over the years, composites have become very strong, so the procedure is helpful for both front and back teeth. The composite used in bonding is made of a mild gel solution and putty-like resin. Composite resins are synthetic polymers mixed with glass or particles.
Procedure for Composite Bonding
What do you expect before composite bonding?
Dental bonding is relatively easy compared to cosmetic alternatives. During your first visit, your dentist will discuss your cosmetic goals. The doctor can analyze your teeth and gums and may take dental X-rays to ensure you are eligible for the procedure. This helps the doctor determine if the corrections are minor or major. If you have gum disease, severe tooth decay, or other oral health problems, they need to be treated first.
What happens during composite bonding?
Shade Matching.
Composite bonding comes in a wide range of colours. Your dentist uses a shade guide to select a composite resin material that best matches your natural teeth. This is an important step to ensure that the teeth will look natural.
Cleaning. The dentist will thoroughly clean the teeth by removing and scrapping plaque build-up on the teeth.
Trimming. The dentist will prepare the teeth by trimming and drilling. This is not always necessary for patients with minor issues, such as a gap or a chipped tooth.
Etching. In this process, a tooth conditioner gel is applied to the surface of the teeth to reduce the roughness. The gel contains phosphoric acid and is applied with a syringe to increase resin adherence.
Apply the composite resin material. The resin material is then applied to the applicable teeth in a thin, even layer.
Cure the material. A curing light will be used for 20 seconds to harden the bonding resin. The dentist will then gradually add layers until they have created a natural-looking tooth size and shape.
Shaping and Polishing. After applying sufficient layers of composite resin to the teeth, your dentist will shape and sculpt the teeth. They use fine discs and polishing stones to make teeth smooth, shiny, and natural.
How Long Does the Composite Bonding Procedure Take?
The procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete. It is performed in a single visit and is a painless procedure. Composite bonding is one of the more affordable ways to make your teeth look great.
Advantages of Dental Composite Bonding
Provide ideal size and shape. Some people are unhappy with the size or shape of their teeth. It is ideal for small, round, or square teeth and gives a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
Fill and remove gaps. Many men and women are not comfortable with a gap-toothed look. Composite bonding gives a complete, pretty smile. It is also the best way to correct the biting pressure of front teeth.
Remove stains and discolouration. Composite bonding can fix stubborn stains and is more effective than whitening procedures. It is also the best option for people with discolouration or a greyish tinge to their teeth.
Repair chipped and crooked teeth. Composite bonding can fix chipped and crooked teeth. Most adults don’t want to wear orthodontia for years to fix crooked teeth. So bonding is the best option for them as they last up to 10 years and give the perfect smile.
Less expensive. Composite bonding is one of the most affordable cosmetic dental procedures available. It is a cheaper option than porcelain veneers.
Fast and convenient. Other cosmetic procedures, such as veneers and crowns, require multiple appointments. Composite bonding can be completed with one visit to the dentist.
Minimally invasive. Porcelain veneers and dental crowns require significant tooth alteration. Composite bonding does not require enamel removal. It helps protect roots that receding gums have exposed.
Disadvantages of Dental Composite Bonding
Although composite bonding has many advantages, it has a few downsides. Composite bonding may not last long for more time, like other cosmetic treatments, such as porcelain veneers. You will need to have them replaced at some point in your lifetime. Also, composite bonding can not resist stains like veneers or crowns. Composite bonding is applied in multiple layers and is hard enough. Still, it can break off teeth more easily than other cosmetic dental treatments.
What is the Difference Between Composite Bonding and Porcelain Veneers?
Composite bonding is a much easier and less invasive cosmetic dental procedure than porcelain veneers for repairing chips and discoloured teeth.
Composite Bonding: In this procedure, multiple layers of composite resin are applied to the teeth to fix broken or chipped teeth, reshape, recolour the surface, or fill gaps. It is simple and complete in one visit, usually taking 30 mins to 1 hour. Composite bonding is an attractive option for people looking to fix their smiles without invasive mouth surgery.
Porcelain Veneers: In this procedure, the dentist scrapes off the surface of your teeth’s enamel, places a temporary veneer, and then fits custom-made porcelain veneers. This usually requires more sittings than composite bonding.
What is the Recovery Time After Composite Bonding?
Teeth bonding requires zero downtime. You can return to all your normal activities as soon as you leave your dentist’s office.
Should I Get a Teeth Whitening Before or After the Composite Bonding Procedure?
If you do teeth whitening with composite bonding, it will not match perfectly. In composite binding, dentists use shades that match your teeth to give a natural appearance. The composite bonding would stand out in a darker colour. If you want to whiten your teeth, do it before composite bonding. Otherwise, when you whiten your teeth after composite bonding, the boding appears in different shades, and your natural teeth may all appear whiter.
Do Teeth Need Special Care After Composite Bonding?
No. Follow good oral hygiene practices: brush in the morning and night, floss, and use mouthwash. See your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings (about every six months). Limit coffee intake and avoid smoking. The bonding material is a resin; it is not as stain-resistant as other dental materials. You may develop discolouration if you smoke or drink a lot of coffee.
Because bonding material can chip, avoid habits such as biting your fingernails, chewing ice, pens, hard candies, and other hard foods/objects or using your teeth to open packages that chip away teeth. Call your dentist if your tooth feels odd when you bite down or if you notice any sharp edges on a bonded tooth.
How Long Does Composite Bonding Last?
The life of composite bonding and bonding materials depends on how much bonding was done and your oral habits and lifestyle. With good care, composite bonding can last 3-10 years. After that period, it requires a touch-up or needs to be replaced.
Am I A Good Candidate for Composite Bonding?
Composite bonding is a great option for people with minor dental issues. People with severe decay or other oral health issues may get more benefit from other invasive procedures. Setting up an appointment for an initial consultation with the dentist is the only way to know whether you are a good candidate for dental bonding. The dental professionals at Mint Dental Center, experts in Cosmetic Dentistry in London, would be happy to evaluate your dental condition. We have a team of caring staff that will help you decide which procedure would be the most effective and best option for your condition.
Choose Mint Dental Center for Expert Cosmetic Dentistry in London
Mint Dental Center is the leading name in the Cosmetic Dentistry in London. We have been creating whiter, straighter smiles with years of experience. With a friendly team that speaks English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, we help you with any questions or concerns. Visit the office online or call 020 7587 0100 for the extensive dental services. The professionals at the Mint Dental Center schedule an evaluation to determine which services are the best option for you.