What is Composite Dental Bonding?
Composite dental bonding, often simply referred to as dental bonding, is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves applying tooth-coloured resin material onto a tooth and bonding it, to repair or reshape a tooth, or cover any discolouration. The material is the same composite resin that is used for white fillings to treat tooth decay.
This versatile and minimally invasive treatment can address various dental concerns. It's popular for treating concerns like chipped teeth or stains and discoloured teeth, and more.
Who Could Benefit from Composite Dental Bonding?
Composite dental bonding is an option for many people, as this procedure is quick, requires minimal preparation of teeth, and corrects a range of dental concerns.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
If you have minor chips and cracks, you can have them restored quickly and easily with dental bonding.
Gaps
If you have gaps or spaces between your teeth, dental bonding can be used to close them, providing a more uniformly spaced appearance.
Discoloured Teeth
Stained or discoloured teeth are covered by the dental bonding material to provide the appearance of whiter teeth. The resin material is carefully chosen to give you a brighter smile.
Irregular or Uneven Teeth
Teeth can be reshaped or contoured with composite bonding, for more evenly and aesthetically shaped teeth.
Exposed Tooth Roots
Composite bonding for teeth can also help individuals with receding gums, as the composite bonding covers and protects exposed tooth roots, reducing sensitivity and improving the aesthetics.
Benefits of Dental Bonding
Composite dental bonding offers several advantages for patients looking for cosmetic dental treatments.
Unlike some other cosmetic dental procedures, dental bonding is minimally invasive. Tooth surfaces and soft tissues are not negatively impacted. Composite bonding does not require tooth enamel to be removed as part of the dental bonding procedure, although the surface is slightly roughened so that the adhesive agent and material can bond better to the tooth.
The tooth-colored resin used is carefully matched to your existing teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural appearance to your bonded tooth.
The entire bonding process typically takes just one appointment and there is minimal discomfort; usually, no anesthesia is required.
Dental bonding is a cost-effective solution that addresses many common cosmetic dental concerns, all in one treatment, making it a versatile option for smile alterations. Plus, with proper care and maintenance, dental bonding can last for several years, providing a long-lasting solution for cosmetic and functional issues.
The Dental Bonding Procedure
The procedure is simple and quick, and can be completed in one visit.
Consultation
The process begins with a consultation with one of our experienced dentists. During this appointment, our dentist reviews your dental chart, assesses your medical history and oral health, and discusses your goals and expectations. The complete bonding procedure will be explained and any questions answered.
If dental bonding is unlikely to achieve the smile alterations you are hoping for, we will make recommendations on suitable alternative treatments.
Preparation
Our dentist starts by selecting a shade of resin that closely matches your natural tooth colour. The tooth's surface will be gently roughened to ensure the material bonds well. In most cases, no anaesthetic is needed.
Protecting Neighbouring Teeth
While the composite material is being applied during the dental bonding procedure, your other teeth are protected by a dental matrix, which is a thin plastic film that is placed between the teeth to protect them from any extra material.
Bonding Application
The tooth-colored resin is applied directly to your prepared tooth. The dentist applies, shapes and moulds the material to achieve the desired result, whether the goal is to repair a chip, close a gap, or hide discolouration.
Curing
As each layer of material is placed, a UV light is used to cure, or harden, the material. This takes just a few moments.
Finishing Touches
After the bonding material is fully cured, our dentist further shapes and polishes the tooth to blend it seamlessly with your existing teeth, and conducts a final inspection to ensure the bonding is properly completed. Any necessary adjustments are made.
After Care
After the dental bonding process is complete, you can immediately return to normal. Be sure to maintain good oral hygiene practices and have regular dental check-ups to ensure the longevity of your dental bonding.