Thinking about Composite Bonding? Here’s What You Need to Know.

When you think about a smile makeover, what springs to mind? Maybe you have considered porcelain veneers but are worried about irreversible treatment and are put off due to high costs? Or does it conjure up the thought of years of invasive orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth?

Thanks to advancements in dental materials and techniques there is now an alternative cosmetic treatment known as composite bonding. With composite bonding, your new and improved smile could be closer and less expensive than you may think.

What is composite bonding?

Composite bonding is used to enhance the appearance of the natural teeth by masking imperfections such as chipped or cracked teeth, uneven spacing, irregular sized or shaped teeth and minor misalignments.

It is seen as a minimally invasive treatment option because the composite is added to the tooth, reducing the need to prepare or change the underlying healthy tooth. The composite resin is applied by your dentist and artistically sculpted to enhance the natural tooth appearance and disguise imperfections.

In many cases, we can use composite bonding on its own, although it is also great as part of a wider treatment plan as it works well in conjunction with other treatment options. For example, many patients will opt to have teeth bonding after their Invisalign journey to complete the final improvements to their smile. In addition, we often see patients choosing to whiten their teeth before composite bonding to maximise the benefit of their enhanced smile.

How does composite bonding work?

Your composite bonding process with Clyde Munro begins with a cosmetic consultation. This is where you will have the chance to discuss what you like and dislike about your smile with one of our clinicians. From here, we will be able to advise all the treatment options available to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

If you decide to go ahead with treatment, we will book you in for your composite bonding procedure –which can take often just one appointment. On the day itself, we will make you feel comfortable and begin by applying a gel that microscopically roughens the surface of the teeth to be treated. This does not cause any damage; it just helps the composite material to adhere to the tooth.

The material used for composite bonding treatment is matched very closely to the shade of your natural teeth and applied in layers. Each layer will be sculpted by hand to create the desired shape, and then hardened with a light-curing device.

The final stage is the smoothing and polishing of the surface so that the composite material looks like a natural tooth structure and fits seamlessly with the rest of your smile.

What are the benefits of composite bonding?

For those who have minor imperfections that they would like to conceal, composite bonding can be a great treatment as results can be seen immediately. This means you can enjoy your new smile in a faster timeframe than most other cosmetic dental procedures.

Unlike dental veneers, where a thin layer of tooth enamel is removed to create space for the veneer, with composite bonding we do not need to remove any healthy tooth structure. Instead, the material is simply sculpted onto your natural teeth. This means the composite bonding can be reversible and is a fantastic alternative option for patients who may be considering dental veneers.

The composite bonding cost is much more attractive in comparison to other cosmetic dental treatments, starting from just £150 per tooth. As no lab work is required and the treatment is carried out often in just one appointment, the cost reflects this, and you will find the fees are lower than dental veneers or crowns.

Composite bonding can improve various imperfections, so if chipped or cracked teeth, uneven spacing, irregular sized or shaped teeth, or misalignments, are bothering you, why not talk to one of our clinicians? We are pleased to offer no-obligation cosmetic consultations to discuss your smile concerns and explain all of the treatment options available to you.

Composite bonding aftercare

Composite bonding will need to be maintained well as composite resin is not as hard as natural tooth structure and may need to be resurfaced or replaced every few years. To look after your new and improved smile, we recommend ensuring you have a great home care routine and attend your regular dental check-ups and hygiene appointments, just as you would with natural teeth.

During your dental check-ups, your dentist will check for cracks and chips that you may not be able to see, and your hygienist will remove any stains that naturally build up. These appointments are important for both the health and the appearance of your smile and will help you to protect your investment.

With the right care, you will be able to enjoy your beautiful new smile for many years to come. If you think composition bonding could provide the smile makeover you have been seeking, why not get in touch to book your cosmetic consultation? Find your nearest practice here.