Cosmetic dental bonding or composite bonding is a cosmetic procedure that helps to improve one’s smile. This is a procedure whereby composite resin is applied to the teeth and hardened with a curing light. The colour of this material matches the colour of the patient’s teeth, and as a result, no one will notice afterwards. However, cosmetic dental bonding is a beneficial procedure for minor dental problems like chipped, cracked or fractured teeth — it is a very easy procedure and does not permanently damage the teeth.
However, before you undergo this procedure, here are 7 things you need to know about cosmetic dental bonding.
It can be used on the bottom teeth
Although cosmetic dental bonding or composite bonding has always been used on the upper dentition, know that it can also be used to treat minor dental problems on the lower teeth as well. However, before it can be done, certain factors need to be taken into consideration, and this includes the bite of the patient. An underbite or overbite can present a problem to the bonding material. Also, if a patient has bruxism or teeth grinding, then composite bonding will not be an option because the resin material used is not strong enough and can be damaged as a result.
Composite bonding is different from veneers
Both composite bonding and veneers are used for the correction of dental problems of varying degrees. However, to determine which one would be most suitable for you, you would have to consult your dentist or specialist. The differences that exist between composite bonding and veneer include:
| Composite bonding | Veneers |
| Can be done in one visit. Its result is immediate, and there is no follow up process | Requires at least two visits to the dentist, with an interval of a few weeks before the procedure is complete. |
| The procedure is non-invasive. There is no permanent damage done to the teeth. | The procedure is invasive, as drilling needs to be done on the teeth. This procedure is irreversible. |
| Can last from 5 – 7 years with adequate care form the patient | Is expected to last up to 15 years |
| Cannot break or chip off easily. It is also resistant to stain and discolouration | They are stronger and more resistant than composite bonding |
| Costs less than porcelain veneers. They are about €150 – €250 per tooth | They are more expensive, costing about €500 per tooth |
The type of dental treatment that you wish to get will be dependent on certain factors. For example, composite bonding would be a better option if you are limited by budget, whereas porcelain veneers would be a better option if you have a more serious dental problem, and wish to go for something that would last longer.
It is a painless procedure
If you are discouraged from getting a cosmetic dental bonding procedure because you think it might be painful, then there is no need to worry about it. Cosmetic dental bonding is a completely painless process. There is no injection, anaesthesia or drilling, as the only thing that needs to be done is applying the resin material over the teeth, hardening it and polishing it gently afterwards.
It can be used to straighten crooked teeth
It is only in minor dental cases that composite bonding is used. For slightly crooked teeth, the composite resin material can be added to strategic positions, filed and then polished to cover up the slight misalignment. For more serious dental problems, other solutions like the use of dentures or aligners can be adopted.
When used, composite bonding can greatly improve one’s smile and dentition.
It can be used to close small gaps in the tooth
Some people have gaps in one area or more than one areas of their teeth. With composite bonding, these holes can be concealed or at least made less visible. When the resin is placed on the teeth, it is shaped to cover up the gap or reduce its size. If the gap is much larger, then a quick orthodontic treatment should be considered before the bonding process. This will prevent you from having abnormal or large teeth as a result of using more than the required quantity of resin in an attempt to cover up the gap.
There are disadvantages associated with the bonding
As much as the pros seem to outweigh the cons, composite bonding also has its disadvantages that cannot be ignored. The advantages of cosmetic dental bonding, together with its corresponding disadvantages, are listed below:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| It is expected to last from 5 – 7 years with adequate care and frequent visit to the dentist | It is much less time as compared to other types of dental treatment |
| Does not require much preparation as it can be done in one dental visit | |
| It is a painless procedure requiring no injection or anaesthesia | It is a somewhat weak material as it can crack or break under pressure |
| This process is cheaper than other cosmetic dental procedures | |
| It does not require drilling and does not cause permanent damage to the enamel | Certain habits can stain or discolour the resin, and these habits include smoking or excessive coffee consumption |
You can get composite bonding in a clinic near you
You do not have to go so far to get a cosmetic dental bonding, especially if you reside in London. By visiting our dental clinic, you can get the composite bonding to improve your smile at any time.
Conclusion
Are you craving a picture-perfect smile? Do you have a minor dental problem that does not require serious dental treatment? If yes, then you might be the right candidate for composite bonding.
Visit our practice today at Dental Clinic London to get connected to a professional cosmetic bonding dentist in London. You can also book an appointment, make enquiries or connect with our specialists. We look forward to help you achieve straighter teeth.