Blog

Improving your smile with composite bonding

If you do not like your smile because you have damaged, chipped and cracked teeth or you have larger spaces between teeth than you would appreciate, then cosmetic bonding may
be a solution for you.

The materials used in composite bonding are the same as that used in white fillings (composite) but in this context it is used to alter the looks of a tooth. As the materials that are used bonds to the tooth it is called bonding.

Uses for Composite Bonding

• To fix a chipped, cracked or worn tooth
• To pack the spaces between teeth
• To make teeth appear long
• To alter the shape of teeth

What does the process involve?

First, the surface of the tooth is prepared to create a surface where the bonding material can easily attach to. Then bonding material is applied to the surface of teeth, sculpted and shaped for a natural look. For the material to harden and set a special light is used. In the end the composite is polished to get the intended result. Your dentist will make use of the shade guide to choose the most suitable colour of composite resin to match your natural teeth. Some patients opt for a session of teeth whitening prior to this treatment as the composite material cannot be lightened if the tooth whitening is requested after the treatment.

Benefits of Composite Bonding

• An inexpensive treatment
• The treatment is quick and pain free and can usually be completed in one appointment and anaesthetic is not needed unless there is a decay in the tooth.
• The treatment is less invasive than the available options such as veneers as the integrity of the tooth stays whole.

Composite bonding is a continuously more popular choice of treatment with patients.

Before and After Composite Bonding

In this context composite bonding is applied to close the gap between the top two teeth and to layer up the two teeth in shape on either side

Here the teeth were worn down. After the course of tooth whitening treatment the teeth were built up with composite bonding.

If there is something bothering you about your smile, please do consult about it with your dentist.