Many people have at least one cosmetic dental problem they would like to improve. It can be chipped, gapped, uneven, or discoloured teeth. These minor issues can make someone feel less confident about their smile. The good news is you can address them with different cosmetic dental procedures. Composite bonding is one popular option on the list. If you’re unfamiliar with this treatment, here’s a guide to everything you should know about it.
Understanding the Basics
Composite bonding is a modern alternative to traditional Veneers. It’s a cosmetic procedure that doesn’t need a local anesthetic or drilling. Instead, it involves using composite resin to restore, repair, or reshape the teeth.
The dentist applies the resin material to your teeth and shapes them over damaged areas. But before that, they will coat your teeth with a liquid to help the resin adhere smoothly. In case you’re wondering, the dentist uses a shade guide to match the natural colour of your teeth so they won’t look out of place.
Here are several dental issues where composite bonding can help:
- Chips or cracks on the tooth surface;
- Small gaps between the teeth;
- Uneven teeth edges;
- Stained or discoloured teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Composite Bonding?
Other options can improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. So, why should you go for composite bonding? Well, it is popular for many reasons. Below are among the potential benefits you can get from this non-invasive treatment:
- More Affordable. Compared to other options, composite bonding is more affordable. Prices often go from £99 to £290. But the total cost will depend on the number of teeth that need to undergo the treatment.
- Requires Less Time. Composite bonding does not take as long as other dental treatments. It can only take 30 minutes to one hour to complete the whole process. You can also get immediate results in one single appointment. That’s unless more extensive teeth corrections are necessary.
- Safe and Natural-Looking Results. The materials used in composite bonding don’t contain any harmful chemicals, so you can be sure it’s safe. Plus, the dentist carefully layers them to match your natural teeth. They’re so identical that even a person next to you won’t notice the bonded teeth.
- No Recovery Time. There’s no recovery time with composite bonding. You go back to your routine right after the procedure.
What Are the Drawbacks of Composite Bonding?
Like any cosmetic procedure, the composite building also has several downsides, and these are:
- Not Resistant to Stains. Composite bonding is soft and vulnerable to staining. Composite resin is more porous than other materials like zirconia and porcelain. This makes it quickly absorb deep-coloured food. Though it can resist stains for some time, it will succumb to discoloration after a while.
- More Prone to Damage. The material used in composite bonding is strong. But it isn’t as hard and durable as other dental materials. Resin is more prone to damage, which is why you should make a conscious effort to take care of it.
- Shorter Shelf Life. Composite bonding has a shorter shelf life than its alternatives, like veneers or crowns. In general, you can expect it to last between 3-10 years. Take note that this time still depends on the size and position of the composite and your oral habits.
Is Composite Bonding Right For You?
Composite bonding can give you effective results. But it is not always for everyone. It works best on patients with healthy teeth that have minor aesthetic issues most of the time. A dental professional can better help you figure out your needs. They can also provide advice that will lead to an informed decision on whether it’s the right option for you.
