What is Composite Bonding? A Comprehensive Guide to This Versatile Cosmetic Procedure

Composite bonding is an innovative treatment plan that can replicate the results of veneers or crowns but in a much shorter time and with a lower cost. This treatment uses a similar composite resin material as tooth-coloured fillings. This is matched to the colour of the teeth and then applied directly to the tooth surface.

It can then be shaped before it is hardened (cured) with a UV light. It can then be polished to a shine so that it looks remarkably similar to natural tooth material. Composite bonding is not only ideal for improving the appearance of your teeth, it also offers some protection.

In situations where you have lost enamel from the surface of your teeth, this can leave the tooth exposed and prone to decay. Composite bonding helps to conceal thinning enamel and strengthen the tooth.

Who is a good candidate for composite bonding?

You could be an ideal candidate for composite bonding if you have a minor imperfection on one tooth. This could include issues like:

• Chips or cracks

• Thinning enamel

• Discolouration

• Rotated tooth

• Crooked tooth

• Small gap in your smile

Composite bonding is more commonly used to address imperfections affecting single teeth. It is also possible to use composite resin to create a veneer, but this will have additional costs associated with the treatment.

Things to consider before composite bonding

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that this treatment is not permanent. The resin will gradually wear away, and you will have to decide if you would like to renew the treatment or choose another treatment such as veneers or a crown.

Another thing to consider is that we can only match the resin to the colour of the surrounding teeth. If you would like to choose composite bonding as a method of whitening your teeth, then start with this treatment and then use composite bonding for any teeth that don’t respond to whitening treatment. If you start with composite bonding and then use teeth whitening, you could end up with uneven results.

The treatment plan explained

One of the most popular features of composite bonding as a treatment plan is that it can be completed in just one visit. There is also minimal preparation of the tooth surface, so it’s completely pain-free and there is no need to use a local anaesthetic. The tooth is painted with a mildly abrasive substance that helps to etch the surface of the tooth and provide better adhesion.

Next, we colour match the resin to the surrounding teeth. This resin is then applied directly to the tooth and shaped to coat the tooth and improve the shape, structure and alignment of the tooth. It’s important not to make the resin too thick, or it could affect the bite and feel strange in the mouth. It’s also important that it isn’t too thin, as this could wear away too quickly or chip.

Next, we apply a UV light to the tooth and this helps to set the resin and cause it to harden. Once hardened, we can refine the shape of the tooth and polish it so that it looks similar to the surrounding teeth.

You don’t have to have any downtime after your treatment and you could go straight back to work. You might notice a slight change in your sensitivity for a few days after your treatment. This will soon pass as your teeth get used to the change. You can take care of your teeth as you normally would by brushing and flossing twice a day.

What are the limitations of composite bonding?

There are a few key limitations to consider. The first is that composite resin doesn’t offer the same translucent quality as ceramic veneers or crowns. There is a slightly opaque appearance that could look unnatural to some people. Many patients don’t mind this, as they are more concerned with achieving a smile transformation on a budget.

It’s also important to have a long-term plan before choosing composite bonding as a treatment plan. The composite resin will likely wear away after around 5 years. After this time, you should think about whether you want to renew the treatment, invest in veneers or a crown, or leave your teeth.

Final thoughts on composite bonding

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to address minor imperfections in your smile, composite bonding is certainly worth exploring with your dentist. This fast and effective treatment plan is the ideal choice for those who aren’t ready for the commitment of veneers, but would like to improve their smile and conceal imperfections.