Dental bonding is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that improves the appearance of your teeth. It is affordable, stable and versatile. Your dentist applies a tooth-coloured composite resin to one or more of your teeth to change the overall appearance of those teeth. If you require a composite bonding dentist in Birmingham or surrounding areas, contact Manor House Dental today. You can visit our smile gallery to see our wealth of success stories.
What are the Benefits of Composite Bonding?
If you have chipped, cracked, broken or discoloured teeth, dental bonding could be the perfect procedure for you. It can also be used to change the shape of your teeth and to close or reduce any gaps between teeth. Dental Bonding is a great procedure for anyone who is looking for a non-invasive treatment that can quickly transform the appearance of their smile.
Different Types of Composite Bonding:
What Is Direct Composite Bonding?
During the procedure, your dentist will use an adhesive and tooth-coloured composite resin to restore or reshape your tooth/teeth. The materials are bonded to your teeth using visible blue light. Only one appointment is needed for direct dental bonding.
What is Direct Composite Bonding Used For?
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- Fill cavities or repair teeth
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- Fill spaces between wide gaps
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- Cosmetically alter stained teeth
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- Change the shape or lengthen teeth
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- To protect a tooth’s root that has become exposed by receding gums
Indirect Composite Bonding
During this procedure, your dentist will take some moulds from your teeth, they will be sent to a specialist dental laboratory. The dental restoration is made outside of the surgery. An indirect dental bonding procedure is separated into two appointments.
What is Indirect Composite Bonding Used for?
The indirect dental bonding technique enhances fixed appliance installation at the orthodontic office ensuring precise bracket positioning. This method of applying brackets for braces happens in such a manner that a full set of braces, including expanders, can be fitted in one hour. Traditionally, braces are placed on each individual tooth, one at a time. Indirect dental bonding is used for straightening smiles.
Composite Veneers
During this procedure, your dentist will sculpt a veneer out of composite helping to shape the teeth into a more desirable appearance. The procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to porcelain veneers. The same material is used as direct composite veneers, however, the application process is different. Indirect composite veneers can withstand more abrasions and resist fractures better than the direct version. They tend to cost more than direct composite veneers, however.
What Are Composite Veneers Used For?
Composite veneers are used in situations in which there is chipping or discolouration of natural teeth. They are also used where there are minor misalignments of teeth, to give the appearance of straighter teeth. Fractured and worn teeth can also benefit from composite veneers. Overall, the main use and benefits of composite veneers are to improve smile appearance.
Composite Restorations
Composite restorations can restore decayed, chipped and/or worn teeth. The restoration will return the tooth back to health and function as well as provide a highly aesthetic appearance. This kind of treatment allows patients to work on their existing teeth, rather than replacing them with false ones.
Procedure for Composite Bonding
Treatments usually take less than 1 hour, can be carried out in one appointment and there is no damage to your teeth. Local anaesthetic is usually only needed if the dental bonding is being used to fill a tooth with a cavity. The dentist will choose a bonding colour that matches the patient’s teeth making it nearly impossible to tell it is not your own tooth.
Firstly, your dentist will use a shade guide to choose a colour of composite that closely matches your natural teeth. If you wish to whiten your teeth before having Dental bonding the dentist will arrange this for you. Your dentist will roughen the surface of the tooth, and then apply a liquid that allows the bonding agent to stick to the tooth.
Your dentist will apply the composite resin over the liquid and then harden the material with visible blue light. If necessary, your dentist can further shape the tooth after the resin hardens.
Aftercare and Maintenance
After the procedure, it is important to avoid habits such as biting fingernails, chewing pens or using your teeth to tear things open as this could cause your Dental Bondings to chip. If your teeth feel sharp after Dental Bonding treatment it is important to tell your dentist so that they can assess what needs to be done. Follow good oral hygiene practices after your Dental Bonding – remember to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, floss, use mouthwash once or twice a day and keep appointments as advised by your dentist.
Composite Bonding Pros & Cons
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- Dental bondings are more delicate than a crown or set of veneers. However, they are a considerably cheaper treatment option.
- You typically need just a single appointment for dental bonding, and the process usually takes less than one hour per tooth. Veneers and crowns often require multiple trips to the dentist.
- During the procedure for composite bonding, the resin is added to your natural enamel so that it won’t cause damage to teeth. There’s no need to remove any of your enamel as done with veneers or grind your teeth down as done with crowns.
- Dental Bonding does not involve any significant risks. The main concern around dental bondings is the bonding material becoming worn down, chipped, or stained. Patients should expect to undergo dental bonding touch-up treatments on average every 3 – 10 years.
If you require dental bonding, teeth straightening or teeth whitening in Birmingham and surrounding areas, contact Manor House Dental today. Our team is highly trained and experienced having completed a large number of successful smile makeovers.