When it comes to enhancing your smile, dental treatments like composite bonding offer a cost-effective and minimally invasive option that can restore your tooth to its former glory. Composite bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure and a great facet of modern dentistry. To understand if composite bonding is for you, this article will discuss the pros and cons of this procedure.
What is Composite Bonding?
Composite bonding is a cosmetic and restorative treatment that works by building up layers of compositive resin. This treatment uses small cosmetic changes and is popular with patients and dentists alike.
There are multiple things cosmetic bonding in Milton Keynes dentists can achieve, including:
- Repairing damaged or chipped teeth.
- Reshaping teeth.
- Addressing discolouration.
- Straighten and align a crooked tooth.
- Make personalised changes for aesthetic purposes, e.g. fangs
What is the Treatment Process?
There are several steps involved in the composite bonding process at your dentist Leamington Spa, including:
- Examining your teeth: they will examine the tooth or teeth in question and create a plan for their restoration.
- Consultation: After communicating your wishes with your dentist, based on the results of your examination, they will go through what can be done.
- Preparations: Your dentist will roughen your tooth or teeth and etch using gel, primers and then resin.
- Sculpting: there is a bit-by-bit application for sculpting, ensuring you have the perfect result.
- Finishing Touches: After you’re happy with the sculpting, use a high-intensity UV light to harden the bonding. You can continue with normal activities immediately.
Advantages of Composite Bonding
Aesthetic Enhancement
Composite bonding is particularly effective in improving the appearance of teeth. Whether you have chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth, composite resin can be used to reshape and colour-match your teeth, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
The resin material is meticulously layered to match the subtle light-reflecting properties of real tooth enamel and gives a very natural-looking result.
Minimally Invasive
Unlike some other dental procedures like veneers or a dreaded root canal, composite bonding is a non-invasive treatment that typically requires little to no removal of your natural tooth structure. This means you can enjoy your enhanced smile without sacrificing your healthy teeth.
Quick and Painless
Composite bonding is a relatively quick process that can often be completed in a single dental visit. The procedure is typically painless, requiring little to no anaesthesia. This makes it a convenient option for those with busy schedules.
It can take as little as an hour and requires no follow-up appointments.
Disadvantages of Composite Bonding
Durability
While composite bonding is durable, it’s not as long-lasting as alternatives like porcelain veneers or crowns. The composite resin may be prone to chipping and staining over time, which can lead to the need for repairs or replacements.
You should make a conscious effort to try and avoid anything that might cause your teeth to chip, such as biting into apples and other bad habits like chewing pencils, fingernails or ice cubes.
If you partake in contact sports, reconsider this option or be sure to wear a mouthguard every time to protect your bonded teeth from the risk of trauma.
It is imperative to note that they are easily and quickly fixed if chipped.
Staining
While veneers are renowned for their highly stain-resistant properties, the same is not true for composite bonding, which implies that you should watch what you consume. Avoid beverages such as tea and coffee (alternatively, drink through a straw) and be regimental with brushing.