There is a very cost-effective treatment for imperfect front-line teeth which is one of the lesser-known methods on offer in the ever-more-sophisticated world of modern dentistry. But this treatment has gradually made a name for itself among industry professionals because it performs a unique service and has advantages over more well-known treatments. Patients who have enjoyed the benefits of composite bonding are full of praise for how it provided a solution they never knew existed.
So, what is composite bonding? It’s not the slickest name in the world, but it can produce a slick finish that transforms a messy front row into a fine parade of teeth. And it’s quick.
That is one of the clear plus points of composite bonding: it can be done so quickly you’ll be in and out of the dental practice in a remarkably short time, a whole lot happier than when you arrived.
But let’s get right down to the basics: what is it? This is not a fancy name, but a technical term that describes what it is and what it does. The word composite tells you it is a blend of materials, chosen because they work well together, and in this case combines strength and durability with an attractive appearance. In addition, it has superb adhesion, of course. Composite bonding is part filler and part adhesive, so it has to stay put, be solid and look good. That’s where the word bonding comes in. There is a strong bond between the tooth and what is being used to fix it.
Composite bonding uses a substance that is often used for fillings now. Gone are the days when patients had to put up with the mouthful-of-gravel look that involved the tough but unattractive grey amalgam. Composite resin has the simple but hugely important advantage of being able to look like the rest of your teeth. Therefore, it can be used in more visible locations, rather than merely doing a heavy-lifting job in the big teeth further back.
What Sorts of Issues Can be Resolved by Composite Bonding?
When a tooth gets damaged, whether that happens while playing sports, through some random accident like tripping and falling or just through crunching something hard, it might be chipped or develop a crack. It’s not the end of the world or even the end of the tooth, but it looks unsightly and needs to be attended to. Fortunately, just as this is not a catastrophe but a significant inconvenience, and it needs to be dealt with quickly and with no fuss. Composite resin veneers to the rescue.
It doesn’t have to be a sudden occurrence, though. There could be an irregularity, a gap or a discolouration that has been bothering you for a long time. Maybe you notice it occasionally when you look in the mirror and the rest of the time it is just there, making you feel slightly self-conscious and wary of giving a beaming smile even when that is your natural reaction. There is no need to live with this any longer when it can be remedied quickly and easily.
It now seems like the right time to do something about it and you’ve looked at the options and decided to go the straightforward, convenient and cost-effective route, the term composite veneers may enter your vocabulary, and your unsightly issue will be gone in a flash.
How Much is Composite Bonding?
Let’s look at some alternatives. Modern dentistry uses the best new methods and materials, and the success of any procedure lies in the skill of the professional who is doing it. With your front teeth, if there are serious irregularities and flaws, one answer might be to take out the worst offenders and replace them with dental implants. But that is the extreme solution and, in many cases, it can be like taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
Then there are porcelain veneers, which are tailor-made sheaths that can be fitted over a tooth that is basically sound but lets the side down by its appearance. This is less drastic and less expensive – but it is not the quickest, simplest and least costly. That accolade goes to composite bonding.
A highly skilled cosmetic dentist can use composite bonding to fill gaps and cover flaws. Basically, you’re spreading composite resin over the surface to produce a smooth, immaculate finish that is the same colour as the natural teeth on either side.
How much is composite bonding?
That depends on what exactly the dentist has to work with and what area needs to be covered. What is certain is that it is the quickest and most cost-effective way of dealing with the problem.
How Long Does Composite Bonding Last?
Again, we are looking at the task from an economic point of view, where it is the clear winner, but everyone wants to know if this method is going to perform well – and it does. Composite bonding will typically give you between five and seven years of great service, and another wonderful thing is that if issues arise, they are easily remedied. The dentist can simply apply some more and normal service is resumed immediately.
Talking of time, that is another thing in favour of this procedure. You can be in and out in one appointment, without anaesthetic or discomfort, a five-star smile restored. Pretty much like having your hair done or a puncture fixed on your car, with the artistry of the former and the sheer practicality of the latter.
How to Get Started with Composite Bonding
If you are wondering where such a specialised procedure can be carried out in your area, because this is rather different from the traditional dentist’s activities, the answer is at Smile Society Dental in Norwood. We cover all aspects of cosmetic dentistry as well as the day-to-day care and repair procedures such as fillings and extractions. We do all this in a warm, friendly atmosphere where our professionalism is enhanced by our welcome. We believe a visit to the dentist should be a pleasure.