What Is Composite Bonding? The Most Common Questions Answered

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile, you can make changes in several ways. Cosmetic dentistry offers lots of solutions, from teeth straightening to veneers. However, one treatment that doesn’t get much coverage is composite bonding. 

Sometimes called “cosmetic bonding”, “dental bonding”, or simply “tooth bonding”, this wonderfully versatile treatment can work wonders for your smile. 

So, what is composite bonding? How does it differ from treatments like dental veneers? And is this procedure right for you?

In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about composite so you can make an informed decision about the future of your smile. 

What Is Composite Bonding and How Does It Work?

Composite bonding uses tooth-coloured resin to rebuild and reimage your teeth. We can use this subtle and convenient procedure to reshape your smile, fix imperfections, restore balance, and more. 

We apply the resin directly onto your teeth. Once in position, we mould and shape it before using a special light to harden and bond it to your teeth. 

What Are the Benefits of Composite Bonding?

There are several reasons why people choose composite bonding. The treatment is remarkably simple. We don’t need to do any complicated preparation work, and you can normally leave with your improved smile after one appointment. 

Because we only add resin to your teeth, there’s no need for any equipment like drills. There’s no pain either, so we won’t even usually need to give an anaesthetic. The whole process is also quite brief, and you won’t have to worry about a recovery period afterwards. You can get straight on with your normal activities straight away. 

Due to the nature of the treatment, composite bonding is also typically more cost-effective than other cosmetic procedures. 

How Long Does Composite Bonding Last?

You can expect your composite bonding to retain its appearance for around five to seven years. After this time, you can opt to have it repaired or replaced. 

Retaining the appearance of your smile will depend on the effort you put into caring for it. 

How Do I Take Care of My New Smile?

There are two ways you can ensure your bonded smile stays looking good— by brushing up on your hygiene routine and by taking care to prevent accidental damage. 

Firstly, you should ensure you’re brushing thoroughly every morning and night. Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and avoid vigorous brushing. Using floss and mouthwash will also help preserve your new smile. 

Routine checkups every six months will help us spot and fix any potential problems so your smile can stay bright and healthy. Regular hygiene appointments can also help prevent tartar buildup and reduce the chances of stains.

Composite resin isn’t as durable as the natural enamel that coats your teeth. Take care to avoid chipping the resin. Don’t use your teeth as a tool or to open anything, and avoid chewing anything that’s too hard. 

What Can Composite Bonding Fix?

We can use composite bonding to repair cracked and chipped teeth, close gaps, cover stains and discolouration, and rebuild or completely misshapen teeth. This mini-makeover quickly gives you a new sense of coincidence in your smile. 

Is Composite Bonding Right for Everyone?

Composite bonding is a simple and versatile treatment. We’ll need to assess the extent of the repairs needed before we can determine whether this option will provide the level of restoration you require. In some cases, we may recommend crowns or veneers instead. 

How Is Composite Bonding Different From Veneers or Crowns?

Both crowns and veneers are commonly used to repair damaged teeth, 

Veneers are thin porcelain shells applied to the front and sides of your teeth. Once in place, they’ll give your smile a uniform and balanced appearance. Because we’re adding an outer layer to your teeth, we’ll need to remove some of your enamel to make space for the veneer. 

Crowns are a more comprehensive restoration. They provide full coverage for a damaged tooth, and this type of cap can be made from porcelain, resin, or metal. We often use crowns to repair damaged teeth and provide protection after a root canal treatment or replace an entire tooth with the support of a dental implant.  

Composite Bonding in Durham

Composite bonding is a simple and effective route to smile restoration. We can repair several issues at once using this treatment and give your smile a new look instantly. 

Contact us today to book your composite bonding consultation.