What exactly is composite bonding?
Composite Bonding is the process of applying composite filling material to the teeth to improve their shape and appearance. It is non-invasive and does not harm the natural tooth structure.
Composite material is simply applied to the surface and can be used to fix gaps and restore damaged, chipped, or deformed teeth.
Composite bonding is available at our Paisley clinic.
What is the main difference between Composite Veneers and Composite Edge Bonding?
Composite veneers are formed by applying composite to the whole front surface of the tooth, up to the gum line.
Patients often opt for this option when they want to hide discoloured teeth or change the look of their teeth.
Composite veneers are used in smile makeover cases when patients desire to significantly improve the appearance of their teeth.
Composite edge bonding is when composite is applied to the edges of the teeth to make minor adjustments such as levelling the teeth or giving a more polished final appearance, and it is frequently utilised at the end of Invisalign treatment.
How Long Does It Take to Complete Composite Bonding?
It normally only takes one appointment of around 1-2 hours to finish the process, so you can leave with a better smile the same day!
Using a shade reference, our dentist will choose a putty-like composite resin that closely matches the shade of your teeth.
The composite material is then put on and smoothed to the desired form on the surface of the tooth after the teeth have been prepared with conditioning fluid to aid in the bonding process.
This material is then hardened with a light, which ‘bonds’ it to the tooth.
Finally, the material will be polished to match the rest of the teeth.
And there you have it! Your new smile is complete.
Is Composite Bonding a Permanent Solution?
The advantage of composite treatment is that it does not have to be a permanent change to your smile. If necessary, the bonded composite can be removed, leaving your natural tooth intact below.
On the other hand, porcelain veneers require teeth to be cut before the veneer is put over the top.
This is a non-invasive procedure that provides excellent outcomes.
Does composite bonding whiten the teeth, or should I whiten them first?
We encourage patients to whiten their teeth before undergoing composite treatment.
Enamel discolouration can be lifted by Airflow hygiene treatment, but composite bonding does not whiten.
To maximise aesthetics and get a natural appearance, your dentist will add the composite to match the colour of your natural tooth, so that you cannot identify where the composite has been placed.
How should I maintain my composite bonding after it’s been placed?
Composite is a great dental material with excellent cosmetic characteristics. However, on top of your standard dental care and overall oral hygiene routine, composite requires constant polishing and cleaning.
Your composite bonding will become stained and discoloured over time.
Composite deteriorates over time, so we recommend scheduling hygienic Airflow treatments and composite polishing treatments every 6 months.
If you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, we recommend using a mouthguard to protect your composite bonding and avoid damage.
What is the cost?
The cost is calculated by the number of teeth to be bonded. Before any treatment begins, your dentist will be able to provide you with an estimate of the cost.
Learn more
To schedule a consultation to discuss composite bonding, or the other highly recommended dental treatments available at our dental practice, please call 0141 991 1234 or visit our website.