Refresh Your Smile With Composite Bonding
Composite bonding can transform your teeth, creating a beautiful, natural result ora a show stopping, Hollywood smile.
Composite Bonding
Composite Bonding is a discreet and effective way of keeping your teeth healthy by resolving numerous oral problems you may have.
If you have a chip, gap, or fracture in your teeth, or maybe you don’t like the look of your discoloured or misshapen tooth; whatever the reason, composite bonding can offer the answer to making your smile more complete by resolving those issues. Instead of old-fashioned steel fillings that could easily fall out and don’t look very subtle, the resin used for composite bonding can be matched to the colour of your teeth so they look natural.
What does the treatment involve?
After an initial consultation confirming suitability for this procedure and that the rest of the mouth is healthy, treatment appointments can be arranged.
The tooth surface is prepared with a gel. The bonding agent and tooth-colored material is then applied to the tooth’s surface, shaped, and sculpted to create the desired effect. The material is set in layers with a blue light. Finally, the composite is polished to achieve a high shine. Subsequent appointments are arranged for further polishing and minor modifications as needed.
Permanent Solution For Tooth Loss
Chipped Teeth
Smooth out chipped areas of your teeth
Spaced Teeth
Restore unwanted spaces between teeth
Broken Teeth
Restore broken teeth back to their best
Discolouration
Masking discoloured teeth for a brighter smile
Misshaped Teeth
Reshape teeth for a natural, beaming smile
Crooked Teeth
Gives the appearance of straighter teeth
This is how the treatment works
When you have a chip, crack, or any other issue that requires composite bonding, these are the steps taken:
- Your dentist will find the appropriate shade of resin to match your set of teeth.
- The surface of your tooth will then be roughened.
- An adhesive substance is applied to the rough surface so the material attaches.
- Your dentist will apply the resin, shaping it to the desired appearance before smoothing it.
- To bond the material to your tooth, a light will be directed at the formula.
- You’re given a polish and one more shaping to make sure your tooth looks as natural as possible.
Take a look at some of our smile transformations
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Our approach
We take pride in the care we offer patients, particularly those who are more nervous than others.
That’s why we will always talk to you about your options beforehand and explain what the process of applying composite bonding involves.
For more information, contact a dedicated member of our team.
FAQ
What are the advantages of composite fillings?
- Personalised filling to the shade of your teeth for seamless blending into your smile
- Protection of teeth after decay removal to prevent breakage or decay of the remaining tooth structure
- Prevention of sensitivity that can occur after removal of the decayed portion of the tooth
What are the disadvantages of composite fillings?
- Post-operative sensitivity
- Slight change in the shade of composite compared to natural teeth after exposure to staining foods
- Composite restorations can be stained by coffee, tea, red wine, and other staining foods
Why should we choose composite fillings over metal fillings?
- All-white fillings will not compromise your smile
- More conservative restorations due to less removal of healthy tooth structure
How can I know if composite fillings are for me?
- Consider various factors when choosing a filling material
- Composite restorations may cause post-treatment sensitivity due to shrinkage
- Composite restorations can be stained by certain foods and cannot be whitened
What is the process of composite fillings?
- Composite is placed in layers and gradually built up to match tooth shape
- Each layer is hardened using a specific light wavelength
- Composite is polished to prevent staining and early wear
How long does it take to get a composite filling?
• Depends on factors such as size and location of cavity or fracture, and how many fillings are needed
Can old fillings be replaced by composite fillings?
• Yes, old metal fillings can be replaced with composite restorations for aesthetic reasons or when repairs start to crack, stain, or leak
Can you eat after a composite filling?
• Yes, unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings allow patients to eat right after the procedure
How do you make composite fillings last longer?
- See a dentist twice a year for regular dental cleanings and exams
- Brush teeth twice a day and floss every day
- Eat a variety of low-acid, low-sugar foods
Will other people be able to tell when someone has composite bonding done to their teeth?
No, composite bonding is coloured to match the shade of your teeth. It is also possible to mimic natural shapes and imperfections.
Is composite bonding the same thing as getting porcelain veneers?
No, composite bonding and porcelain veneers are separate treatments. Composite bonding or composite veneers involve using a material that is reshaped to mimic the appearance of a tooth and hardened using a light. These can be made by the dentist or by a lab technician.
Porcelain veneers are made by a technician in a dental laboratory. They are thin pieces of porcelain that are placed over and adhered to the teeth. They can involve significant tooth preparation.
Is there a lot of preparation involved when undergoing a procedure involving
composite bonding?
No, the procedure may require no tooth preparation and can take as little as 45 minutes.
Are there any special requirements after composite bonding?
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is key for a beautiful, healthy smile and will help composite to last as long as possible. Avoiding direct, high-impact forces such as nail biting, hard foods, and other habits will help your composite restorations to last much longer. Avoiding smoking is also strongly recommended as this can discolour composites over time.
More information on composite bonding
It’s very unlikely that you’ll encounter any problems with your composite bonding, but in rare circumstances, the bonding could crack under a certain amount of pressure. Speak to your dentist if you feel this has happened to your composite bonding, no matter how unlikely it is to occur.
For all of its positives, composite bonding can encounter staining just as your other teeth can. This usually isn’t as much of a concern with veneers because they tend to be more resistant to stains thanks to their material.
Like with any other dental procedure, you should only visit fully licensed dentists who are legally allowed to perform the composite bonding on you. Avoiding unlicensed practices saves you from potentially poor bonding and won’t bring about any oral health risks.
Composite bonding takes hardly any preparation beforehand and the entire procedure can be completed within 45 minutes, meaning you won’t have to move things around in your schedule to fit the treatment in.
You’re unlikely to get composite bonding free on the NHS for cosmetic reasons and you’ll be pleased to know that the prices for composite bonding at London City Smiles are extremely competitive.
Our talented dentists have countless combined years of experience when it comes to composite bonding, so you can rest assured that the treatment you’ll get is first-class. Book a consultation today to get all the information.
Composite Bonding FAQs
How much does composite bonding cost?
- The cost will depend on the type of work needed and the amount of work required. Compared to other procedures though, composite bonding is good value for money.
How long goes composite bonding last?
- Composite bonding lasts several years with the right amount of oral care. It will need to be addressed later down the line but it will remain in place for a significant amount of time.
Can you whiten composite bonding?
- Unfortunately not. Composite bonding won’t react the same as your natural teeth to whitening, which is why a dentist won’t attempt to whiten it.
How long does composite bonding take?
- The whole procedure can be done in less than an hour so there’s no need to move too many things around in your diary.
Does composite bonding stain?
- Yes, composite bonding can stain. Be aware of what you regularly consume and always practice good oral hygiene.
Does composite bonding hurt?
- No, the procedure does not hurt to have been done. There is no penetration into your teeth or gums, so because it’s an exterior-only process, you should encounter no pain.
Is composite bonding permanent?
- While composite bonding doesn’t last forever, it can last several years before you need to make another appointment with your dentist.
Advantages
Disadvantages
The benefits
- Composite bonding can be shaped to suit your other teeth so they match.
- The colour will also suit, as the resin is chosen specifically for each mouth.
- It will look and feel like every one of your other teeth.
- It’s an inexpensive form of treatment compared with other procedures.
- The procedure takes a short amount of time so you don’t need to clear your diary.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are made of a tooth-colored resin material. Dentists use this to restore your decayed or decaying teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic dentistry to improve the smile by changing the colour or shape of the teeth.
The material can be provided in different materials and various shades, allowing our dentists to closely match the colour of existing teeth. Composite fillings tend to be more aesthetically pleasing, especially for front teeth. They are durable and can last for many years.
Eventually, however, they will need to be replaced because they’re not a permanent solution.
