Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure through which the front teeth improve their appearance. In order to perform it, the dentist covers the visible aspects of the teeth with a composite resin. There is a wide range of colours that could be selected, either similar to the existing teeth or the patient's choice. The result is always cosmetically improved natural-looking teeth.

There are a number of benefits of composite bonding. This technique addresses discoloured, cracked or chipped teeth, teeth with excessive wearing, uneven teeth, gaps between teeth and black triangle closure. It is a biological treatment as it is not invasive, it does not change teeth structure. It is a quick and cost-effective cosmetic dental technique that provides immediate results. It is generally not painful and most of the time, unlike other cosmetic dental treatments such as veneers and crowns, it does not require a local anaesthetic. However, this could be administered to the patient on request.

During the consultation, the dentist has the opportunity to assess the teeth and understand the patient's wishes. The patient's concerns and goals are evaluated for the procedure. The potential risks are also explained.

Once the patient has decided to move forward with this cosmetic dental treatment, the composite bonding, the teeth preparation starts with cleaning and roughening in order to help the composite resin to adhere properly.

The dentist will apply the composite resin to the tooth in layers, shaping and sculpting it to achieve the desired result. After the resin hardens and the desired shape is achieved, the dentist polishes the result to create a natural-looking result.

The composite bonding process takes typically between one to three hours to complete, depending on the number of teeth treated and the specific patient's requests.

Composite bonding treatment requires little special maintenance. Regular dental hygiene such as toothbrushing and flossing is required. Regular check-ups and cleaning done by the hygienist ensure the health and longevity of the composite bonding.

Staining food and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine and berries is to be avoided. They are well-known for their staining potential. It is also recommended to avoid chewing or biting hard objects such as ice, pens or fingernails. There is a high risk of a chip or even breaking the composite bonding. If this happens, a touch-up repair could restore the composite bonding treatment to its shape. Regular touch-up repairs are normal and considered part of the maintenance.

Composite bonding is an increasingly popular cosmetic dental treatment that improves the aspect of the teeth without being an invasive treatment. Composite bonding covers the visible aspects of the teeth with a composite resin. The process is relatively quick, with attractive cost, requiring little special maintenance and making it a convenient option for patients looking to improve the appearance of their smile.