What Is Composite Bonding and Why Is It So Popular?
Our Expert in Residence, dentist Gulshan Dhanoya from Honour Health, gives us the lowdown
If video calls are a frequent feature of your working week and you’re getting used to seeing yourself on your computer screen more than ever before, you could be starting to wonder if there’s a fuss-free way of making a few cosmetic tweaks to your smile.
Our Expert in Residence and queen of smiles – dentist Gulshan Dhanoya from Honour Health – is here to give the lowdown on the popularity of a treatment called composite bonding.
What happens during composite bonding treatment?
Composite bonding is a great option for anyone who would like to make changes to the shape of their teeth – perhaps to improve symmetry, restore a chip or correct worn teeth. Composite can either be added to the edges of the teeth, or over the whole tooth.
We carefully custom-mould a thin amount of composite filling material to the surface of the tooth to improve its appearance. Composite is bonded using a dental adhesive, then smoothed and polished to give a shiny, natural appearance.
Here’s an example of how I’ve used composite bonding to smooth those edges, giving a neat finish. This smile transformation was carried out in one appointment, with no injections – just big results!
Why is it such a popular option?
Composite bonding treatment is an attractive option for our patients because it’s straightforward, non-invasive, and it doesn’t damage the natural structure of the tooth in any way. There’s very little or no preparation of the tooth needed, so we can transform your smile in a single appointment. And we won’t need to drill down your healthy enamel or make any injections. It’s a win-win!
Should you ever want the composite material to be removed or replaced, we can also do this for you, leaving your natural teeth unharmed.
How long will it last?
The longevity of this treatment really depends on how well you look after your teeth. Although composite bonding can last for several years, it’s simply not as strong as your natural teeth and can chip or fracture, so it’s important to treat your new smile carefully. Avoid biting directly into hard foods – or using your teeth to open bottles, for instance!
Composites do require regular maintenance, as they have a tendency to stain and need to be polished. Visit your dentist and hygienist every six months to keep your smile looking and feeling as clean and fresh as possible. Try to drink tea, coffee and red wine through a straw to help prevent staining. It’s definitely worth it!
Are there any reasons why it might not be suitable for me?
If your teeth are straight and you have good oral health, then it’s likely you’ll be good to go, but we always carry out a routine examination at Honour Health before starting any cosmetic dental procedure. It’s important for us to thoroughly check that your teeth and gums are healthy.
Composite material does not whiten – so if you’ve been considering teeth whitening, then go ahead with that first. You would need to leave at least two weeks between finishing whitening and starting composite bonding, so that the bonding process isn’t affected. Bear this in mind if you’d like your treatment to be finished in time for a big event!
If your teeth are crowded and you’d like to straighten them, then bonding won’t be the right choice for you to begin with. We can provide a three-step process at Honour Health, known as ‘align, bleach and bond’. We offer Invisalign, to straighten the teeth using clear, removable aligners. This can take as little as five months, depending on how crowded the teeth are. After aligning the teeth, we whiten them to your desired shade, followed by composite bonding for those all-important finishing touches.
How do I get started?
The first step would be to book a free consultation at Honour Health. We can discuss your main concerns, take photos of your teeth, discuss all treatment options available and arrange a routine examination.
Sounds too good to be true? Take a look at some great composite bonding cases on Instagram
We offer composite bonding treatment at our three practices across the North East – in Jesmond, Stanley and Ponteland.
Hopefully we’ll see you soon!
Visit Honour Health for more details
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