What is Composite Bonding
Smile transformations are not always about moving crooked teeth or adjusting overcrowded gums. Sometimes, it is simply a matter of cosmetic enhancement rather than undergoing months of orthodontic procedures. And, as more and more people are finding out, outstanding results can be achieved with composite bonding, a minimally invasive procedure that is rapidly rising in popularity due to offering patients long-lasting results with minimal treatment. If you are not sure what composite bonding is or would like to know more, our team here at Cotteswold House Dental Care in Gloucester are here to explain.
What is composite bonding?
Composite Bonding is a straightforward procedure that creates an attractive, finished smile. Clear ‘forms’ are attached over your teeth and filled with a composite material, which has been carefully matched to the shade of your teeth. Once bonded, the forms are removed leaving behind smooth composite that is contoured to your teeth, so you won’t see where the bonding ends and your teeth begin. It has a beautiful shine and is smooth to the touch. It’s a very simple, pain-free treatment with instant results.
When creating your new smile, the form is placed just below the gum line, so that the end result is teeth that appear to emerge naturally. The tight contacts achieved mean that the papilla, the gum in-between the teeth, is hugged back into place, revealing a healthy and youthful smile.
What can composite bonding be used to treat?
Composite bonding is a quick and effective way of resolving the chips, cracks and uneven edges that niggle you when you smile. It can create a symmetrical smile and resolve number of cosmetic issues that make patients self-conscious about their teeth. A short video of how composite bonding treatment helped Cotteswold House patient Lianne can be watched here.
It is also a great way of treating the so-called ‘black triangles’ that can emerge with age. These are the gaps between the tops of teeth caused by gum and bone erosion. In addition, some patients have a gap (diastema) between their teeth which bonding can close if desired.
How long does composite bonding last?
Once you have your new smile, you can expect the results to last around 5-7 years due to wear, tear and staining, at which point it can simply be redone. Any chips can be easily repaired at the same time, or these can be done as they arise.
Likewise, the non-invasive nature of the treatment means that it can be reversed at any time if the patient no longer wants it. Your natural teeth are not affected by the treatment, unlike with veneers, so when the bonding is removed they will be as they were before.
How much does composite bonding cost?
The cost of composite bonding starts at £200 per tooth. The cost varies according to the size of the tooth and whether it is an edge bonding or full tooth cover, so you can expect to pay around £200-£300 per tooth.
Our interest-free finance plan can be used to help spread the cost of dental treatment; our blog on financing tells you everything you need to know but please get in touch with the Cotteswold House team if you have any questions.
How does composite bonding compare to veneers?
The effect of composite bonding and veneers is similar, both producing a highly polished, crisp smile. With veneers, this is achieved by covering the whole tooth with very thin layers of porcelain. Here, teeth are prepared first by filing them down and impressions taken so that a finished set of veneers is attached over the top. For composite bonding, either the whole or edge of a natural tooth is covered with a composite resin. This means that while bonding typically lasts 5-7 years compared to 10-15 for veneers, it can be reversed without any need for further treatment.
The aftercare for both procedures is similar as well. It is important to maintain healthy dental routines and be mindful of drinks and foods that can stain teeth, as well as hard food and items that can cause damage.
The more invasive and longer lasting nature of veneers means that it is the more expensive option of the two. Veneer pricing can be found in our fee guide. Your dentist will be able to guide you if you are unsure which would be the best treatment to achieve the results you desire.
Your consultation and treatment
In the first instance, you will have a free consultation with our composite bonding dentist here in Gloucester, Dr Steven Neal. Steven will discuss your concerns and goals with you and assess whether composite bonding is the right treatment. Following this appointment, our team will be able to provide you with a quote for the total cost of the procedure. Patients may sometimes need to undergo a digital smile design with a trial smile, which is an additional £250. This will ensure your dentist can create the best treatment plan for you to achieve the smile you want.
During your initial consultation you will have discussed if you would like to have your teeth whitened prior to your bonding treatment. Many patients opt to do this to maximise the final results but this is, of course, personal choice. Further details on the cost of teeth whitening can be found in our dental fee guide. If you do decide to have whitening, this requires two appointments and we will book this in before your bonding. The dentist will then colour match the bonding to your newly whitened teeth.
Your composite bonding treatment will just require one appointment, after which you will walk out with your lovely new smile! The length of the appointment will vary according to how many teeth are bonded, but it is a very straightforward procedure with no need for any local anaesthetic injection or pain relief – it’s just washing, drying and polishing!
Aftercare
When you have your new smile, you will want to look after it. Aftercare for bonding is mostly common sense – no biting off plastic tags and bottle tops! – and generally being respectful of the bonding. Some patients will be required to wear a night guard to prevent breakage if they grind their teeth in their sleep. In addition, if you had your teeth whitened prior to the treatment you will need to keep up with this to ensure the colours staying matching.
Next steps
If you would like more information about composite bonding at our Gloucester dental practice, please contact the team at Cotteswold House Dental Care and we would be happy to answer any questions or send you further details.