Composite bonding: procedure, aftercare, pros and cons

Composite bonding is a type of cosmetic dentistry and a minimal invasive and least expensive option for making a beautiful smile. It is the application of tooth colored resin composite material which is used to fill a chipped, decayed or discolored teeth. As its name shows, material bonds to the tooth in this procedure.

Procedure

Dental bonding is usually done in one session. First your dentist uses the shade guide to find the shade matches that are closest to your teeth. Then roughened tooth in order to stick the resin material and apply a conditioning liquid to clean the tooth surface. Next your dentist applies the resin material and molded and smoothed to the desired shape on the tooth. After that the resin will be hardened by a special light and bonds the material to the tooth’s surface. At the end your dentist fit, shape and polish the bonded substance to match the shine of other teeth.

Who is right candidate for composite bonding?

Generally composite bonding is not right for everyone. It can correct minor cosmetic dentistry issue like discolored or cracked teeth and the gap between teeth. It is not good option for people who wants to whiten entire smile or if their teeth are crooked due to over or under bite. Composite resin bonding is the best option for those who want a cost-effective and less invasive way, they have brown or white spots and are not heavy coffee drinker or smoker.

Pros & cons

If you are thinking to go for composite bonding you should be informed about advantages and disadvantages of this procedure. The pros of dental bonding are:

• It looks natural
• Dental bonding is a non-invasive procedure
• It can be done in one visit session
• It is cost-effective
• Composite bonding is painless
• It is easy to care

The cons of this procedure including:

• Not as stain-resistant
• It is a permanent procedure and may be not durable as some other options
• It may crack or chip
• Detaching (it may rarely occur)

Composite bonding after care

There is no special care for dental bonding but as they are more prone to staining and chipping more than other cosmetic treatment you should make sure care them properly to last for a longer time.

There are some tips to ensure of longevity and maximum beauty as bellow:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Avoid smoking and using tobacco products
• Do regular flossing
• Avoid habits that wear down composite like biting pen or fingernails
• Using mouthwashes like sodium fluoride
• Drinking water after every meal to keep your mouth clean and healthy

Dental bonding vs. crowns

When the teeth are severely decayed or is cracked and need large filling, the crowns should be placed instead of bonding because a crown can cover the top and sides of the tooth in order to prevent of tooth fracture but dental bonding usually applied to fill in a hole in a tooth. Usually, when the width of the hole is large, crowns is the proper option.

For dental crown your dentist should lessen your tooth for placing a stable foundation then crown will be placed over it. Crowns, also called caps, are custom designed and made out of ceramic material, stainless steel, gold or porcelain. The crown procedure is longer than bonding because you need two visit session, in one session your dentist takes a mold of tooth and send to lab to prepare your crown. In first visit a temporary crown will be placed over your tooth to cover your teeth. In the second visit, the finished crown will be placed over your tooth.

Crowns are much more durable and stain-resistant compare to bonding. They are long-term solutions and may last even up to 15 years, but they are more invasive procedure than bonding. Crowns are more expensive than dental bonding but help your tooth become stronger. More addition dental crown can also cover dental implant, so your teeth will appear more bright and beautiful.

Is composite bonding worth it?

Definitely yes! Composite bonding is one of the less expensive, invasive, risky procedure that doesn’t need shaving, drilling or other types of invasive preparation. It is the best option for chips, breaks and other defects in teeth and provide you a beautiful smile. On the other hand, you can whiten the bonded teeth. The whitening procedure doesn’t damage your teeth.

Generally speaking, bonding is an effective treatment option if you are dealing with small teeth, chipped teeth, worn edge, cracked teeth, small gap in your smile, internal stain or other discoloration and even slight orthodontic misalignment. So you should make sure to choose the right dentist to provide you the best dental bonding by applying advanced techniques and materials.

How long does composite bonding last?

It supposes you can wear them for up to 15 years by observing oral hygiene and avoiding hard foods. Although they won’t last as long as veneers.

Can I whiten my teeth if I have bonding?

Yes, whitening procedure doesn’t damage bonding, since the PH of whitening gel is neutral, it can’t harm the bonding.

Is dental bonding permanent?

Yes, it is permanent but in case of proper care and observing oral and dental hygiene, it can last up to 15 years.

How long does it take to get my teeth bonded?

Generally composite boning need two visit session to complete but the procedure of bonding material to each tooth takes about 30 to 60 minutes.