What Composite Bonding Can Do

Composite Bonding

Are you hesitant to smile because of imperfections in your smile? Then it’s time to call your cosmetic dentist to ask about composite bonding. In as little as an hour, you could leave the dentist’s office with a more symmetrical and more beautiful smile, thanks to a cosmetic treatment called cosmetic bonding. If you want to feel confident bonding with those you love, dental bonding can help! There’s no need to hide your smile, when cosmetic bonding can quickly erase any imperfections in your smile. This minimally invasive, in-office procedure helps correct a number of cosmetic concerns, from gaps between your teeth to misshapen or disproportionally small teeth. If you’re looking for a smile you’ll be excited to show the world, and of course the internet, cosmetic bonding can help.

Composite bonding is an incredibly fast way to address a great many cosmetic concerns. It is also an affordable treatment option, one that can generally be completed in a single hour, without anesthesia during an office visit. Unlike porcelain veneers, which must be custom-crafted and then delivered, bonding is done in the office. It is also considerably less expensive than veneers.

What Is Composite Bonding and What Can It Do?

Cosmetic bonding is a minimally invasive and quick procedure that can help correct a number of cosmetic concerns, including:

  • Gaps between teeth
  • Disproportionally sized or shaped teeth
  • Worn or jagged edges
  • Permanent staining or drastic discoloration
  • Repair decay from frequent sweet snacks or sodas

Bonding

Bonding uses a composite resin material to fill gaps between teeth, or to help create a more uniform, symmetrical smile. By applying the material to your teeth, then sculpting it to create more proportional teeth, a dentist can drastically improve your smile’s esthetic.

Because the dentist is using his or her own artistic skills to create the improvements, this treatment is far more affordable than many cosmetic alternatives, such as porcelain veneers, which must be custom-crafted and then shipped to the dentist.

Contouring

Contouring is also fast and affordable, but this treatment is meant to minimize the size of disproportionally small teeth or minor overlapping of teeth. The process is also minimally invasive; it involves carefully filing away portions of the teeth that appear out of place.

Combining these treatments is often the best way for a person to achieve his or her ideal smile. One of the only drawbacks to choosing dental bonding is that it is not as stain-resistant or chip-proof as other treatments, such as porcelain veneers. This means the bonding may be susceptible to damage during high contact sports, dangerous jobs, or if you use staining products like tobacco.

The Benefits of Bonding

Porcelain veneers are often the first consideration when a person decides to seek cosmetic treatment, but dental bonding can accomplish many of the same results, with less time and less expense. That is because unlike veneers, which must be handcrafted and then shipped to the dentist, dental bonding relies on a composite resin and the dentist’s own artistry to correct flaws with the smile.

The resin material is the same one used in most dental fillings, for instance after a cavity has been treated. It is applied to the teeth, and then it is sculpted by the dentist into proper shape. It can be used to hide stains, replace silver fillings, or correct shape or size problems with the teeth.

The bonding material is meant to be long lasting, but is not as durable as the porcelain used in many dental treatments. For this reason, your cosmetic dentist may ask about your eating and lifestyle habits, to determine if bonding is a good fit for you. If you are a smoker, heavy coffee drinker or involved in contact sports, for instance, porcelain veneers may be advisable, as they are more stain-resistant and chip proof.

How Is Composite Bonding Completed?

Bonding uses a composite resin material to fill any gaps between teeth, hide deep staining, and to change the shape and size of your teeth. Your dentist will apply the resin to your prepared teeth, then carefully sculpt the material to help unify your teeth in size and shape. Once polished, the resin will look natural, and create a beautiful smile.

  • Bonding is completed by applying a composite resin material to the teeth, which can then be molded to create a more shapely and symmetrical smile.
  • Once it has been properly sculpted, a special light is used to harden the resin.
  • The material used is the same one used for modern, tooth-colored fillings.
  • It’s then polished to create a natural-looking sheen, which can blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
  • Because the bonding is completed by the dentist, in-office, treatment can be completed quickly and affordably, making it an ideal choice of cosmetic treatment for people on a tight budget or in need of fast results.
  • Veneers offer similar benefits to cosmetic bonding, but with added durability and stain-resistance. If you are a heavy coffee, red wine or soda drinker, you may prefer the longevity of porcelain veneers.

How long does composite bonding last?

Bonding is strong, but not indestructible. For this reason dentists don’t generally recommend bonding as a treatment option to patients involved in high contact sports or jobs. Unlike the natural enamel of your teeth, the resin is also more prone to staining as well. If you are a smoker, or heavy coffee drinker, you might be better served choosing a more stain-resistant cosmetic treatment option, like dental porcelain.

A simpler procedure

Unlike with porcelain veneers, composite bonding does not require removal of any tooth tissue prior to application. A bonding material is chosen to best match the color of your teeth. The surface of the tooth will be roughened gently to provide a good surface for adhesion. This roughening of the tooth is simple and typically requires no anesthesia. The bonding material will be painted on in thin layers to create an appearance similar to the tooth. It is then cured with a special light and polished to look as natural as possible.

When is dental bonding the best choice?

Dental bonding is best used for minor problems. It is better used when you are looking to enhance or correct your natural teeth and not looking for a complete change. Cosmetic bonding can help reshape misshapen teeth. It can be used to close small gaps and conceal chips and cracks. It can cover up stains and discolorations and it can be used to protect and cover roots exposed from gum recession.

Your dentist can fix a small problem with Composite Bonding

Dr. Fondriest can see if cosmetic bonding is right for you. To schedule a consultation, call Lake Forest Dental Arts at (847) 234-0517. We welcome patients from the North Shore area of Chicago.