What is composite bonding?
Composite bonding, also known as dental bonding or tooth bonding, is a cosmetic dental procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the teeth to repair minor damage, improve aesthetics, or reshape the tooth. The resin is sculpted, hardened, and polished to blend seamlessly with the natural teeth. Composite bonding is often used for small cosmetic improvements like filling in gaps, repairing chips, or altering the shape or color of teeth.
When would I need composite bonding?
- Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Repairs minor chips or cracks to restore the natural appearance of the tooth.
- Gaps Between Teeth: Closes small gaps or spaces between teeth (diastema).
- Tooth Discoloration: Covers discoloration that cannot be treated with teeth whitening.
- Misshapen Teeth: Improves the shape or size of uneven or small teeth.
- Minor Decay: Can be used to fill cavities, especially in visible areas of the teeth.
- Lengthening Teeth: Makes shorter teeth appear longer and more uniform.
- Protection of Exposed Roots: Protects exposed tooth roots caused by gum recession.
What materials are used in composite bonding?
Composite bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. This material can be customized to match the color and texture of the surrounding teeth, making it ideal for cosmetic purposes. The composite resin is durable and can be molded and shaped to suit various dental needs.
What does the procedure look like?
- Consultation and Preparation: Dentist evaluates your teeth to determine if composite bonding is appropriate. No anesthesia is typically required unless repairing a cavity or damage near the nerve.
- Tooth Preparation: Surface of the tooth is roughened to help the bonding material adhere properly. A conditioning liquid is applied to ensure strong adhesion.
- Application of Composite Resin: Dentist selects a resin shade matching your natural teeth, applies it to the tooth, and molds it into the desired shape.
- Shaping and Sculpting: Resin is sculpted to match the natural contours of the tooth for a seamless appearance.
- Curing: A special curing light hardens the resin, typically taking a few seconds.
- Polishing: Dentist trims, shapes, and polishes the bonded tooth to match the sheen and texture of surrounding teeth.
The entire procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour per tooth, depending on the complexity of the treatment. Composite bonding is a quick, minimally invasive solution for improving the appearance of your teeth.