Composite bonding is a popular and cost-effective solution if you want to give your smile a boost. This dental procedure can help you achieve a picture-perfect smile without the hefty price tag often associated with other cosmetic dentistry treatments.
Whether you’re looking to fix a chipped tooth, close gaps or simply desire a brighter, more uniform smile, composite bonding offers an accessible way to improve your smile’s aesthetics. Learn about the process, benefits, and how to care for your bonded teeth.
What is Composite Bonding?
Composite bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that improves the aesthetics of your teeth using a material called composite resin. This technique is minimally invasive and tailored to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color.
This is an effective solution for various dental issues, including repairing slightly chipped or cracked teeth, closing minor gaps between teeth, and improving the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth.
Advantages of Composite Bonding
Composite bonding is a simple process that takes around 30 to 60 minutes. This makes it a huge time saver compared to alternative orthodontic devices for closing gaps between the teeth, which can take years to complete.
Bonding also requires minimal tooth preparation, unlike crowns and veneers that require your dentist to remove a small layer of enamel. This means that you are less likely to experience increased tooth sensitivity.
However, the biggest benefit is the cost. Compared to other cosmetic procedures like professional teeth whitening, bonding is only a fraction of the cost. This is due to the materials used as well as the ease and speed of the procedure.
The Composite Bonding Process
During a visit to your dentist for composite bonding, you can expect a thorough oral health assessment. Your dentist will check for cavities, cracked or damaged teeth, and gum issues.
Once issues have been addressed, they’ll begin the composite bonding process. Here is a step-by-step overview:
- Choose the material: Your dentist will use a shade chart to select a hue that most closely matches your natural teeth.
- Applying the composite resin: The dentist will then apply the composite resin to the prepared tooth. This resin is a type of plastic that is moldable, allowing the dentist to shape it to match the contours of your natural teeth.
- Molding and shaping: After applying the resin, the dentist will mold and smooth it to achieve the desired shape. This step is crucial as it affects the final appearance of the tooth.
- Curing the resin: Once the resin is properly shaped, the dentist will use a special light, often an ultraviolet light, to cure and harden the material. This process only takes a few minutes.
- Finishing touches: After the resin is hardened, the dentist may make further adjustments to shape and polish the bonded tooth. This ensures that it matches the rest of your teeth and feels comfortable in your mouth.
- Final evaluation: The dentist will check your bite with articulating paper and make minor adjustments to ensure comfort and a natural look.
Taking Care of Bonded Teeth
Composite bonding can last between 3 and 10 years. However, to prolong the life of your bonded teeth and ensure your smile remains bright, use the following care and maintenance tips:
- Brush twice daily and floss at least once daily.
- Stay away from hard candies and chewy foods.
- Do not bite your fingernails or use your teeth to open packages.
- Avoid drinking coffee and tea and ingesting tobacco to prevent surface stains.
- Schedule regular 6-month cleanings with your dentist.
Discover the Benefits for Yourself at Valley Dental Care
Experience the benefits composite bonding can bring to your smile. At Valley Dental Care, our team is ready to guide you through the process with personalized care. Contact our Valley Dental Care Aurora location at (630) 892-2193 or our Valley Dental Care of Oswego location at (630) 551-7000.