Cosmetic Dental Bonding

There can be times in everyone’s life where the smile seen in the mirror is perceived as less than perfect. No matter what mars that smile: a chipped tooth, unattractive ‘silver’ filling or cavity – the blemish may ultimately affect a person’s confidence causing them to shy away from social interactions or public speaking. Cosmetic dentistry offers many popular treatment options that can solve the unattractive smile ‘blemishes’ that rob you of confidence and negatively impact your quality of life.

Composite bonding is a dental technique that can transform damaged, chipped, broken, stained or teeth with unsightly gaps into beautiful pearly whites that dazzle, oftentimes in a single visit to your cosmetic dentist. The composite bonding process involves a cosmetic dentist skillfully blending the exact quantity and color of composite substance, which is a material produced from acrylic resins and fillers that has a thick, yet malleable consistency. Bonding is used to address many smile detractors, such as:

  • Composite fillings for cavities

  • Replacement of ‘silver’ amalgam fillings

  • Closing gaps between widely spaced teeth

  • Repairing chipped or broken teeth

  • Reshaping teeth for a uniform, pleasing appearance

  • Performing a smile makeover using composite veneers

Why composite fillings?

The use of composite bonding for new or replacement of white fillings has become increasingly popular due to their pleasing and natural appearance. These beautiful fillings can be expertly created to match the color, shade, translucency and texture of your natural teeth. Replacing ‘silver’ amalgam fillings with the much more appealing white, composite fillings has become a popular process due to the ability of achieving dramatic results through a relatively simple cosmetic dentistry process.

Advancements in technology have produced Cerec equipment, which is capable of creating ceramic fillings, which are durable and attractive. Cerec is an innovative process that allows composite bonding treatments to be completed in a single visit, a wonderful benefit for patients with hectic or restricted schedules.

Is composite bonding used to fill all cavities?

Unfortunately, large cavities are not treated with white fillings, as the composite material is less strong when used over a larger area. Composite fillings are most beneficial when used for small fillings not exposed to substantial biting forces.

What are the steps in a composite bonding procedure?

Several steps are involved in the composite bonding process:

  • Administration of a local anesthetic by injection, numbing the gum area around the tooth being treated

  • Extensive cleaning of the tooth surface to remove any debris or tartar accumulation

  • Preparation of color-matched composite material

  • Protecting the tooth and keeping it dry with cotton rolls or a rubber dam

  • Shaping and gently roughing the surface with a special tool

  • Etching the tooth surface with a phosphoric-acid-based gel, to create the optimum composite bonding texture

  • Application of the bonding agent and curing by exposing it to a special light to activate and harden the material

  • Polishing and buffing of the new composite surface for a smooth, natural feel

What drawbacks, if any, are there to composite bonding?

The main disadvantage to composite bonding for white fillings is if they are used for a too-large cavity or in an area where bite force cannot be tolerated by the composite material. Ceramic or porcelain cosmetic solutions are better suited to such treatment issues. Composite materials also have a slight tendency to stain more easily than ceramic or porcelain materials, or your natural teeth.

Can any dentist perform composite bonding?

Due to the aesthetic nature of composite bonding, it is best to utilize a dentist who has not only specialized training in the processes of bonding, but shows proven skills and artistic ability. Testimonials and before-after galleries can attest to the latter, as well as recommendations from friends and family who have experienced positive results from a particular cosmetic dentist.

Is composite bonding costly?

The cost of any composite bonding procedure will depend upon the type of procedure being done, the materials being used, and the experience of the cosmetic dentist performing the treatment. It is best to ask questions during your consultation to be well-informed not only of the procedures being used, but how they may affect the cost to you.