Bonding

Composite Bonding

If you are seeking a cost-effective smile makeover, dental bonding is your solution. Bonding is a relatively straightforward procedure that effectively conceals minor imperfections, such as chipped or misaligned teeth, as well as gaps between teeth.

Bonding involves applying a tooth-coloured restorative material to the front surface of anterior teeth to address minor defects. Its affordability, ease of application, and immediate results allow it to compete effectively with other aesthetic restorative options.

Composite bonding focuses on correcting teeth shape, size, and colour; however, it is not suitable for addressing functional or masticatory issues. Bonding can effectively manage minor to moderate aesthetic defects, while more severe defects are typically treated with advanced solutions such as dental veneers and orthodontics.

Composite Bonding at Dulwich Dental Office

At Dulwich Dental Office (DDO) we have undertaken thousands of composite bonding cases from single tooth to full smile designs. We are accredited by the British Dental Association, General Dental, and Care Quality Commission, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.  Our dental professionals will examine your teeth’ shape, contour, position, and bite to determine the existing problems and whether composite bonding is the perfect solution for you.  We follow the golden proportion rules, long-established principles of ratios in height and width, that govern how the final result will appear that govern natural beauty while evaluating your teeth and preparing the perfect plan for you. After the initial diagnosis, we will discuss your treatment options, the expected outcome, and how composite bonding can result in a beautiful smile.

Composite Bonding Benefits

Non-invasive
Composite bonding does not require tooth preparation. The procedure involves only surface treatment to enhance the bond strength between the tooth and the composite resin.

Painless
Dental bonding is a painless procedure that does not require tooth preparation, eliminating the need for local anaesthesia.

Quick
Bonding is a chairside procedure that can be completed in a single visit, allowing you to leave with your new smile.

Aesthetic Results
The composite resin material used for dental bonding is available in various shades to achieve natural-looking results.

Versatility
Bonding can effectively address minor aesthetic issues as a less invasive alternative to more extensive procedures, including fractures, chips, cracks, spacing irregularities, discoloration, and shape adjustments.

Cost-Effective
The cost of dental bonding is reasonable compared to other aesthetic alternatives.

Repairable
Bonding can be repaired if fractured, eliminating the need for complete replacement. Additionally, it can be polished and refreshed if it becomes stained.

You Need Composite Bonding If You Have

• A minorly chipped or fractured tooth.
• Smaller teeth than average, creating gaps between your teeth.
• Malformations associated with tooth shape, such as peg-shaped incisors.
• Slight teeth discoloration that was not resolved through teeth whitening.
• Minor malaligned teeth, however, more severe alignment problems necessitate orthodontic intervention.
• Decayed front teeth. Composite bonding is an effective solution to aesthetically restore decayed front teeth.

Composite Bonding Procedure

The dental bonding procedure is carried out in the following steps:

1. Composite Bonding Planning
Our cosmetic experts will attentively listen to your aesthetic concerns and treatment expectations. They will then conduct a comprehensive examination of the existing problem and the health of the surrounding gum tissue, evaluate your bite, and investigate any habits that may impact the success of dental bonding.

2. Composite Bonding Application
Initially, our cosmetic experts, with your assistance, will select the composite resin shade that will be used to achieve a natural-looking result.
The next step involves the composite resin buildup, which can be achieved using either a direct or indirect technique. The direct technique involves directly applying the composite resin freehand to address the existing issue, relying primarily on the skill of our experts. In contrast, the indirect technique involves creating an impression to create a mould that defines the desired shape and contour of the teeth. The composite is then built indirectly using this mould through various methods, such as injection moulding.
The next stage involves bonding the composite resin to the tooth structure. This bonding procedure is a surface treatment designed to create micro-gaps on the tooth surface, enhancing the bond between the composite resin and the tooth. Once the tooth surface is prepared, the pre-selected shade of composite resin is applied and cured using a specific blue light.
The final stage of composite bonding is polishing. This crucial step not only shapes the tooth but also creates the necessary angles for optimal light reflection, ensuring the tooth appears as natural as possible. With this meticulous attention to detail, we achieve a result that allows your smile to look natural in any situation, day or night.
3. Care and Maintenance
Now that you have achieved your new smile, follow these tips to maintain your composite bonding for a longer duration.

• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Floss your teeth at least once a day.
• Avoid hard, sticky, staining, and acidic foods, as they can damage the composite resin.
• It is important to schedule regular check-ups every six months.
• Avoid using abrasive toothpaste to prevent scratching the surface of the composite bonding.
• Wear a mouthguard if you participate in contact sports or tend to clench your teeth.

How Long Do Dental Bonding Last

Dental bonding can last about 5-10 years. The composite bonding material is not as durable as ceramic material, so it must be handled correctly to keep it longer.  The composite bonding can be easily stained, so it is better to keep away from staining foods and beverages such as tea, coffee and smoking. Maintaining oral hygiene measures have a great impact on the composite bonding durability.

Dental Bonding Alternatives

Dental veneers
These are shells of porcelain material similar to artificial nails bonded to the front surface of the anterior teeth to correct teeth’ colour, shape, and size problems. They are more resistant to stains and more durable than composite bonding.

Dental crowns
A restoration used to fully cover the tooth crown; it is mainly used to support compromised teeth.

Invisalign
An advanced orthodontic solution for discreet teeth alignment to solve minor to moderate teeth malalignment. It comprises a set of clear aligners that are changed every week to achieve a straight smile in a short time.

Composite bonding in Dulwich and London is an excellent option for addressing small gaps, misalignments, and contour deficiencies. It can be used as a standalone treatment or as part of orthodontics to create a beautiful smile. Contact us to learn more about bonding and decide if it is the right choice for you.