Composite Bonding
Composite bonding is an increasingly popular cosmetic dental treatment that is used to improve the shape, colour and overall appearance of patients’ teeth. It uses the same resin material used for white fillings, and is most frequently used on the front teeth – those that show when you smile.
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There have been huge advances in the materials used in bonding dentistry in recent years, meaning composite bonding can be used for disguising minor imperfections in the front teeth, closing small gaps and hiding minor tooth rotations, with no damage to your teeth.
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Composite bonding is a pain-free experience that requires, in most cases, just one visit to the practice. Your dentist will be able to choose a shade of resin that closely matches the colour of your teeth, meaning that the results will look entirely natural. Although composite bonding treatment does not last as long as veneers, many patients find the treatment is highly cost-effective. It can also be repeated with no damage at all to your teeth.
In the past the only way to improve the shape, colour and alignment of the teeth was to drill away natural enamel and to make space for porcelain crowns and veneers.
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Now we can do ‘Mini smile makeovers’ so in short minimally invasive dentistry. New whitening and adhesive resin bonding technologies allow us to make profound long-lasting improvements to your smile without the tooth destruction associated with porcelain veneers and crowns.
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Dr Fiona Beaty and Brian Johnson have had extra training in this field and completed the courses required to do this mini smile make over treatment.
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Whitening First?
Yes. To improve the colour and shade of your new smile. It is much better to have a new colour to match your new smile. Various whitening options available.
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What is possible?
Improvements can be done to single or multiple teeth to straighten and close gaps.
This is how the treatment works:
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1.
Your dentist picks a shade of resin that matches the natural colour of your teeth.
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The resin is carefully applied to your teeth, with no need for any work or damage to them.
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Your dentist then carefully shapes and smooths the resin to hide any imperfections, for a result that looks entirely natural.
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Once the resin has been shaped, it is hardened very quickly with the help of a special light.
What are the advantages?
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A natural, healthy smile that you are proud to show off.
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No preparation of your teeth is required, meaning they remain strong. The process is much less destructive.
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Treatment can usually be completed in one short visit to the practice.
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They cost less as there is no need for laboratory porcelain to be made.
What are the disadvantages?
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Composite bonding is slightly more prone to staining and maintenance. Regular check-ups and polishing will be required. Air polishing may also be required.
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Results should last 2- 5 years dependant on proper care and maintenance of the composites by yourself and visiting your dentist regularly.
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In some cases when the teeth are severely broken down, mini smile makeovers are not possible.
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Mini smile makeovers cost less than traditional crowns and veneers. Cost varies depending on the number and complexity of the teeth involved. Prices start from £200 a tooth.
