Cosmetic Bonding
If you’re tired of hiding your teeth and want to make a change, Cosmetic Bonding may be right for you.
Cosmetic Bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves applying a tooth coloured composite resin material to your teeth to repair a range of common problems, such as chipped, fractured or cracked teeth, stained, or discoloured teeth, irregularly shaped teeth, spaces between teeth, or restoring lost teeth or gum structure.
It can also be used to protect exposed roots (due to receding gum lines)
Dental bonding is often carried out after braces to repair the damage that was done through chipping and grinding or correcting the shape of a tooth.
Cosmetic bonding is a great alternative for those who aren’t interested in or don’t qualify for veneers. Many people prefer bonding to veneers because it tends to be less expensive, quicker, and doesn’t require shaving down your tooth enamel.
This procedure can be done completely in-house at your dental clinic. Even if you’re only getting one or a few teeth repaired, it’s possible to complete the process within one visit.
The technique is painless and takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour.
The Procedure
The bonding procedure starts by booking in for a consultation and discussing your needs. Your dentist will advise you if they think you needed to whiten your teeth first or visit the hygienist.
The treatment is then organised. On the treatment day, there is no local anesthetic used or necessary, the dentist will use a cheek and kip retractor to hold the lips away from the teeth and then will blow the tooth dry.
Sometimes roughening the surface of the tooth is needed. The dentist will then apply a conditioning fluid that will help clean the tooth and allow the resin to stick to your teeth.
The bonding resin will next be prepared; your dentist will choose a colour that matches your teeth. The resin is a putty-like material that can be molded into any shape and will be applied to your tooth and sculpted by the dentist.
The dentist will then beam a bright light on the resin once it is ready, UVA waves from this light cure and solidify the resin in a matter of seconds.
Finally, the resin will be polished and trimmed until it feels and looks natural in your mouth. The resin will be bonded to look like your natural tooth and improve your smile drastically.
Aftercare
After any dental treatment, it is best to avoid eating and drinking for just one hour. Also, avoid any staining food for the first 48 hours.
Brush and floss your teeth as normal twice a day.
It’s normal to experience some mild tooth discomfort or sensitivity for a few days after the procedure, especially if enamel is removed. Most people feel nothing.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed, and eat soft foods that aren’t too hot or cold to alleviate this.
Disadvantages and Risks
Cosmetic bonding comes with a few low-risk complications and side effects.
Any diseases or decay must be removed and treated prior to the procedure, or they will continue to develop under the resin, requiring a root canal or extraction in the future.
Cosmetic bonding’s primary drawback is that it is not as sturdy or stain-resistant as dental veneers or crowns. As a result, it’s more suited to smaller-scale repairs or changes. Crowns or dental veneers may be a better alternative if you have huge chips, severe wear and tear, or considerable decay on the majority of your teeth.
The stain can be avoided by making sure you brush well after eating or drinking anything other than water.
Breakages can be avoided by never biting into your food with the front teeth where the change was made. We recommend that you use a fork and knife to cut your food and eat and chew on the back teeth.
How long does Cosmetic Bonding last?
Dental bonding can last up to a decade if you take the appropriate care of your teeth.
Bearing in mind that the bonding resin isn’t as strong as your natural teeth, you’ll have to avoid practices that might harm your teeth such as chewing on ice, pens, pencils, hard objects, or your fingernails. You will have to avoid biting into food as much as possible.
The bonding resin might also be damaged if you grind your teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, you may consider investing in a night mouthguard. Grinding can cause the resin to wear down and chip off considerably faster than regular wear and tear.
Coffee, tea, soda, red wine, smoking, and heavily coloured food may all discolour the resin. However, unlike normal enamel, it is not treatable with whitening methods but has to be polished away or resurfaced by the dentist. Consider using a straw if you’re a caffeine enthusiast to keep your favourite drinks off your teeth.
After a few years, if you acquire chipping, discoloration, or cracks, your dentist will be able to restore the damaged areas.
Contacting Longwood House Dental
We are happy to answer any questions you might have about cosmetic bonding or assist you to get started with the procedure. Our experienced dental specialists can assist you in determining which treatment is best for you and your smile. Make an appointment with us now!
Contact: 020 8551 0088
