Composite resin bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure where special dental material is moulded over the surface of your tooth to make it look whiter and straighter. It can be used to correct a number of cosmetic tooth defects. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about composite bonding to help you decide whether this procedure is right for you and what to expect from it.
Can anyone carry out composite bonding?
Composite bonding, while helpful in many instances, may not be ideal to correct every kind of cosmetic defect for instance, if you have a crooked smile as a result of under- or overbite defects, you will need more intensive work to properly correct the problem. Bonding works best for more-or-less healthy teeth that need a cosmetic lift, such as to:
Why should you consider composite bonding?
Composite bonding is the easier and cheaper procedure compared with dental crowns and veneers for correction of cosmetic defects. This is especially important since most insurers do not cover cosmetic procedures that aren't deemed medically necessary. Typically, work can be done in a single visit except for defects involving multiple teeth, unlike crowns and veneers which must be manufactured in a lab before installation.
In addition, dental bonding doesn't require as much enamel stripping as the abovementioned counterparts, and it can be done without the use of anaesthesia, except when bonding is used to fill cavities.
How do you take care of my teeth after bonding?
There aren't any special care requirements outside of good hygiene practices following a dental bonding procedure – brushing at least twice daily, flossing every day, rinsing with mouthwash daily and scheduling regular cleaning and check-up visits. With proper care, dental bonding work can last up to ten years, making your investment well worth it.
Bear in mind that composite resin, while strong, isn't as strong as natural enamel. You can extend its life by avoiding habits that can chip the work like biting fingernails, tooth grinding, chewing hard candy, ice or non-food objects or using your teeth to open food packages. Schedule a visit to your dentist if you notice anything off about your bite, such as sharp edges where bonding work was done.
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