At The Berkeley Clinic, an award-winning dental clinic in Glasgow, we specialises in providing exceptional restorative and cosmetic dental treatments to help our patients feel confident in their smile.
One of our key cosmetic services is composite bonding, a fast and effective treatment that is ideal if you are eager to cover up small imperfections such as cracks, gaps or discolouration.
In this article, we will walk you through the complete process of composite bonding, from the initial consultation to aftercare, so that you can better understand what to expect when visiting our clinic.
Composite bonding explained
Composite Bonding, sometimes referred to as “dental bonding” or “tooth bonding”, is an effective, non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure that can greatly improve the aesthetics of your smile.
The procedure involves the application of a tooth-coloured composite resin, a kind of durable plastic, to the surface of your teeth to rectify your specific issue.
The “composite” in composite bonding refers to the mixture of glass and plastic that forms the resin, resulting in a highly versatile material that can be sculpted, shaped, and polished to match the surrounding teeth. The “bonding” describes the way the resin adheres, or bonds, to the tooth.
This innovative procedure can remedy a wide array of dental issues, such as:
- Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Composite bonding rectifies chipped or cracked teeth, enhancing their aesthetics and preventing further harm.
- Gaps Between Teeth: It fills spaces or gaps between teeth, yielding a more even and visually appealing smile.
- Discolouration: Composite bonding can address stubborn stains or discolouration, matching the resin to your teeth’s colour or using a lighter shade for a brighter look.
- Tooth Decay: Composite resin is an effective solution to fill cavities, offering a more natural-looking option than silver amalgam fillings.
- Shape Alteration: For those dissatisfied with the shape, size, or alignment of their teeth, composite bonding serves as a flexible tool for aesthetic enhancement.
The composite bonding process offers a cost-effective solution to address various aesthetic dental concerns in a minimally invasive way. It doesn’t require extensive drilling or alteration of the tooth structure, and it preserves the integrity of your natural teeth while providing long-lasting results.
Benefits of Composite Bonding
Composite bonding provides a plethora of advantages. It involves no tooth removal and requires minimal reduction to existing teeth. The treatment can be completed quickly, with immediate results achievable in just one visit.
One of the significant benefits of composite bonding is that it can be used alongside other cosmetic dental procedures like teeth whitening, allowing you to achieve your dream smile without waiting.
Moreover, this treatment requires no injection, making the process virtually pain-free.
The Composite Bonding Process Explained
The process of composite bonding is straightforward and efficient.
It begins with an initial consultation that includes a thorough evaluation of your dental health. This evaluation is crucial to identify any existing dental issues that could impact the effectiveness of composite bonding or cause problems later.
At The Berkeley Clinic, we start with a thorough examination of your oral health, inspecting your teeth and gums for signs of decay, gum disease, tooth wear, and other dental problems. We also take a comprehensive medical history to understand your overall health status, as certain medical conditions can affect dental treatments.
After evaluating your oral health, we will discuss how composite bonding works, detailing the benefits, potential risks, and the results you can expect to achieve. It is here that we will show you the composite resin material and explain how it can be colour-matched to your natural teeth for a seamless finish.
This step is also the perfect opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have. Whether you’re curious about the procedure, recovery, or aftercare, we’ll ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Determining Eligibility
Determining eligibility for composite bonding is vital, as not all dental concerns can be addressed with this treatment.
Factors such as lifestyle habits, tooth grinding, and dietary preferences can influence the procedure’s effectiveness. At The Berkeley Clinic, we comprehensively consider these factors to ascertain if composite bonding suits you; if not, we will recommend a more fitting alternative.
The importance of Proper Preparation
Before composite bonding can begin, proper preparation is essential.
At The Berkeley Clinic, we use a three-step process to prepare the teeth for bonding. This includes:
- Tooth cleaning
- Tooth etching
- Application of a bonding agent
Below we have provided further detail on each key process:
Tooth Cleaning
The first step in the preparation process for composite bonding is tooth cleaning. This is vital because any plaque, tartar, or surface stains on your teeth could interfere with the bonding process.
Our skilled dental hygienists will perform a professional clean to ensure the tooth surface is pristine. This procedure includes removing any buildup of plaque or tartar and using a special toothpaste to remove surface stains. The result is a perfectly clean tooth surface ready for the composite bonding process.
Tooth Etching
Once your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, the next step is tooth etching. Etching is a process where a mild phosphoric acid solution is applied to the tooth surface. This solution creates small, microscopic scratches in the tooth enamel, increasing its surface area.
This process is crucial for the success of composite bonding as it helps the bonding agent adhere more effectively to your tooth. The etching process doesn’t cause any discomfort and only affects the very top layer of the enamel, ensuring your tooth’s structural integrity remains intact.
Bonding Application
After etching, a bonding agent is applied to the tooth. This agent is a type of resin that helps the composite material stick to your tooth. It fills the microscopic scratches created during the etching process, providing a secure base for the composite.
We use a high-quality bonding agent to ensure the composite material adheres well, increasing the longevity of your composite bonding treatment.
Bonding Process
The bonding process marks a crucial stage in composite bonding, where precision meets aesthetics. The process has three stages:
- Curing
- Shaping and smoothing
- Polishing.
Let us look at each in more detail.
Curing
In the bonding process, the strategically applied composite resin undergoes a curing stage where a special light hardens each layer. This critical step ensures a secure bond and a sturdy restoration, often achievable in just a single visit.
Shaping and Smoothing
Once the composite resin has been cured and hardened, our expert dentists will then meticulously refine the composite material to achieve a seamless match with your natural tooth structure.
They will precisely shape the hardened resin, blending it smoothly with the surrounding teeth to ensure a uniform appearance. Any excess material is carefully removed, and the final shape of the tooth is refined to achieve optimal aesthetics and function.
Polishing
The final step in the composite bonding process is polishing. Polishing the composite material ensures your bonded tooth matches the shine and lustre of your natural teeth.
This process involves using a series of increasingly fine polishing discs to smooth the surface of the composite resin. Polishing not only improves the aesthetics of the treated tooth but also prevents staining and promotes longevity by making the surface more resistant to plaque accumulation.
Aftercare for Composite Bonding
The journey to an enhanced smile doesn’t end with the completion of your composite bonding treatment; it’s just as crucial to focus on its aftercare. From maintaining exemplary oral hygiene and being mindful of consumption of staining foods and beverages, to ensuring regular dental check-ups, each aspect plays a key role in the longevity and effectiveness of the treatment. Remember, the lifespan and appearance of your composite bonding is directly proportional to the care you invest post-procedure.
Oral Hygiene
Maintaining oral hygiene post composite bonding treatment is paramount. This includes regular brushing and flossing to keep the bonded teeth clean. Although the bonding material itself cannot decay, the surrounding natural teeth can, so good oral hygiene is vital. Moreover, regular brushing and flossing help maintain the colour of the composite bonding, preventing discoloration.
Avoiding Staining Foods and Beverages
As part of your aftercare, it’s essential to understand that certain foods and beverages could potentially stain the resin used in composite bonding. Foods and drinks with strong colours such as coffee, tea, red wine, curry, and berries should be consumed with caution. Smoking can also lead to staining. It doesn’t mean you have to eliminate them entirely, but moderation and thorough cleaning after consumption can prevent potential staining.
Regular Dental Checkups
Finally, maintaining regular dental checkups is an important part of aftercare following composite bonding. Regular checkups allow your dentist to spot any early signs of potential issues and ensure the bonding is in good condition. During these appointments, the dentist can also professionally clean your teeth, helping to maintain the appearance of the composite bonding.
Post-treatment, the durability of composite bonding treatment can last up to five years or even more, depending on your oral hygiene and dietary habits.
Remember, the lifespan of your composite bonding largely depends on how well you look after it. By following your dentist’s aftercare advice, you can enjoy your new, improved smile for many years to come.
Composit bonding at The Berkeley Clinic
At The Berkeley Clinic in Glasgow, we take pride in offering top-tier dental services that prioritise your health, comfort, and satisfaction.
Don’t let financial constraints or dental anxieties hinder you from achieving the smile of your dreams.
Reach out to us today to schedule a composite bonding consultation and embark on your journey to a more confident smile. We have a wide selection of helpful finance options and can provide the expert dental service you need to feel confident in your smile once again.