Composite Bonding
Whether you want to correct minor cosmetic imperfections or need to repair a damaged tooth, composite bonding is a quick, simple, noninvasive, pain-free, and highly versatile treatment option that can be used to address a wide array of cosmetic concerns in addition to repairing and restoring the form and function of damaged teeth.
Also called dental bonding, composite bonding is a tooth-colored resin composite material (a type of durable plastic) that's commonly used in dentistry. Composite bonding is applied to the surfaces of the teeth. It is then artfully molded, shaped, and textured before being cured into place.
Composite bonding has a wide range of treatment applications, including preventive, restorative, and cosmetically purposed uses.
Dental sealants are made of composite bonding, and this preventive treatment is recommended for every patient with permanent molars. Dental sealants protect and smooth out the chewing surfaces of the molars, making them easier to keep clean while protecting them from harmful bacteria, acid, and decay.
In restorative dentistry, composite bonding is the material most commonly used to fill dental caries (cavities). It can also be used to repair chipped, cracked, and otherwise broken teeth.
Additionally, composite bonding can be applied to teeth to address tooth sensitivity due to gum recession and to shore up tooth enamel that has been worn thin.
Composite bonding also offers several cosmetic uses. It can be used to fill in tooth gaps, mask permanent discoloration, and correct the appearance of irregularly sized or shaped teeth. Additionally, cosmetic bonding can be used to create the appearance of a straighter, more properly aligned smile.
The cosmetic bonding treatment process can vary depending on the patient's needs and the reason they are receiving dental bonding. For example, the entire process of filling a dental cavity will differ significantly from repairing a chipped tooth, filling a gap, or getting a dental sealant.
Despite these differences, the process always begins with a consultation. During the consultation, Dr. Spence will examine your teeth and gums and talk with you about your concerns and treatment goals. She can then recommend a personalized treatment plan for you and be sure to answer all of your questions about the treatment process.
Additionally, we always ensure that our patients have a comfortable and pain-free experience in our office. While a local anesthetic is not always necessary for dental bonding treatments, our dentist will fully numb the treatment area if there is a chance you could experience any pain, sensitivity, or discomfort during the process.
Typically, dental bonding treatment begins with the preparation of the tooth. Tooth preparation might involve resolving oral health issues, such as removing decayed material and sterilizing the area before applying the resin material. Tooth preparation can also sometimes involve applying an abrasive chemical agent that scores the surface of the tooth to create a stronger bond between the resin material and the tooth enamel.
We then dye the resin composite to achieve a perfect match with your natural tooth's color before applying the resin to the treatment area. Our dentist can then sculpt the material to achieve the desired shape and texture for an overall aesthetically pleasing look. Once the right shape has been molded, we use a special ultraviolet light to cure and harden the resin composite. The curing process takes only a few minutes. Once fully cured, we can make any necessary final adjustments before the patient's treatment is complete.
Typically, patients can resume their normal activities immediately following a composite bonding appointment. If a local anesthetic was used, the numbing effects will typically wear off within a few hours of administration.
On average, composite bonding lasts between 5 to 10 years. However, the lifespan of your treatment can be shorter or longer depending on several factors, such as the type of resin composite used, the location of the treatment, the type of treatment, and the patient's lifestyle and habits.
To extend the longevity of your dental bonding treatment, we recommend:
Luckily, dental bonding is a quick and simple treatment, making it easy to repair anytime existing dental bonding becomes stained, compromised, or damaged.
If you wish to correct minor cosmetic concerns or address dental damage, then composite bonding might be right for you. With its diverse treatment applications and noninvasive nature, composite bonding is a good fit for many patients in many situations. Despite its versatility, however, some patients might find that they gain more benefit from alternative treatments.
At Bloomsburg Family Dentistry, we prioritize a personalized treatment approach. So, Dr. Spence will be sure to discuss all of your potential treatment options with you, along with explaining their benefits, advantages, drawbacks, and disadvantages to ensure you are able to weigh your options and make a well-informed decision about your dental care.
From preventive and general services to restorative and cosmetic treatments, Bloomsburg Family Dentistry patients have access to comprehensive dental care. If you have concerns about the appearance of your teeth or if your teeth have been damaged as a result of injury, disease, decay, or age, then dental bonding might be the right solution to restore the form, function, and beauty of your smile.
To learn more about composite dental bonding or to request a consultation with Dr. Laura Spence, we invite you to contact Bloomburg Family Dentistry today. We look forward to examining your teeth and gums and working with you to develop a personalized treatment plan designed to meet your needs while achieving your oral health goals.