Esthetic Bonding/Composite Bonding

BONDING is a generic term for the cosmetic procedures that we do when we add materials to the teeth to either fill in spaces between the teeth, to lengthen teeth, to reshape teeth, or to change the color of the teeth. It includes composites and porcelain veneers. These procedures can radically improve the overall smile of a person and improve self-esteem and self-confidence. They are more conservative than full coverage crowns.

COMPOSITES are glass filled resins that are bonded to the teeth. The materials have improved dramatically in the past twenty years in terms of durability, esthetics, wear and use of placement. The newer light-cured type of composite materials allow us to place the filling in the tooth first to check the shade and then harden the material. There are generaly about ten different shades of white, yellow and grey that we can mix together to create a great shade match with your teeth. Most fillings that are placed in the front teeth are composites. Since these types of materials are bonded to your teeth and have better esthetics than metal type fillings, and they don't have the concern of mercury or putting extra stresses on the teeth, these are becoming more commonly done in the back teeth in smaller areas, when indicated. In the larger areas, porcelain inlays and onlys can be used to support the tooth surfaces and contact areas better.

Bonding is a common solution for:
  • Fixing or repairing chipped or cracked teeth
  • Reducing unsightly gaps or spaces between teeth
  • Hiding discoloration or faded areas on the tooth’s surface

Often used to improve the appearance of your teeth and enhance your smile. As the name indicates, composite material, either a plastic or resin, is bonded to an existing tooth. Unlike veneers or crowns, composite bonding removes little, if any, of the original tooth. Composite bonding has many advantages:
  • It is a quick process, which typically lasts less than one hour.
  • It does not reduce the tooth’s original structure and is relatively inexpensive.
  • Composite resins come in many different shades and provide better matching of shades to the natural color of your teeth.
  • Composite bonds, however, are not as durable and long-lasting as veneers and crowns and may need to be re-touched or replaced in the future.

Composite bonds stain more easily and therefore require proper care and regular cleaning. In order to ensure the longest possible duration of the bonding, composites should be brushed and flossed daily. Common staining elements include coffee, tea, tobacco, foods and candy.