Dental bonding – what the treatment is about
Dental bonding is a uniquely popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. In fact it is so popular that it is often referred to by many other names like composite bonding, teeth bonding and others. The procedure is quite plain and simple and involves applying a resin material to the tooth. The resin that is used comes in the colour of the tooth and as such there is no way to distinguish between your composite bonded tooth and natural untreated teeth. This is how a range of minor flaws of the tooth gets smoothly covered up by this treatment. Dental or composite bonding is a great way to enhance your overall smile very fast as if by magic.
When dentists recommend the treatment
Composite bonding is a tried and tested solution to make cosmetic improvements to one’s smile. As such, this is one of the most frequently performed treatments under the category of cosmetic dentistry. Dentists recommend this treatment time and again in the following circumstances –
- Camouflaging badly discoloured or stained teeth
- Hiding cracks and chips in the tooth
- Enable the teeth appear longer, straighter and more beautiful
- Improve the overall shape, size and other physical dimensions of the tooth
- Close gasp or spaces existing between the teeth
Dentists who offer some of the best composite bonding deals in London explain composite resin material that is sued in this treatment is the same that is used in restorative dentistry to fill up tooth cavities. It is also used as a more aesthetically enhanced option in replacing existing silver amalgam fillings. The treatment can also cover up and protect the roots of the teeth that have become exposed as a result of gum recession.
Popularity of the treatment
Composite bonding or dental bonding is strikingly popular in the present day United Kingdom. According to statistics it is one of the most frequently performed dental procedures.
What are the differences between dental boding and veneers?
Dental bonding treatment does not compromise natural structure of the tooth as it requires minimal enamel removal. The treatment requires little touch-ups every three to ten years. More importantly, the procedure is completely reversible.
In contrast to that porcelain veneers are not reversible; once your dentist places these veneers on your tooth there is no about turn for you. Porcelain veneers are actually ultrathin shells of ceramic that are custom designed for your tooth. These ceramic shells are applied to the front surface of the natural tooth. Once these veneers are placed on the teeth, you have to replace it every ten to twenty years.
Composite bonding cost
Now let us quickly go through the cost of the treatment. How much does a full set of composite bonding cost in the UK? A full set of 16 teeth composite bonding costs within the range from around £2500 to £4725 when the United Kingdom is concerned. We will get into a detailed breakdown of this cost at an appropriate place.
Composite veneers
In this context it is relevant to include composite veneers as well. Composite veneers are the procedure in which dentists make use of composite resin material to cover the entire surface of a tooth.
About teeth bonding procedure
Before performing teeth bonding it is important for a dentist to have a detailed consultation with a patient to understand the latter’s expectations from the treatment. The dentist also examines the teeth and the gums to ensure the individual is a suitable candidate for the treatment. A dental team also requires taking x-rays of the teeth at this stage.
It is important to note that if you suffer from extensive tooth cavities, gum disease or any other serious oral health issue you could be asked to treat and cure those issues first before undergoing tooth bonding.
Once you’re identified as a suitable candidate for teeth bonding, your dentist selects a composite resin shade that closely matches the natural color of your teeth. They use a shade guide to do this matching says a dentist who quotes affordable cost for composite bonding over the years. Then they start preparing your tooth for the procedure. The tooth surface is slightly roughened, and a conditioning liquid is applied to enhance the adhesion of the bonding material.
Next, a composite resin is carefully applied to the prepared tooth surface. This resin material possesses consistency that is similar to that of putty. Once it is applied, it is moulded and smoothened and brought to a desired shape. In the next step the composite resin needs to be hardened faster, for which they make use of a special curing light. This is actually the time when the material bonds to the tooth surface.
In the last step of the procedure dentists provide final adjustments to the bonding and then the bonded tooth is given a thorough polish. This is how your bonded tooth or teeth bear a shine that looks identical to the other natural teeth in your mouth.
Is it painful?
The procedure lasts anywhere between thirty minutes and an hour. On the whole the procedure does not involve any pain. The procedure does not require your dentist to work anywhere near the nerves in a tooth that sense pain. That is why patients are usually not administered with any kind of anaesthesia for this procedure. At the most there can be little sensitivity in the tooth after the procedure although this is temporary, assures a dentist who works at the renowned Thousand Smiles Dental Clinic in London. You may take over the counter pain medications to overcome this side effect.
