Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is the process of placing white fillings on to your existing teeth. Once sculpted into shape, hardened and then polished, the finished result is incredibly realistic and virtually impossible to differentiate from your other teeth.
Using materials with similar characteristics to enamel and dentine we can repair chipped or broken teeth, close gaps or cover unsightly marks with little or no preparation work. It’s also possible to change the shape and size of your teeth, giving you the smile you want at a fraction of the cost of some other, more invasive treatments. If you want your old silver fillings replacing for beautiful, life-like white fillings, this can also be achieved with cosmetic bonding.
One advantage comes from the ease and affordability of the procedure. Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customised tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a lab, bonding usually can be done in one visit unless several teeth are involved. Another advantage, compared with veneers and crowns, is that the least amount of tooth enamel is removed. Also, unless dental bonding is being performed to fill a cavity, anaesthesia is usually not required making this a largely pain-free treatment.There are some disadvantages however. Although the material used in bonding is somewhat stain resistant, it does not resist stains as well as crowns. Another disadvantage is that the bonding materials do not last as long nor are as strong as other restorative procedures, such as crowns, veneers, or fillings and in some cases they can chip and break off the tooth completely.
Bonded teeth do not require any special care. Simply follow good oral hygiene practices; brush your teeth twice a day, floss at least once a day, rinse with mouthwash once or twice a day and of course, pop into Elmet Dental Care for regular check-ups and cleanings. Because bonding material can chip, it is important to avoid such habits as biting fingernails; chewing on non-food items, or using your bonded teeth to open things!
The lifespan of the bonding materials depends on how much bonding was done and your oral habits. Typically, however, the bonding lasts from 3 to as many as 10 years before needing to be repaired or replaced.