Cosmetic dental issues such as cracked, discoloured, misshapen or misaligned teeth, can be distressing to deal with.
Whether you’re covering your mouth when you speak or hiding your teeth in photos, feeling embarrassed about your smile can significantly impact your confidence and quality of life.
If you’re feeling self-conscious about your smile, composite bonding could be the right solution for you.
While most of us are familiar with veneers, – a cosmetic dental procedure common among celebrities and influencers – composite bonding is a lesser-known treatment that boasts several advantages over its popular counterpart.
But what does the composite bonding procedure involve and how much does composite bonding cost?
Our dentists explain.
What is Composite Teeth Bonding?
Composite bonding, also known as dental bonding or teeth bonding, is a cosmetic dental procedure that is designed to enhance your smile and, in turn, boost your confidence.
It can be used to repair various cosmetic dental concerns, including chipping, cracking, misalignment or discolouration of the teeth.
The procedure involves applying tooth-coloured resin to the tooth to alter its size, colour or shape.
If you baulk at the sight of fake white and bright teeth, don’t worry; this isn’t the goal with composite bonding. Composite bonding is made to look, feel and function just like your natural teeth – but better.
The Composite Bonding Procedure: Step by Step
If you’re feeling a bit anxious about the prospect of undergoing a dental procedure, you’re not alone. Many people find dental visits challenging.
At Dental Boutique, we have several solutions available for people suffering from dental anxiety, including sleep dentistry.
Knowing exactly what to expect from your procedure can also help to alleviate anxiety.
Below, we outline a step-by-step guide to the composite bonding procedure.
Step 1: Your Custom Smile Design
Your composite bonding treatment begins with a custom smile design. We’ll discuss your smile goals with you and take note of your facial shape, tooth colour and personal characteristics.
Next, we’ll schedule a photo and video session in our studio. From here, we’ll begin designing your dream smile.
We won’t proceed until you’re completely satisfied with the design of your new smile – after all, your smile is with you for life!
Step 2: Choose Your Colour
When you’re ready to move forward with the treatment, your cosmetic dentist will choose a shade of resin that will perfectly match your current set of teeth.
The aim is for the composite resin to work seamlessly with the rest of your teeth and look as natural as possible. You’ll also be able to discuss the colour with your dentist and tailor it as you wish.
Step 3: The Application
Once your custom resin is created, you’ll come in for your application appointment. Your dentist will begin by applying a conditioning liquid to the tooth to help the resin stick to your tooth. Then, your dentist will apply the resin to your tooth. They will mould and smooth the resin until it is shaped properly.
Your dentist will then set the resin by using a blue ultraviolet light. When the resin has hardened, your dentist will shape, polish and trim the resin to give your smile a polished and natural finish.
The composite bonding procedure will take 30 minutes to one hour to complete.
Is Composite Bonding Painful?
The treatment is non-invasive and your dentist won’t be working near the nerves of your tooth. Most of the time, anaesthesia isn’t required.
Discomfort after a composite bonding procedure is uncommon, but if you experience mild sensitivity afterwards, you can take over-the-counter pain medication for relief.
What Are the Benefits of Composite Bonding?
Composite bonding is a safe, effective and efficient procedure that always leaves patients smiling wider than they did when they arrived.
A key benefit is the versatility of the treatment.
The composite bonding procedure can be used to treat various cosmetic concerns and can
- Lengthen teeth
- Fill in tooth gaps
- Even out the tooth’s edges
- Correct discolouration
- Repair chips or cracks
Benefits of composite bonding also include
- Immediate results
- Quick procedure
- No recovery time
- Non-invasive
- Cost-effective
So, how does composite bonding compare to veneers?
One important point of difference between the two is that composite bonding is reversible, while veneers are not.
To apply veneers, your dentist will remove a small layer of enamel from the tooth’s surface to make room for the veneer. This means that once you have veneers, you will always need them.
Composite bonding, on the other hand, does not require the removal of enamel. If you did change your mind about bonding or you wanted to opt out of replacing them down the line, you could safely do so.
What Are the Disadvantages of Composite Bonding?
While composite bonding is partially stain resistant, it won’t remain as stain-free as a porcelain veneer. You’ll need to be diligent about brushing your teeth well just as you would with your natural teeth.
Composite bonding restorations also aren’t as long-lasting as veneers or crowns. This can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your goals.
Cosmetic bonding is ideal for remedying small cosmetic concerns, while dramatic transformations are better achieved with veneers.
What’s the Cost of Composite Bonding?
The benefits of composite bonding are clear; in just one non-invasive appointment, your minor dental concerns can be repaired and you can leave with an enhanced smile.
With this in mind, how much does composite bonding cost?
Composite bonding prices will vary depending on how many teeth you need repaired and how much material will be required.
At Dental Boutique, we know that costs can be a barrier to receiving the smile you’ve always dreamed of, which is why we offer payment plans starting from just $100 per week.
For more information on our composite bonding costs at our Australian clinics (Sydney, Melbourne, Mornington, Adelaide, Geelong), get in touch with us.
How Long Does Composite Bonding Last?
Composite bonding restorations will wear down over time but will typically last 5 to 10 years.
The longevity of your restorations will largely depend on the size and position of the bonding, as well as your oral hygiene routine.
There are a few things you can do to make sure your composite bonding lasts as long as possible.
- Limit your intake of staining foods such as red wine and coffee
- If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do to keep your composite restorations in great condition
- Avoid biting or chewing ice, pens, nails and other hard objects
- Attend bi-annual dental checkups
- Book an appointment with your dentist if you feel there’s something wrong with your bonding
Composite Bonding Before and Afters
Photos are the best way to showcase just how much composite bonding can transform your smile.
If your teeth have been affecting your confidence, composite bonding may be able to help you.
We’re here to deliver expertly-crafted, exceptional smiles that truly enhance the lives of our patients.
Have a question about the composite bonding procedure or costs? We’re here to help. Get in touch with us to discuss your questions and options.
