We stand by the motto ‘your beauty, your rules’ at GLAMOUR but we also appreciate that being self-conscious about your teeth can be debilitating. It’s for this reason that the demand for cosmetic dentistry is increasing, with whitening toothpastes, braces like Invisilign and veneers becoming more and more common. The problem is, braces can be a slow and painful process, and veneers involve filing down your natural tooth into a spike, before fitting the porcelain cap on top, which cannot be undone. And while teeth whitening is the quick and most cost-effective treatment, it can’t fix everything.
For a minimally invasive, instantly transformative alternative to veneers and braces, many are turning to a treatment known as composite bonding, which can transform your smile in under an hour without any heavy filing, drilling or disruption.
Here’s everything you need to know about the treatment, straight from expert dentist Dr Rhona Eskander…
How does composite bonding work?
“Composite bonding is a cosmetic technique wherein a type of dental material, in this case, composite resin, is shaped and moulded on your teeth to give the appearance of a straighter, whiter smile,” explains Dr Eskander. ” Your dentist will then add the composite resin, cure it with a special light and finish by polishing your teeth. Because the process involves a high level of technique for a natural mould and shape, it’s best to work with a dentist who has experience in this area.”
Will I have to have my teeth shaved down?
Unlike traditional veneers, which require the tooth to be permanently shaved down before the veneers can be fitted on top, composite bonding can be applied on top of the natural tooth. “Bonding is a bit like adding shellac to the nails,” explains Dr Eskander. “It can be used to cover the whole surface or just the edges, which means minimal destruction to the teeth.”
What kind of conditions can composite bonding treat?
“It can be used as a cosmetic solution to chipped teeth, gapped teeth and staining in both teeth and fillings,” advises Dr Eskander. The treatment is also very popular among teeth grinders who have worn down the edges of their teeth.
How long does it take?
According to Dr Eskander, “the upper 6 teeth are usually treated and this takes 2-3 hours in one session followed by a 30 minute review.” If it’s just one tooth that needs treating then you could be in and out within the hour.
What are the cons?
As with any treatment, there is a downside. “Bonding is more prone to chipping and staining and is not suitable for all dental cases,” says Dr Eskanda. “If your smile is crooked as the result of an over or underbite, this treatment won’t serve to correct it. Instead, speak with your dentist to determine if more in-depth work is needed, like adjusting your bite or any complex chips or gaps in your teeth. Bonding is primarily for those who seek a cosmetic solution for teeth that are otherwise healthy.”
Is there any aftercare required?
“Having bonding requires maintenance so you’ll need to see your dentist for regular check ups,” says Dr Eskanda. “The teeth are also prone to chipping and staining so you should avoid biting down on particularly hard foods or ice to prevent cracking.”
How much does it cost?
Composite bonding can range anywhere between £250 – £450 per tooth. Although this is expensive, it is a fraction of the cost of other treatments like veneers, which start at around £800 per tooth.
