Can Composite Bonding Help Receding Gums?

If you’re reading this blog there’s a strong chance that you have some gum recession and you’re searching for a treatment that can help cure tooth sensitivity, improve oral hygiene and restore the aesthetics of your smile.

You may have heard that composite bonding can be used to treat a range of dental issues.  If so, you may be wondering, can composite bonding help treat receding gums?

The quick answer is yes, composite bonding can help receding gums. 

Tooth-coloured composite resin can be used to help eliminate the sensitivity and pain caused by dentine exposure. On some occasions, if severe gum recession is affecting the aesthetics of your smile gum-coloured resins can be used to replace the gum tissue, restoring your smile and treating the sensitivity. 

Read on to find out how composite bonding can help your receding gums. 

What Is Composite Bonding?

Composite bonding sometimes referred to as dental bonding, is a modern and cost-effective cosmetic dental technique which involves the application of composite resin to the teeth. 

Composite resins are dental cement made of synthetic resins. These dental polymers are insoluble, insensitive to dehydration, easy to manipulate and inexpensive. They can be applied quickly to the teeth, and the best bit is that no drilling or injections are required. It’s non-invasive and pain-free.

These resins have been used for many years to fill cavities caused by tooth decay instead of silver amalgam fillings. Advances in composite resin materials and bonding techniques have expanded the range of cosmetic treatments this polymer can be used for. 

Composite bonding can be used to cover exposed roots – you can think of it as a composite filling for receding gums. 

How Composite Bonding Can be Used To Help Your Receding Gums

Composite bonding can help correct the poor aesthetics and the sensitivity associated with receding gums. It can also help reduce the risk of food packing, periodontal pockets and periodontal disease developing (these can occur as a consequence of receding gums).

If you have a small localised recession causing sensitivity and root decay, tooth-coloured resins can be used to cover the exposed root. 

This can result in a longer crown. When there is a severe gum recession some people may find that this is not aesthetically pleasing. In these cases, gum-coloured resins can be used in combination with tooth-coloured resins to cover the exposed roots and restore lost tissue so the gum tissue looks to be complete. 

An aesthetically pleasing result can be achieved when skilled aesthetic dentists like those here at Smile Stories undertake this procedure. 

The Treatment Procedure

When composite resins are used to cover exposed roots it’s a quick procedure where your gum recession will be helped in just one appointment at the dental clinic. 

First, a composite resin will be selected that closely matches the colour of your tooth. A colour chart is used to ensure that the choice is correct.  When severe gum recession is being restored composite resin that’s a close match with your gum tissue will be selected. 

A rough surface is then created on the tooth and a bonding agent is applied. Next composite resin is applied and moulded to the correct shape of your tooth. 

The resin is then dried under UV light and you’re good to go. 

If you’re not happy with the appearance it can be easily altered. 

Is It A Permanent Solution?

Composite resins need replacing after 5-7 years. The material absorbs moisture and can be stained by red wine, tea, coffee and smoking. So no, this is not a permanent solution but it is quick and easy to replace when the time comes. 

Is Everyone A Suitable Candidate for Composite Bonding To Treat Gum Recession?

If you have active gum disease, you may need treatment for this first. 

In some cases, if the placement of the composite resin results in a ledge between the existing gum and restoration it can result in plaque accumulation and further recession. In this case, alternative options would need to be considered to help the gum recession.   

How Do Dentists Repair Receding Gums – Alternative Treatment Options

If you would like a more permanent solution other treatments are available, each has its advantages and disadvantages. Alternative treatments include:

• Use of desensitising agents, varnishes and dentine bonding agents 
• Porcelain or Composite veneers
• Removable gingival veneers 
• Orthodontics 
• Surgical gum grafts

I Have Receding Gums – Can I Have Composite Bonding?

Composite bonding is a quick and cost-effective way to help your receding gums, whether you have mild or severe gum recession. 

The only way to know if you’re a suitable candidate is to see a skilled aesthetic dentist in Bournemouth like those here at Smile Stories.

All you need to do is send us six pictures of your smile and in return, we will produce your very own bespoke Confident Smile Report letting you know how we can together reach your smile goals. 

You can then book a free video consultation, where we will take you through the plan – including your treatment options and estimated fees. It is as simple as that.