Composite Bonding To Close A Gap 

Some people love their gappy smile, some celebrities even flaunt them but if like many you’re self-conscious about yours you may be wondering if you can close the gap quickly without spending months wearing clear aligners or braces. 

The good news is that there’s a quick and cost-effective cosmetic solution called composite bonding that can close small gaps between teeth. This popular option for fixing gappy teeth can be used when there are no additional dental issues.   

Read on to find out more about composite bonding to close a gap and whether you’d be a suitable candidate. 

What Is Composite Bonding?

Composite bonding is a type of dental restoration that uses a tooth-coloured resin material to improve the appearance of your smile. This procedure can be used to restore decayed teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth, and gaps between teeth.

Composite bonding is a popular choice for dental restoration because it can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth. This means that it can be used to improve the appearance of your smile without being noticeable. Composite bonding is also less invasive than other types of dental restoration, such as veneers or crowns. The cosmetic treatment can fix your smile in one visit to the clinic unlike braces which take months.

How Composite Bonding Fixes A Gap Between The Teeth

The procedure, which is quick and painless, involves attaching composite resin to a specific area on the teeth on either side of the gap. It is then moulded into the correct shape and size.

It’s then hardened using a UV light and then buffed and polished so that looks natural. Leaving you with a straighter-looking smile!

The colour of the composite resin is selected to match your teeth so it looks completely natural.

How Long Does The Procedure Take?

Composite bonding is a quick and easy procedure that can be completed in one visit. You can walk out the same day with the smile you dreamed of. 

The Pros and Cons of Composite Bonding to Close a Gap

Cosmetic improvements can be made to your smile quickly with composite bonding. There are many benefits to choosing this option.  

Benefits

The advantages include

• Affordable – composite bonding is the least expensive cosmetic treatment to close the gap
• Quick – the procedure can usually be done in one trip to the dental clinic. 
• Painless – no anaesthetic or drilling is required
• No preparation is needed – there is no need to remove any tooth enamel

Drawbacks

In some situations composite bonding may be the best solution to close a gappy smile and whilst there are many advantages of bonding there are some things to be aware of.

• Stain resistance – the resin used is more porous than other materials used so can be stained by red wine, tea, coffee and nicotine. However, it can be replaced and repaired easily.
• Not Long lasting – after 5-7 years composite bonding needs replacing. If you had your teeth straightened with braces or veneers applied over the top, the initial outlay may be more but in the long term, the treatments may cost the same. 
• Durability – Composite bonding can chip and also break off the tooth if not maintained well. However, it is easy and inexpensive to repair or replace. 

Who Can Have Composite Bonding?

Composite bonding is a great solution to close a gap between 1 or 2 teeth when there are no additional dental issues. Small imperfections are easy to fix and large gaps can be built up again with this very conservative treatment.

However, the cause and severity of the gap will determine whether someone is suitable for composite bonding. 

Who’s Not Suitable for Composite Bonding

There are some situations when you may not be suitable for dental bonding. These include

• Large gaps – if large amounts of composite resin are needed to disguise the gap it can affect the proportions of the front teeth. This may compromise the aesthetics of your smile. It will also increase the tooth convexity it can create an extra ledge where plaque can accumulate and lead to gum disease. 
• Missing teeth – if your gap is due to a missing tooth, a dental implant or bridge may be more suitable. The area may be too big to restore with bonding. 
• Additional dental issues – If you have a misaligned bite, overcrowding or crooked teeth orthotics may be recommended to prevent other dental issues from occurring down the line. 

Is Composite Bonding to Close a Gap Right For You

This is a decision that you and your dentist will decide upon. Whilst most people are suitable for composite bonding if you have any of the dental issues discussed above or any of the following personal habits, composite bonding may not be right for you. 

If you suck your thumb, chew things like nails or consume lots of drinks which may stain, an alternative solution may be suggested. 

Mouth guards may be advised to protect the composite bonding used to fill the gaps if you have an incorrect swallowing reflex (this can cause your tongue to push into your front teeth forcing them forward) or grind your teeth at night. 

If you’re not suitable for bonding there are alternative ways to close the gap which include porcelain veneers, crowns, braces or Invisalign clear aligners. 

Are You Looking to Close the Gap?

Whilst most people with a small gap are suitable candidates for composite bonding it is difficult to give you a definitive yes without seeing your unique smile. 

So why not let the highly skilled Smile Stories aesthetic dentists take a look at your smile and we’ll provide you with your free bespoke Confident Smile Report explaining what we can do for you.