Pros And Cons Of Composite Bonding
If you’ve been told recently that composite bonding can be used to cosmetically restore flaws in your unique smile you may be wondering about the pros and cons of treatment before your commit to this quick, non-invasive and affordable cosmetic treatment.
Composite bonding, which involves the application of composite resins (the same material that is used to fill cavities/holes in the back teeth instead of amalgam fillings) to the surface of your original teeth is a popular cosmetic treatment to repair and solve aesthetic issues in the front teeth.
Composite bonding is frequently used to repair chips and cracks in the front teeth and camouflage small flaws, crooked teeth and gaps, but how do you know if it is the right treatment for you?
Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of composite bonding so you can make your own informed decision.
Pros. The Advantages of Composite Bonding
Natural Looking Results
Composite resins are available in a range of tooth shades so skilled cosmetic dentists like the ones here at Smile Stories can match the colour and light-reflecting properties of your natural tooth enamel.
Fast & Effective
Composite bonding is a fast and effective way to fix cosmetic issues. The procedure can usually be completed in as little as an hour – in just one visit to the dental clinic. You can walk out with a smile makeover in a single appointment and often you won’t need a follow-up appointment.
Versatility
Composite bonding can be used to treat or correct many different flaws. If you have any of the following issues composite bonding can help.
- Chips or cracks
- Gaps
- Discolouration
- Crooked, misaligned teeth
- Decay in the front teeth
- Traumatic accidents to front teeth
Painless Procedure – Often No Drilling or Injections are Required
One of the major benefits of composite bonding is that often there’s no need for you to receive any anaesthesia or experience any drilling. It’s not only painless but you can go about your normal activities as soon as you leave the clinic.
Minimally Invasive
Another advantage is that often no permanent damage to your natural teeth occurs. There is no need for the expert dentist to drill your natural teeth so the tooth structure is preserved.
Durability
With good care, according to the Cleveland Clinic, composite bonding can last between 5 and 7 years. The material isn’t as hard as your natural teeth so it can chip and be stained by red wine and coffee however, the composite resin can be easily removed and replaced. Unlike alternative treatments which would require multiple appointments and the production of custom-made appliances.
Cost-Effective
Composite bonding is cheaper than alternative cosmetic treatments. Bonding is one of the least expensive options available.
There are several reasons for this. Your treatment can a) be completed in one appointment so there is less clinic time to be paid for and b) does not require any custom-fabricated appliances producing (eg you don’t need any veneers, crowns, bridges or clear aligners) so no lab work needs to be paid for.
Convenient
As the treatment is non-invasive, you can get multiple teeth bonded in one short appointment.
Cons: The Things to Take Into Consideration
There are many advantages to composite bonding, specifically, it’s quick, inexpensive and versatile, but there are some disadvantages to consider so you make the right decision.
Not as Durable as Alternative Solutions
Composite resin is durable and can last for up to seven years, but when put under pressure it can break or chip and it doesn’t match the durability of veneers or crowns. Whilst it may be not quite as hard-wearing as the alternatives it is much easier and cheaper to repair if cracks or chips occur.
Not Stain Resistant
Over time, composite resins absorb moisture and become stained. They are also stained by frequent consumption of coffee, tea, red wine and other pigmented foods and drinks. Cigarette smoking also discolours the composite resin.
To prolong the lifespan of your restorations it’s essential to make the correct dietary choices and ensure you practice first-class oral hygiene to keep them stain-free for as long as possible.
Whilst they may stain more easily than alternative solutions they are easily repaired.
More Easily Damaged
Composite bonding is durable and strong but it’s not as strong as your natural teeth and some of the alternative options. For example, bad habits such as chewing pencils, fingernails or biting on ice cubes can chip or damage your restoration.
If you partake in contact sports you should consider wearing a sports mouthguard to protect your bonded teeth from the risk of trauma.
Although a bonded tooth is more prone to damage, it is fast and easy to repair.
Technique-Sensitive
Unlike the aesthetic dentists here at Smile Stories, not all dentists are trained and/or skilled in cosmetic techniques. For cosmetic bonding to look natural and aesthetically pleasing you need to seek a cosmetic dentist who is not only trained in this cosmetic procedure but experienced and proficient in treating your specific dental issue.
Alternatives
If composite resins are not suitable to correct the flaws in your smile or you find the drawbacks outweigh the benefits there are some other options you can consider.
Invisalign – If you have crooked teeth that are affecting your bite or are too severe to be corrected with composite bonding Invisalign clear aligners are a great non-invasive and convenient alternative.
Porcelain Veneers – These thin, tooth-coloured shells are attached to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. A good choice if you wish to disguise discoloured teeth or hide the shape or alignment of your teeth. They are durable and can last up to 20 years.
Dental Crowns – Composite resin is great if you have a small chip or crack in a tooth. However, it does require a good amount of tooth structure to be used. If you have a large amount of damage to the tooth a crown can be used instead to completely cover the damage in a cap-like fashion. Crowns can be manufactured from several materials including gold, metal, porcelain and zirconia. With care, they can last between 15 years and a lifetime depending on many factors.
The Bottom Line of the Pros and Cons of Composite Bonding
Composite bonding is a quick, affordable, non-invasive, pain-free cosmetic treatment that can restore and alter your unique smile in a single appointment with the skilled aesthetic dentist here at Smile Stories.
If you would like to have a smile makeover in a day, simply send us 6 pictures of your smile, and we will produce your very own bespoke Confident Smile Report letting you know how we can together reach your smile goals.
We offer a wide variety of general dentistry treatments at Smile Stories, such as root canals, tooth extraction, dental bridges, crowns, help for people who have damaged their teeth due to grinding and an emergency dental service.
