Cosmetic and Orthodontic
Cosmetic Bonding
Bonding uses tooth coloured composite to repair a chip, close a small gap, or reshape an edge. It is shaped by hand in the chair and finished the same day.
What it is
Composite bonding is the same family of material used for tooth coloured fillings, sculpted onto the visible surface of a tooth. It is added, shaped, hardened, and polished during the appointment.
Compared with a veneer, bonding is more conservative because much less tooth structure is removed. It is a good fit for small corrections and a poor fit for a full redesign.
Composite picks up stain more readily than porcelain over time, and edges can chip. Both are repairable, and we tell you that up front.
Who it is for
- A front tooth is chipped or has a worn edge.
- There is a small gap you want closed.
- One tooth looks slightly out of line with the others.
- You want a conservative option before considering veneers.
- You want the change completed in a single visit.
What to expect
Discussion
We look at the tooth together and agree on the shape. Photographs help make the conversation concrete.
Shade match
Composite is selected to match the surrounding tooth in daylight, not under a lamp alone.
Sculpting
The material is applied in layers, shaped by hand, and set. You check the shape in a mirror as we work.
Polish and bite check
The surface is polished and the bite is checked so the new edge is not taking more load than it should.
Questions we hear most
It is a repair, not a replacement for enamel. Edges can chip, especially if you grind, and repairs are simple when they do.
That is the aim, and shade matching is done carefully. Composite does pick up stain over the years, so it may need refreshing.
Often not, because little or no tooth is removed. If you would prefer to be numb, say so and we will arrange it.
In most cases the composite can be taken off and replaced with another option. We discuss that at the outset.
Talk it through with a dentist before you commit to anything.
Bring your questions to a consultation. We will explain what we see and what the options are, and nothing gets booked until you decide it should.