Composite Bonding

This refers to a soft, paste type material which is used in a variety of ways. This substance is comprised of acrylic resins and various fillers and can be moulded for whatever purpose, e.g. to fill gaps between the teeth.

Composite bonding matches the colour of your natural teeth and often provides a better result. But it is lacks the strength of other dental materials such as ceramic or porcelain and is vulnerable to staining compared to these other materials.

USES OF COMPOSITE BONDING

Composite bonding is used as follows:

  • As an aesthetic ‘white’ filling to fill a cavity in a tooth caused by decay.
  • To repair a cracked, chipped or irregularly shaped tooth.
  • Close an unsightly gap between the teeth
  • Reshape a crooked or unattractive tooth
  • Replace traditional, silver amalgam fillings

It also plays an important role in a ‘smile makeover’.

COMPOSITE BONDING PROCEDURE

The dentist will choose a shade of composite bonding which matches the colour of your natural teeth.

The tooth which is to receive the bonding is prepared beforehand. It undergoes a thorough clean and is kept dry by the application of a rubber dam. The dentist then roughens the surface of the tooth before etching it with a special gel which enables the composite material to firmly adhere to it.

The bonding material is then applied and left to harden under a special light source. This process is repeated several times until the desired result is achieved. The tooth then undergoes a final polish.