Cosmetic bonding is a popular cosmetic dental treatment, which is carried out to improve the overall aesthetic of the smile.

When is cosmetic bonding used?

Cosmetic bonding is a means of improving the appearance of the smile; it involves applying a tooth-coloured dental material to the tooth in order to repair cracks, fill in chips, fill cavities, reshape teeth and disguise small gaps between the teeth.

The dental material is made from a mixture of acrylic resins and fillers; the paste-like substance can be moulded into any shape before it is hardened.

Cosmetic bonding is very popular because it helps to preserve the natural look of the smile and improve the overall appearance of the teeth. Many people have chipped teeth or small gaps between their teeth and this may make the feel self-conscious. Cosmetic bonding is a quick and simple treatment, which can transform the smile in a matter of minutes. Many people also choose to have tooth-coloured fillings because they blend in with the natural teeth and are not visible when you smile. An increasingly large number of people are also choosing to have their metal amalgam fillings replaced with white fillings.

Can cosmetic bonding be used for all cavities?

White fillings are a great alternative to metal amalgam fillings, especially if you are conscious about your appearance. However, bonding is not suitable for all cavities. Cosmetic bonding is only suitable for small cavities, as the material is not strong enough to withstand everyday wear and tear when it is spread over a large area. If you want a tooth-coloured filling and you have a large cavity, you may be advised to get a ceramic filling, as these are stronger. Some dentists have Cerec technology, which means you can get your ceramic restoration made on site. If this is not the case, your dentist will order a ceramic filling and it will be manufactured in a laboratory and returned when finished.

Are there any drawbacks?

The only real drawbacks of cosmetic bonding are that the material is not as strong as ceramic or porcelain and the composite tends to become discoloured quicker than the natural tooth. This may mean that the composite area of the tooth looks a slightly different colour to the rest of the tooth.

Should I consider cosmetic bonding?

If you have a gap between your teeth, a chipped or broken tooth or want to improve the shape of a tooth, you should consider having cosmetic bonding. It is a very simple procedure and could make a real difference to your smile, especially if you’re conscious about the way your teeth look. If you’re worried about the procedure, talk to your dentist. This is a very safe and simple treatment, which does not always require local anaesthetic and is often finished very quickly.

Cosmetic bonding is a great way to make small changes to your smile. Often people assume that if they have a chipped tooth or a gap between their teeth, this will require extensive treatment and this puts them off; however, this is not the case.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.