For your cosmetic bonding needs
Composite bonding is a way of filling cavities or replacing metal fillings, closing gaps between teeth and repairing chipped or broken teeth. It uses a mouldable, white, paste-like material made out of acrylic resins called ‘dental composite’. Composite is not a very strong substance, so it’s not suitable for large cavities, and it also stains quicker than natural teeth. However, it is still popular for fillings because it looks quite natural, and any of the dentists in Reading will be able to carry the treatment out, unlike newer treatments such as CEREC technology.
What is involved in composite bonding?
Some but not all bonding procedures require a local anaesthetic, in which case this will be done first. Next, the area where the composite will be applied is thoroughly cleaned to give a good surface to bond to. The dentist will pick out the correct shade for your teeth, and keep the area dry using cotton rolls or a latex sheet. Next, the tooth may be reshaped, and the surface will be roughened with an acid gel. The composite is then applied to the tooth to the tooth in several thin layers until the desired shape and size have been reached, and then a special curing light is shone onto it which makes the composite harden and set. The final step is to polish and buff the composite to give it a smooth finish.
One thing to note with this procedure is that it requires quite a high level of artistic skill on the dentist’s part to get a good finish, and not all dentists have the same skill level. You can always ask for photos of their previous work and for details of their experience in the area of composite bonding before you have the treatment.