The route to a straighter smile doesn’t necessarily have to always be with braces or Invisalign.

If you have gaps in your teeth that are compromising your tooth alignment, composite bonding is also a viable option for minor to moderate gaps in your teeth. Unlike braces, composite bonding doesn’t exert pressure on your teeth, and it’s a quick fix that takes just one dentist appointment.

Can You Have Straight Teeth Without Braces?

Whilst you can’t actually straighten teeth using composite bonding, composite bonding can create the illusion of straighter teeth.

Whilst composite bonding can’t deal with large gaps in your teeth, or serious malocclusion problems (problems with the way your teeth bite together), it can work wonders to create symmetry by closing smaller gaps, resulting in a straighter-looking smile.

How Does Composite Bonding Work To Close Gaps?

Composite bonding is a method that uses small pieces of composite, (the clue is in the name!) which are placed directly onto individual teeth.

Once these pieces of tooth-coloured composite are in place, the gaps compromising your smile alignment will no longer affect how your teeth sit in your mouth.

How Will Closing Small Gaps In My Teeth Improve My Smile?

Closing small gaps brings about the illusion of improved tooth alignment. This can result in a symmetrical smile and improved tooth-to-tooth and tooth-to-gum ratio.

When carried out by an experienced and detail-orientated dentist, composite bonding can produce almost flawlessly natural results. However, it is possible for the eye to catch the fine line where the resins have been applied if the application process has been poorly carried out.

We strongly suggest doing your research before choosing a dentist for composite bonding, as some dentists will be more adept than others.  

Which Is Better For Straighter Teeth – Composite Bonding Or Braces?

If your teeth are overlapping, significantly out of alignment, or significantly large gaps are present, these issues won’t be resolved with composite bonding.

Braces will be needed adjust the position of the teeth, as opposed to adding composite in-between the gaps.

Many people choose to have composite bonding following having their teeth straightened to alter the shape of individual teeth, once they’re set in a natural position. In fact, this is now one of the most popular treatment combinations out there (and a favourite with celebrities).

How To Get The Best Out Of Composite Bonding For Closing Gaps In Your Teeth?  

If you are eligible for composite bonding and want to maintain the results, here are some of our top tips:

• Use a whitening and enamel-repairing toothpaste like Zing. Get up to 40% off your first box too!

• Visit the hygienist for regular cleanings to remove plaque and tartar.

• Don’t bite on ice or pencils (these are sure to damage the composite!)

• Floss in between your teeth to remove bacteria.