Bad composite bonding? Here’s what you need to do
Composite bonding is a popular, cost-effective alternative to veneers for cosmetic dental changes. It’s becoming increasingly popular, and many dental practices are starting to offer great deals for composite bonding.
While composite bonding offers a more affordable solution for enhancing the appearance of teeth, it's crucial to remember that composite bonding is not as strong and typically does not last as long as porcelain veneers. There are many factors that can affect the quality of composite bonding, such as materials and the experience of the dentist that you choose.
Fortunately, if you feel like you’ve had bad composite bonding work, it can often be corrected or replaced relatively easily.
This post will explain why you may have had bad composite bonding and what you should do to get it fixed.
An example of natural looking composite bonding with mild staining which is to be expected
Understanding Composite Bonding
Composite bonding involves applying a tooth-coloured resin material to teeth, which is then shaped, hardened, and polished.
This process is used for various dental issues, including:
Repairing chipped or cracked teeth
Improving discoloured teeth
Closing gaps between teeth
Changing the shape of teeth
The benefits of composite bonding are numerous, especially regarding dental aesthetics and function. It can significantly enhance your smile's appearance and improve your teeth' overall look.
However, composite bonding has inherent risks, such as:
Chipping
Breakage
Staining
Wearing down
Typically, well-done composite bonding can be expected to last between 3-5 years before needing replacement or repair.
Read our full guide on composite bonding here
Signs of Bad Composite Bonding
Since composite bonding is shaped directly onto your teeth by your dentist, it requires a huge amount of skill to get right. Signs of bad composite bonding include:
Uneven colouring or mismatched shades
Gaps in the bonding or misalignment of teeth
Sensitivity or pain
Persistent chipping and breakages
Ideally, your composite bonding should feel smooth, not rough, and without sharp edges. Flossing between your teeth should be smooth, without tearing or breaking the floss, and it should be comfortable to bite.
Bad composite bonding, done in Turkey 6 months previously. The composite bonding is rough, accumulating plaque, causing gum irritation and the patient is unable to clean in between the teeth.
Causes of Bad Composite Bonding
The quality of composite bonding largely depends on the skill and experience of the dental professional. Using low-quality materials or improper material handling can also lead to subpar results.
Proper dental preparation is crucial. This includes ensuring the natural teeth are in good condition – the brighter and whiter your natural teeth, the better the bonding will look.
Additionally, well-aligned teeth and a suitable bite are essential factors.
It is also essential to be well-informed about how to care for your bonding (such as through regular flossing and using nightguards).
Patient factors, like poor oral hygiene or detrimental habits, can negatively impact the longevity and appearance of composite bonding.
Bad composite bonding can lead to aesthetic issues and dissatisfaction. More seriously, it can increase the risk of dental decay or damage. This impacts your oral health and can lead to increased costs and time spent on corrective procedures.
Prevention and Correction of bad composite bonding
Choosing the right dental professional is critical to achieving a good composite bonding result. Many dentists offer the service as it is very popular now, but cosmetic treatment is not taught in dental schools. Dentists need to learn, train and practice after qualifying to become good at composite bonding procedures.
If you’ve already had composite boding treatment that you are not happy with this should be easily corrected with the following steps:
Speak to your original dentist, your composite bonding may just need a quick repair or there might be a reason why your bonding is a certain way
Find a skilled dentist for a second opinion on your composite bonding and if it would benefit from being replaced they can arrange this
The dentist will remove the composite from your tooth by using special drills and discs to remove the resin material. They will do this whilst trying their best to minimise any damage to your underlying teeth.
Once removed, the dentist will place fresh composite resin on your teeth
You may also want to consider alternative options such as porcelain veneers or crowns if appropriate.
How to Find a Good Composite Bonding Dentist
Here is what you should look for when choosing a composite bonding dentist:
Experience: This does not mean how old they are but more specifically, how many composite boding cases the dentist has done and how often they perform the procedure
Reviews: Read the reviews your dentist has on places like Google
Portfolio: Good dentists will have a portfolio of their work
Consent process: A good dentist will spend time with you to understand your desired outcome and explain exactly what the process will involve
Aftercare: Your dentist should be available to monitor and maintain your compost bonding to make sure it stays healthy
Education: Your dentist should explain to you in detail how to look after your composite bonding
Alternative Options to Composite Bonding
If composite bonding doesn't seem like the right choice for you, consider other options such as:
Leaving your teeth as they are. Sometimes, your dentist may be able to remove the composite on your teeth, and you can go back to your natural tooth shapes. However this may not always be possible
Each option has its own set of advantages and considerations.
Conclusion
To summarise, composite bonding is a valuable dental treatment option, offering aesthetic and functional benefits. However, the quality of the procedure is paramount to achieving satisfactory results.
It's important for you to make informed decisions and seek professional care from experienced dental professionals.
Have you had bad composite bonding and want help fixing it?
Our online dentists are here to help you fix your composite bonding. we will have a look at your treatment and give you personalised advice and recommendations on how to get things fixed.
Speak to our online dentists by clicking here.
Your smile deserves the best care, and informed choices are crucial to achieving the best results for your dental health.