Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is the process by which tooth-colored dental resin is applied to a tooth and hardened onto the tooth surface. At Vero Beach Art of Dentistry, Dr. Hagood uses composite bonding to create small tooth-colored fillings and to temporarily restore and cosmetically improve teeth while transitioning them to more definitive porcelain restorations that are optimally lifelike and more durable. During this transitional process, temporary composite restorations let Dr. Hagood and the patient “test drive” the form and function of the restorations in the smile and bite.

Composite bonding can be used to address many different dental concerns, including structural damage and cosmetic blemishes. For example, composite can be used to cover stains, fill cracks, fill cavities, and change the shape of a tooth (perhaps, widening the upper central incisors to fill a small gap between the two teeth). Composite bonding can be completed in a single office visit. If the composite becomes worn or chipped, it can be easily replaced.

Composite resin comes in a range of colors that closely match tooth enamel. Porcelain can be mixed to an exact hue, and multiple hues can be used to shade and blend a restoration perfectly to match surrounding teeth.

When it comes to durability, however, bonded composite is not as strong as bonded porcelain. And, when it comes to lifelike quality, porcelain is significantly better. Porcelain veneers (onlays), inlays, and crowns have the lifelike translucence and reflectivity of natural tooth enamel. For these reasons, porcelain restorations are the preferred standard of care for moderate to severe tooth damage and defects.

Before performing bonding, Dr. Hagood will choose the shade of composite that matches your teeth. Then he will treat your tooth with a very mild chemical agent, which will create microscopic grooves on the tooth enamel. This etching increases surface area so the composite can bond to your tooth more strongly. After this very minimal prep work, he will apply the composite and work carefully to sculpt it and create a smooth, lifelike appearance. When he has achieved the desired effect, Dr. Hagood will use a special light to cure the material. After it has fully hardened, he will polish the composite to give it a lifelike shine.

Do You Need a Quick Dental Repair or Cosmetic Enhancement to Your Smile?

If you need an urgent dental repair (for example, a small chip has occurred and left a sharp tooth surface), or if you have a special occasion coming up right away for which you would like fast cosmetic improvements, then composite bonding may be the best dental treatment, while more time is taken to achieve the most esthetic and lifelike smile. To learn more about bonding and alternative treatment options that are best for your specific oral health circumstances, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hagood. Call (772) 567-2237 today.