Tag: crooked teeth

Is Composite Bonding The Solution For Crooked Teeth?

Cosmetic bonding is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments in the UK. It is not only used for restoring grossly damaged and permanently stained teeth but also for cosmetically fixing crooked teeth. If you or a loved one has misaligned teeth and you’re searching for treatment options, you might be wondering whether composite bonding is a solution for crooked teeth, or should go for orthodontic treatment.

If you are stuck between choosing bonding or braces for crooked teeth treatment, then this blog is for you. In this blog, you will learn everything about bonding and how it can be used for the treatment of crooked teeth. So, continue reading. 

What Is Tooth Bonding?

Did you know that over 75% of the population have at least one filling, most of which are bonded restorations? According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, bonding is a restorative procedure in which your dentist will apply a tooth-coloured filling material over damaged, permanently stained, or crooked teeth to restore their structure and aesthetics. Dental bonding has become so much popular in the UK that it is routinely used for smile makeovers and cosmetic dentistry treatment. 

Can A Cosmetic Dentist Fix A Crooked Tooth?

The most effective and long-lasting treatment option for crooked teeth is orthodontic treatment. This is because braces or Invisalign aligners address the underlying issue and optimally align the teeth. This not only helps restore one’s smile and facial aesthetics but also optimises oral health and physical well-being. 

However, metal braces or clear aligners are not the only option for crooked teeth treatment. If someone does not want to wait for many months to get their teeth straightened, they may contact their cosmetic dentist for aesthetic treatment. In such treatment, a cosmetic dentist will address the aesthetic problem by using cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers. However, the underlying issue will not be solved. 

So yes, a cosmetic dentist can fix a crooked tooth. However, if someone has multiple crooked teeth, then they should consider orthodontic treatment as a long-term solution. 

Is Composite Bonding A Good Option For My Teeth?

Composite bonding is routinely used by dentists for treating a variety of restorative and cosmetic dental issues. So, if you have crooked, chipped, or permanently stained teeth, you may consider getting them restored with composite bonding. Besides, composite bonding is safe and carries minimal risk of side effects. So yes, composite bonding is a good option for restoring damaged teeth. 

Do Veneers Straighten Teeth Just Like Braces?

Both veneers and braces can be used to fix crooked teeth. However, both treatment options work differently. While braces fix crooked teeth by moving and realigning them, veneers only fix the cosmetic issue and do not address the underlying problem. So, veneers do not straighten teeth like braces, they only restore facial aesthetics. 

Does Cosmetic Dentistry Include Braces?

Cosmetic dentists these days use invisible braces such as ceramic, lingual braces or clear aligners for the treatment of orthodontic issues. This is because all these orthodontic treatment options are inconspicuous and don’t affect one’s smile and appearance. So, if someone is looking for an aesthetically pleasing option for fixing their crooked teeth, they may consider Invisalign clear aligners or ceramic braces. 

Can I Get Dental Bonding Instead Of Braces?

In some cases, mild to moderate orthodontic issues such as overcrowding or spacing can be fixed with cosmetic bonding. However, as mentioned earlier, bonding only provides a cosmetic solution and does not address the underlying issue of misalignment. So, it is possible to fix crooked teeth with bonding instead of braces. It is better to restore facial aesthetics and optimal tooth alignment using braces or clear aligners. 

Can I Get Composite Bonding On Crowded Teeth?

Mild to moderate cases of tooth overcrowding can be cosmetically fixed with cosmetic bonding. However, bonding does not restore optimal tooth alignment and is not as long-lasting as orthodontic treatment. So, if you are looking for a long-term solution for your crowded teeth, you should consider orthodontic treatment. 

What Should I Do If I Have Gaps In My Teeth?

If you have gaps between your teeth, the best solution is orthodontic treatment. Thanks to modern dentistry, there are several orthodontic treatment options available to fix teeth gaps, such as metal braces, ceramic and lingual braces, or Invisalign clear aligners. Your dentist will suggest the most suitable treatment option for you after a thorough clinical examination. 

Can You Fix A Gap Without Braces?

As mentioned earlier, the best option for fixing teeth gaps is braces and clear aligners. However, it is possible to treat teeth gaps without the use of braces or clear aligners. Such treatment involves cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers or cosmetic bonding. 

So, if someone has mild to moderate teeth spacing, and they are not willing to wear braces or aligners, they may consider getting their problem cosmetically fixed with bonding or porcelain veneers. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for cosmetic restoration of teeth gaps. Your dentist will suggest cosmetic bonding for treating your teeth gaps after a thorough clinical examination. 

Are you looking for the best dentist in Hornchurch for the treatment of teeth gaps? Look no further. Harrow Dental Practice offers all cosmetic dentistry, orthodontic, and general dentistry solutions under one roof. We also take pride in having the most qualified and experienced dentists in town to care for all your dental issues. So, click here to make an enquiry about teeth straightening or cosmetic dentistry. We look forward to serving you. 

Composite Bonding For Teeth – Everything You Need To Know

Composite bonding is one of the routinely performed dental procedures worldwide. Whether you are unhappy with the colour of your teeth, or you wish to get rid of your chipped or crooked teeth, cosmetic bonding is the solution to virtually all restorative and cosmetic dental problems. 

If the appearance, shape, or colour of your teeth makes you unhappy, this article is for you as we explain everything you need to know about composite restorations. So, continue reading to find out how composite bonding can help you achieve an attractive and confident smile. 

What Is Composite Teeth Bonding?

According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, bonding is a cosmetic procedure in which your dentist will place a tooth-coloured, resin-based filling material on your teeth to fix various restorative and cosmetic dental issues. Some of the dental problems that can be fixed with bonded restorations include:

  1. Permanently discoloured teeth 
  2. Chipped or cracked teeth 
  3. Congenitally de-shaped teeth 
  4. Restoration of teeth after removal of tooth decay 
  5. To cosmetically fix mild to moderate cases of dental overcrowding 
  6. To cosmetically restore mild case of teeth gaps 

Can Bonded Teeth Be Whitened?

A common question that dental patients ask is whether bonded restorations can be whitened like natural teeth. Unfortunately, it is not possible to whiten bonded restorations using bleaching agents. In cases where bonded restorations get stained or discoloured, the only option is to either repair them with a fresh layer of composite resins, or to replace them altogether. 

Can I Get Dental Bonding Instead Of Braces?

There are certain cases where dental bonding may be used as a “cosmetic alternative” to orthodontic treatment. For example, if someone has mild tooth crowding, misalignment, or teeth gaps and they don’t want to get braces for treatment, their dentist may use bonded restorations to treat the cosmetic issue caused by these conditions. However, it must be noted that bonded fillings will only improve the aesthetics and will not address the underlying issue. Therefore, the ideal treatment option for orthodontic problems is braces or Invisalign aligners, which completely eliminate the underlying problem. 

Should I Get Dental Veneers Or Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding and veneers are excellent options for fixing various restorative and cosmetic tooth defects. Likewise, both have their own merits and demerits. Dental bonding is a single visit procedure that does not require extensive removal of the healthy tooth structure. On the other hand, porcelain veneers require at least 2-3 visits and require tooth preparation for their bonding to the teeth. Furthermore, dental veneers are more expensive than composite bonding. At the same time, if we compare the longevity of both, veneers are stronger and longer-lasting. So, if you are looking for a cost-effective and quick restorative option, bonding should be your choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a long-term and aesthetically pleasing solution, you should consider veneers. 

Can Dental Bonding Be Added To The Back Of Front Teeth?

Yes, dental bonding can be applied on any tooth surface. The reason is that dental bonding, as its name suggests, bonds directly to the tooth structure. So, no matter what tooth surface is damaged, it can be restored with composite fillings. On the other hand, dental veneers are only applied to the front surfaces of the teeth. 

How Long Do Composite Fillings Take To Set?

Composite restorations are based on polymeric resins. After applying a composite material layer to the tooth, your dentist will use a special light to polymerise the material and harden it. In this way, dentists apply increments of composite resins and harden them to obtain the desired tooth shape and aesthetics. So, the composite resin filling set. However, although the setting reaction of composite restorations starts immediately, it may take up to 24 hours for them to harden completely. 

Can Dental Composite Bonding Cover Severe Fluorosis?

Dental fluorosis is when the teeth appear permanently discoloured due to excessive exposure to fluoride during childhood. In this condition, faint white or yellow lines appear on the teeth, and the dental enamel is considerably weaker and less resistant to tooth decay. 

The discolouration in such teeth cannot be removed through professional teeth whitening. Therefore, the only option to restore their aesthetics is to apply tooth-coloured composite restorations, porcelain veneers, or crowns over them. In fact, dental bonding is one of the commonly used restorative and cosmetic procedures for the aesthetic treatment of tooth discolouration caused by dental fluorosis. 

Is Tooth Bonding Safe And Permanent?

Composite restorations are based on polymeric resins, which are harmless and do not cause any adverse effects in the oral cavity. This is also why dentists recommend getting composite restorations instead of silver amalgam fillings that are known to cause adverse health effects due to mercury. 

If we talk about the longevity of composite resins, they are quite durable, but like all dental restorations, they are not everlasting. However, with proper care and oral hygiene maintenance, you can expect your bonded restorations to last for 5-10 years, even longer with adequate care.  

Another factor that determines the lifespan of bonded fillings is the skill of the dentist and the quality of the material used. At Harrow Dental Practice, we take pride in having the most qualified and experienced dentists in town and state-of-the-art dental equipment. We also use high-quality materials that are long-lasting and have no adverse effects. So, what are you waiting for? Book a free virtual consultation with us today, and let us give you a beautiful and confident smile that you genuinely deserve. 

How To Get That Straight Teeth Smile?

A beautiful smile is an immensely valuable social asset. Some people are born with naturally beautiful, dazzling smiles, while others are not that lucky. One of the most common reasons for having a flawed smile is poor tooth alignment. If you are also concerned about your misaligned or crooked teeth ruining your smile and personality, there is no need to worry. Thanks to orthodontic treatment, no matter how flawed your smile is, it can be fixed. Continue reading to find out how you can get that straight-teeth, Hollywood smile with orthodontic treatment. 

How To Get Straighter Teeth?

When it comes to getting your teeth straightened, there are several options available. Broadly speaking, there are two main options: cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic treatment. If you have minor orthodontic problems like spacing or overlapping teeth, your dentist may fix it with veneers or crowns. However, for more severe issues, your dentist will eliminate the underlying issue with traditional braces or Invisalign clear aligners for more severe issues. Depending on the severity of your problem, your dentist will advise a teeth straightening option that best suits your needs. 

Are Dental Braces’ Sole Purpose To Straighten Teeth?

Short answer, no. As discussed earlier, you can either get your misaligned teeth cosmetically fixed with veneers and crowns or fix them orthodontically with braces or removable aligners. If you cannot wait for the completion of your orthodontic treatment – which may take anywhere between 8-24 months – or if you cannot afford orthodontic treatment, you may opt for cosmetic teeth straightening. When it comes to orthodontic treatment options, the removable aligners are generally reserved for mild to moderate problems, while braces effectively treat more severe bite problems. 

What Are The Benefits Of Having Perfectly Straight Teeth?

Apart from the most obvious benefit of enjoying a beautiful and attractive smile, there are several other benefits of having straight teeth. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, straight teeth offer the following health benefits:

  • Easy teeth cleaning – lower risk of gum problems and teeth cavities 
  • Lower risk of temporomandibular joint problems, headaches and migraines – due to decreased pressure on the jaw joints
  • Lower risk of tooth wear and sensitivity 
  • Improvement in sleep pattern

A poor bite is a reason behind some of the most common dental problems. Even if you have a single misaligned tooth, it will prevent your other teeth from mating optimally, thereby causing various dental problems that may ultimately result in tooth fracture. Hence, getting your teeth straightened as soon as possible to avoid complications later in life is recommended. 

Should Crooked Teeth Be Straightened?

The biggest problem with crooked teeth is that they can ruin your smile, especially if they are the front teeth. Besides, if your teeth are not aligned properly, you will have difficulty cleaning them properly, putting you at a higher risk of developing gum problems due to plaque and tartar deposition. Furthermore, an improper bite can lead to a host of problems that may ultimately result in tooth loss. 

Why Is It Necessary To Straighten Your Teeth Alignment?

Getting your teeth straightened is important for your smile and your dental health, and general well-being. As discussed earlier, misaligned or crowded are difficult to clean properly. The resultant gum problems not only affect one’s oral health, but according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it can also affect overall general health. Research has shown that the bacteria inside the inflamed gums can travel to other body organs and may cause serious, even life-threatening medical complications like heart attack, stroke, and preterm births. 

Do Clear Aligners Really Work To Straighten Teeth?

Clear aligners are removable appliances, just like retainers that are worn over the teeth. These removable aligners are designed so that each aligner set will gradually move your teeth in the desired direction. Your dentist will ask you to wear each aligner set – one for upper and lower teeth each – for about 14 days. Afterwards, you should switch to the next set of aligners. In this way, the removable aligners will continue to move your teeth and align them optimally. 

What Are The Teeth Straightening Options For Adults?

Today, there is no restriction to using any orthodontic treatment options for elders. In fact, using a specific orthodontic treatment option is more of a preference than a treatment requirement. Both fixed braces or Invisalign aligners can be used for treating orthodontic problems in adults. You should consult with your dentist regarding an orthodontic treatment option that best suits your dental health needs. 

Is It Possible To Get Perfect Teeth Without Braces?

The ideal treatment for straightening misaligned teeth is orthodontic treatment. However, if you cannot wait for 12-18 months for your orthodontic treatment to complete or cannot afford orthodontic treatment, your dentist may fix your teeth alignment problems cosmetically. There are several cosmetic options available for straightening teeth:

Your dentist will guide you on whether you are a suitable candidate for getting straighter teeth with cosmetic dentistry. 

Did you know that your smile is the first thing people notice about you? So, if you want to make a great first impression on people you meet for the first time, you must have perfectly aligned and pearly white teeth that beautify your smile if you don’t have straight teeth, no need to worry. If you live in or around Hornchurch, Harrow Dental Centre can help you. We take pride in having a qualified and experienced dental team that strives to provide high-quality dental services to our patients in a comforting and relaxing environment. So, book a free orthodontic consultation today and let us give you a set of pearly white teeth and a beautiful smile.