Tag: stained teeth

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. 

What To Expect With Teeth Whitening Services?

Pearly white teeth are essential for having an attractive and graceful smile. If years of heavy coffee, tea, or alcohol intake have led to staining of your teeth, there is no need to worry; cosmetic dentistry can help you get rid of your unaesthetic teeth stains, allowing you to get back your charming smile. So, what is teeth whitening, and how does it work? Read on to find out. 

Does Teeth Whitening Really Work?

Teeth whitening is a procedure in which a bleaching agent is applied to the teeth to chemically dissolve the surface stains. If you’re wondering whether teeth whitening works, then the answer is yes. However, the effectiveness of the teeth whitening procedure depends on the chemical formula of the bleaching agent. Dentists who perform professional teeth whitening use very potent yet safe bleaching agents that give excellent results in just one sitting. On the other hand, at-home whitening formulas contain mild bleaching agents. Therefore, they are not as effective in removing teeth stains as the professional ones. 

How Much Should A Teeth Whitening Procedure Cost?

The cost of teeth whitening depends on who performs the procedure. At-home whiting kits and gels are generally less expensive than professional whitening. However, at the same time, they are not as effective. On the other hand, it may cost you anywhere between £200-£450. But you can rest assured that the aesthetic outcome of your professional whitening will be worth the higher cost of treatment. 

Why Is Professional Teeth Whitening Important?

Professional teeth whitening is essential as it allows one to maintain a beautiful smile by getting rid of their teeth stains. Besides, professional teeth whitening is performed by qualified and experienced dentists who have undergone training to perform this procedure. Therefore, tooth bleaching performed by a dentist is always safer and more effective than those performed by themselves using at-home whitening kits. 

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

A single sitting of the teeth whitening procedure by a dentist can give remarkable results in terms of the elimination of teeth stains. Unfortunately, the results of teeth whitening are not permanent. With time, your teeth may get stained again, especially if you drink tea, coffee, or red wine. However, you can make sure that the teeth whitening procedure results last longer by ensuring optimal oral hygiene through regular brushing. When you brush and floss regularly, food particles will not remain adhered to your teeth and hence, will not cause tooth staining. Besides, you can also prevent staining of your teeth by avoiding strong-coloured foods and drinks. 

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Teeth whitening procedure performed by a skilled dentist is entirely safe. This is because despite applying high-potency bleaching agents on your teeth, dentists are trained to prevent damage to your teeth, gums, cheeks, and lips. Besides, dentists also use protective agents like cocoa butter or Vaseline to prevent the accidental bleaching or burning of the oral soft tissues. Unfortunately, not all at-home whitening products are safe. This is because some whitening gels or whitening toothpaste manufacturers add very high concentrations of bleaching agents in the whitening formula, which can cause various complications like:

  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Tooth decay
  • Gum bleaching

How Do I Whiten My Teeth In 2 Months?

If you have a job interview or a wedding party coming up in two months, you have plenty of time to get back your pearly whites. If you are looking for quick teeth whitening results, professional teeth whitening may be the fastest and safest option. In most cases, patients feel a remarkable reduction in colour and shade after just one sitting. So, consult your dentist today to get your teeth whitened in less than two months. 

How Do I Get Zoom Whitening Services For My Teeth?

Zoom teeth whitening is a commercial whitening system that offers rapid results. This whitening system is provided in two types: at-home whitening and in-office whitening. The manufacturers of this whitening system claim a visible reduction in your tooth shade in just seven days when using their at-home formula. On the other hand, you can make your teeth up to 8 shades whiter in just 45 minutes with their in-office whitening procedure. To get your teeth whitened with Zoom, you can ask your nearby dentist to get a customised teeth whiting plan based on your individual preferences. 

Is Laser Teeth Whitening The Same As Bleaching Your Teeth?

Technically, both procedures are characterised as teeth whitening. However, the so-called laser whitening involves using light to activate the bleaching agent in the whitening formula, usually carbamide peroxide. When activated, carbamide peroxide breaks into hydrogen peroxide which penetrates beneath the tooth surface and chemically removes the teeth stains. Light-activated or laser whitening generally offers superior aesthetic results in a shorter duration. 

Will Smoking After Teeth Whitening Stain Teeth?

Smoking or chewing tobacco is one of the common causes of tooth staining. That is why dentists advise against smoking or drinking alcohol after getting your teeth whitened, as it will only accelerate the staining process. 

Teeth whitening done by a skilled cosmetic dentist can do wonders to your smile and personality! So, if you’re looking for a high-class cosmetic dental practice in Hornchurch, look no more! Harrow Dental Practice Essex provides all cosmetic and general dental services at affordable rates under one roof. So, book an appointment today and take your first step towards a sparkling and bright smile.