Composite Edge Bonding – Complete Guide

Composite Edge Bonding – Complete Guide

29th May 2021

Do you receive compliments over your smile? Did you ever fall in love with someone’s smile and never got over it? Well, here we will talk about how we are going to make our smile more elegant, beautiful, and attractive? Smile, a priceless possession of humans, which is appreciated by our friends, family, and in some cases a stranger. It is a significant part of our emotional state and physical projection. A confident-radiant smile exudes very positive energy.

Nobody wants their possession to be tainted with negativity, all of us want an impressive and attractive smile. Someone with a pretty smile definitely has easy access to people’s hearts. And obviously, our teeth play an important role when we smile. Composite Edge Bonding acts guard to your precious teeth and does not allow your confidence to waver.

Overview

Generally, the application of using a Composite (plastic, durable material) in Dentistry is referred to as with many names – ‘Dental/Tooth/Composite-Resin/Composite Bonding. Don’t get confused, they are identical.

About Composite Edge Bonding

Generally, composite bonding is the process of improving teeth structure or restoration of the teeth. Composite Edge Bonding (also known as Incisal Edge Bonding) specifically means that the composite is applied only to the edges and not to the entire teeth.

What is Composite Edge Bonding?

A one-line definition would be – ‘short-term cosmetic dental procedure’.

Best suited for low-pressure areas like the upper front tooth/teeth or incisors (canines can also be included, but rarely). Lower tooth/teeth are also applicable, but only after analyzing their bite-type and the frame when the upper jaw meets the lower jaw.

Time duration of the entire procedure is lesser compared to other dental procedures, i.e., 1 hour (give or take); it may vary depending upon the number of teeth under treatment. Recommended number in one go is 8-10 teeth for best results.

It is not suitable for everyone, so, detailed consultation with your Dentist is mandatory before initiation. Also, check if your insurance covers the composite edge bonding procedure or not.

Some important points-

• They are not as strong as natural teeth
• No part/structure of tooth/teeth is removed
• Straightening is recommended in case of misalignment

When/Why is it Required?

Several conditions imply the opting of composite edge procedure. The most common are mentioned below. This procedure used as/to –

A better alternative to the in-competition ‘Dental Crowns and Veneers.’

• A better alternative to the in-competition ‘Dental Crowns and Veneers.’
• A cosmetic alternative to ‘amalgam fillings’ (mixture of metals, consisting of liquid elemental mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper.)
• After ‘removal of braces,’ which may have caused chipping or wear and tear.
• Treats ‘decay.’
• Cover exposed ‘tooth root.’
• Treats ‘overbite/overjet’ (upper front teeth protrude outward).
• Unavailability of natural tooth material to build from and use on the damaged areas.
• Add/Supplement thin teeth.
• Gives color and shape to discolored and damaged teeth, especially those with white marks in the front (common in Ireland – fluoride in the water). The marks/blemishes are removed/hidden/masqueraded/covered up.
• Fill cracks.
• Fix fractures.
• Elongate short or shortened teeth/tooth (misshapen/accidents).
• Fix gaps by placing the resin between teeth closing them.
• Fill cavities.
• Aesthetic pleasure

The reasons as mentioned above vary greatly and accommodate a wide range of aspects. Please do not self-consult and begin the procedure by diagnosing yourself as having any one of the situations mentioned above. Consult a doctor and after receiving your evaluation results, proceed accordingly.

Features of Composite Edge Bonding

The features presented below have made the composite edge bonding a hit among people.

• Non-invasive.
• Aesthetic (exception: is given when a chip near a nerve has to be filled).
• Natural-looking.
• Multi-layers can be applied while taking regular intervals.
• Needle-free
• Side effect-free
• Drill-free
• Pain-free
• Fast – 1 session is enough, and then you can carry on with your daily activities.
• Permanent
• Long term – Lasts for 3-10 years and then requires repolishing/touch ups
• Keeps the Tooth Structure Intact
• Adaptable to existing teeth, any nominal size and shape changes can be performed by the patient’s wish, whether it be the first session or second.
• Saves the hassle of custom-built solutions like Dental Veneers (thin solution primarily of porcelain applied to the front side of the tooth/teeth ) and Dental Crowns (porcelain/non-porcelain tooth-shaped caps placed over the tooth/teeth)
• Good combo with Whitening – Whitening must be performed first since the shade has to be selected for bonding, and once the bond is placed, it cannot be whitened further.

Composite Edge Bonding Procedure

The following is the course of composite edge bonding –

• In-depth initial examination is by the Dentist.
• Preparation of digital smile designs/mark-up (give the patient an idea of what the result will look like).
• Smoothening of tooth/teeth.
• Conditioning of tooth/teeth.
• Preparation of color matching dental bond with the help of a shade guide.
• Roughening of the selected area with a gel that acts microscopically.
• Application of liquid which is the glue and aids in adherence.
• Application of putty-like composite with unique/specific instruments and brushes.
• Processing the temporary composite edge bond by testing, adjusting, molding, altering, sculpting, and finally to permanent composite edge bond.
• Hardening of Composite edge bond with a bright UV light or laser.
• Polishing of the transformed tooth/teeth.
• Inspection of the transformed tooth/teeth.

After Care

Better things need better care and change also requires care. Similarly, on getting newer and better tooth/teeth, utmost care must be taken to enjoy full benefits and not let the time, money, and resources go down the drain.

Regular attendance to follow-ups/check-ups/hygiene visits/dental cleanings – every six months.
Brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes with a non-coarse toothpaste and soft-bristle/electric toothbrush.
Regular flossing with a floss/flossing device/interdental brush once a day.
Avoid hard foods like candy.
No biting of things like pen caps or pencil bottoms.
No coffee, tea, red wine, or smoking a cigarette for a minimum of 2 days immediately after the composite edge bonding has been performed.
No grinding of teeth, else wear a guard.
Take a healthy diet that should be lacking in acidic and carbs-rich foods and beverages.
Consult a doctor immediately in case of sudden/accidental chipping/ breaking; if you notice any sharp edges; or if tooth/teeth feels weird on biting.

Composite Edge Bonding V/S Dental Veneers/Crowns

Composite Edge Bonding

• Non-invasive.
• Reversible.
• Cheaper.
• Least amount of enamel is removed.
• Fast – 1 session is enough that too lasts for an hour (more or less)

Dental Veneers/ Crowns

• Invasive – requires drilling.
• irreversible.
• Slow – spans over two weeks or more.
• Expensive.
• A considerable amount of enamel is removed.

Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea

Not all that appears glitter is gold. At first glance, the composite edge bonding procedure may seem like the one for you, but going through the below points, you might realize that it’s not suitable for every John and Jane Doe. It is not for people with –

• Smoking habits, although smoking cessation programs can be looked into before availing the composite edge bonding.
• Severe misalignment and large gaps Orthodontic treatment is mandatory first, and then composite edge bonding can be looked into.
• Bruxism (teeth grinding) as composite edge bonding not strong enough for such force and may break.
• Coffee/Wine lovers
• Severe tooth/teeth decay

Not Too Heavy On The Pocket

Pocket-friendly procedure and has the bonus of being guilt-free when chosen. In the UK, composite edge bonding/incisal edge bonding costs £300 to £350 per tooth. The cost increases simultaneously with the increase in the number of teeth for treatment.

Downside

Unfortunately, not everything is perfect. Every alternative and unnatural thing comes up with drawbacks. In composite edge bonding, the disadvantages are as below –

• Easy to stain
• Does not increase brightness (for that, look into Teeth Whitening)
• Breaks/chips away from original teeth on biting nails or chewing pencils and pens, or eating hard foods like ice and candies.
• Discoloration in smokers and coffee/wine lovers.

Conclusion

Composite bonding doesn’t ruin your teeth and is even a reversible process. It’s a good cure to look up to by people requiring any cosmetic treatment for their teeth. Composite Edge Bonding is a form of art that aids in protecting them.

Remember, Composite Edge Bonding is just a boost to your personality and is not the defining point of it, so don’t think of it as a miracle procedure. It just enhances your already beautiful character.

Keep Smiling! Keep Bonding