Harley Street Dental Clinic

What is it?

When first looking into the idea of reshaping, re-colouring or altering the appearance of your tooth or teeth, you may uncover something called composite bonding Harley Street. This particular redesigning of the tooth is an extremely popular method as it uses a resin which is moulded and blended to the natural tooth. No need for major surgery or treatments that take time to adjust the imperfections you may see within your smile. This simple yet effective treatment enables dentists around the world to help patients adjust their minor imperfections without a hefty treatment or procedure to get there.

Can this be done in one appointment?

With instant results being all the rage within society, it is no surprise that patients seek this when looking at altering and perfecting their smile. Whilst this is not always possible, when it comes to composite bonding Harley Street, it is, in most cases, an instant result. The teeth do not need to be prepared in advance and the majority of cases can have a rejuvenated smile within around 90 minutes without the need for any healing time. The important part is to remember that every patient is different and therefore your timings may differ slightly, but this will always be discussed between you and our dental team.

A replacement for braces?

Whilst composite bonding Harley Street can be used on a slightly crooked smile, this quick fix only masks the problem and is not a long-term solution. It would also only be suited to those who have minor misalignment issues as more extensive problems would require orthodontic treatment to realign the teeth.

This quick fix will suit some patients, but not others as with any treatment or procedure and therefore it is important to discuss this with us at Harley Street Dental Clinic before setting your sights on a particular pathway for improving your teeth. Using our knowledge and expertise to achieve the results you want is putting your smile first. 

Shaping the resin

Although advances in technology have taken the world by storm and a lot of jobs have a digitised solution, when it comes to moulding and shaping the resin to your tooth, it is carried out by hand. Our dentist will have expert knowledge and skills to chisel, shape and mould each tooth ensuring that it blends perfectly to the rest of your natural smile.

A short-term fix?

The idea of a short-term fix depends on what you believe the meaning to be. Our natural teeth will always be the preferred long-term solution, but life throws in a series of twists and turns which impact our teeth, mouth and gums. The natural tooth may be damaged or altered in appearance or placement and therefore using a non-surgical method to re-create the tooth can feel like a long-term solution when it lasts for only 5 or so years.

The main thing to remember is that no treatment or procedure is long-term if your oral hygiene regime  is not of a high standard. By taking care of your teeth, mouth and gums, whether through composite bonding Harley Street, dental implants or some other mouth altering treatment, the solution will reach its full potential enabling you to prepare for the next step.

It’s a term you may have heard of, ‘composite bonding’, but what does it actually mean? Composite Bonding Harley Street is an effective treatment for altering minor imperfections in the appearance of your teeth using a resin. The resin is matched to the colour of your enamel and can be added to your teeth to close gaps between them, fix any chips or to treat any imperfections in the aesthetics of them. It is a painless procedure that only needs one visit and can be a far less invasive experience than some other treatment options.

How does composite bonding work?

Composite bonding Harley Street works by one of our dentists choosing a shade of resin that matches your natural teeth. The resin is made from a durable plastic material and can be applied to your teeth without the need to do any work to the teeth first. This can mean that there is no need to damage the teeth in any way in order to attach the resin on to them.

When we add the resin on to the tooth that is being treated, we are able to shape and smooth it to the required size. Once we have done this and we are satisfied that the results are going to be aesthetically pleasing, we then use a special light to make the resin harden in minutes! This can be a welcomed procedure for many patients as it is non-invasive and shouldn’t hurt at all.

Are there any other reasons to choose composite bonding Harley Street?

Although composite bonding may not last as long as veneers, it is far less invasive to your teeth. With veneers, we need to file away a thin layer of enamel in order to attach the veneer on to the front of your teeth. Some patients prefer the prospect of avoiding doing this and composite bonding is a solution that still delivers excellent aesthetic and functional results for your smile, whilst allowing the teeth to remain strong and healthy.

What do I need to do now?

If you are interested in finding out more about how composite bonding may be able to help the appearance of your teeth, simply book in for a consultation with us here at Harley Street Dental. We will be happy to examine your mouth thoroughly and to discuss your goals for your smile. We will then be able to explain what the treatment options are and to explain what is involved in these. You can feel free to ask us as many questions as you need to in order to ensure that you understand what is involved and we will work with you to devise a treatment plan that you are happy about and excited to get started on. If composite bonding is one of the treatments that is right for your specific needs, then we hope that you will feel confident about joining us for one session of treatment and leaving the practice with a much improved smile. Our experienced and friendly team love nothing more than seeing a genuine smile that is attractive and happy after a treatment. Together, we will be able to smile about your new found beam!

Want to restore your smile quickly and without spending a fortune?

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we can offer a treatment that can whiten enamel, conceal cracks, reduce sensitivity and strengthen damaged teeth all at once; composite bonding Harley Street!

Here, our team at the practice answers common questions that we receive about composite bonding Harley Street, so read on to learn more!

What is bonding?

Composite bonding Harley Street is one of the easiest and least invasive types of cosmetic dental care which is used to conceal a myriad of aesthetic issues, while also helping to prevent physical ones.

Bonding can be used to conceal cracks in the teeth, along with correcting gaps between teeth, and discolouration. It can also be used to strengthen teeth that have been weakened by fractures and can also help with issues surrounding dental sensitivity caused by microscopic holes in the enamel.

As you can see, it is very versatile!

Is it uncomfortable?

The treatment itself is not uncomfortable, so there will be no need for you to have a local anaesthetic before we begin applying the bonding.

In essence, all the treatment involves is the moulding and shaping of composite that is placed directly onto the teeth. We will use drills to achieve this, but don’t worry! The drill will not come into contact with your gums, so there will be no discomfort during the shaping of the bonding.

Can I eat after it is done?

When you have had the bonding fitted, we generally advise that you wait for around an hour so that it can settle.

This is to ensure that the composite has completely hardened and that it will not become warped or impacted by foods, which can change the shape of the coverings, meaning they would have to be redone.

When will it need to be replaced?

On average, bonding lasts 5 years, but this varies from patient to patient and is dependent on the level of care you put into maintaining the coverings and your lifestyle choices overall.

If you are a smoker, for instance, it is likely that your bondings will not last as long as they would with a non-smoker, due to gum inflammation that often accompanies smoking.

Also, when you undertake bonding, you will need to brush your teeth as usual, floss them and keep an eye out for signs of gum disease. In line with this, it is also wise to visit our team every 6 months for a check-up, so we can ensure that your bonding is not coming loose or that decay has not set in under the coverings.

Is it expensive?

Many patients have concerns that this type of cosmetic experience will be too expensive for them to afford.

However, while similar to veneers in what they do and how they are fitted, this type of dental coverage is more affordable, as it can be done in one session in our surgery and does not need any external equipment or facility, such as a laboratory that is used to create veneers.

Therefore, it is worth discussing with our team how much bonding is likely to cost and, if needed, we can even discuss financing options for you if appropriate.

Do you want to undergo dental bonding, but have heard the results don’t last long?

Our team has been providing composite bonding Harley Street for over 10 years and knows all there is to know about this simple, effective and affordable procedure.

But some rather persistent myths surround having composite bonding Harley Street and in this article, our team aims to dispel them so you can explore if this is the right treatment for you. So, read on to learn more!

Myth 1- The process is uncomfortable

There is no part of having composite bonding Harley Street that is uncomfortable.

Our team applies the composite to your teeth and then, using a set of precision drills, shapes it. Once you are happy with how it looks, we use a UV light to cure or harden it into its final shape. What could be easier?

Myth 2- It doesn’t last long

There is a common myth that when you have dental bonding performed, the result doesn’t last very long. And, for some reason, many patients prefer the idea of having dental veneers fitted instead of bonding due to this myth, which is unfortunate.

With correct care, bonding can easily last for at least a decade. You will need to see our team every 6 months during this time for check-ups and keep up with your regular dental hygiene regime at home.

Myth 3- Anyone can have it done

Many patients assume that because they want to have a cosmetic or restorative procedure performed that they will be automatically suitable for it.

However, before we can fit any kind of bonding to your teeth, we will need to assess the condition of your teeth to look for evidence of decay or gum disease, both of which would require treatment before the bonding is fitted.

Myth 4- It’s cosmetic

There is undoubtedly a cosmetic element to this procedure.

But dental bonding is far more than having a white layer placed over your teeth! It can be used to strengthen teeth that may have been damaged by trauma and can be used to add additional support to teeth that have undergone an extensive dental procedure like a root canal. Much like veneers, it can also be used to reduce sensitivity associated with microscopic holes in the enamel.

And, should you have cracks or chips in your teeth, it can also act as a way to not only conceal them, but to prevent them from spreading or attracting plaque.

Myth 5- It is expensive

OK, while we cannot stipulate how much this process will cost you without seeing you for a consultation, on average, it is more affordable than many of our patients think. When compared to similar treatments, like veneers, having your teeth bonded is relatively cheap, as there is no third party involved; our team simply applies the composite to your teeth and then shapes it with a drill. If you were to have veneers fitted, we would need to take moulds or scans, have these sent to a laboratory to be made and then sent back, which would not only increase the time of the procedure, but would also increase the cost.

Do you want to whiten your teeth but don’t want to use veneers? Or do you have a crack on one of your teeth that you want to conceal?

If the answer is yes to either of these questions, then we may have the answer for you.

When you come to our team at Harley Street Dental Clinic, we can offer composite bonding Harley Street, to help conceal any cracks, stains or minor gaps that you may have in your mouth. Great!

But what exactly is involved with bonding? Here, our team offers a brief guide to composite bonding Harley Street, allowing you to decide whether this dental procedure is right for you.

What is bonding?

Much like veneers, composite bonding Harley Street can be used to correct aesthetic imperfections with a smile whilst also being versatile enough to conceal minor gaps.

Unlike porcelain veneers, which require a 3D scan or dental mould to create, bonding can be done using composite, which is placed directly onto the tooth that it is to be attached to.

Our team will then shape and sculpt the composite resin into the desired shape and voila! You will have a tooth that appears either whiter, less damaged or straighter.

How it can be used

As mentioned above, composite bonding can be used to correct a myriad of dental issues.

For one thing, you may have some teeth that you want to be whitened but are not in favour of using veneers. Similarly, you may have some minor gaps in between your front teeth that you don’t want to undertake orthodontics for, and so, our team can advise you on whether composite bonding is appropriate or not.

Composite bonding can also be used to conceal cracks and chips in the enamel.

The process

Firstly, our team will need to discuss the aesthetic requirements with you; do you want your teeth to look whiter? Or do you want to simply conceal a stray crack across one of your front teeth?

Our team will then choose a resin that matches the shade of your teeth, to ensure that the aesthetic needs are met. We will then gently sand a small amount of the tooth surface off, to create a roughened area to better adhere the composite to. We will then coat the tooth with a liquid that will act as glue, ensuring that the applied composite stays in place.

The resin will then be applied to the tooth and shaped using drills and files; don’t worry, this won’t be too uncomfortable! Once we reach the desired shape, we will harden the resin using UV light and then polish the surface to make it as smooth as possible.

Longevity

With the correct care, composite bonding can easily last up to and over 5 years.

It is worth noting that whilst the resin used is hardy, it can wear away and become chipped. If this occurs, our team will aim to restore it.

But remember, you will need to see our team every 6 months for a checkup, so we can assess whether your bonding is holding or requires some additional work to stay in place.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic we understand how difficult it can be when you do not like the smile that you see in the mirror. Crooked, misshapen or generally uneven teeth can lead to all sorts of insecurities, sometimes even causing people to stop smiling in public altogether, but there is an answer. Our dentist offers composite bonding Harley Street, which is a way to change the appearance of your front teeth. It is capable of shaping your teeth so they appear evenly sized and straight, but it uses a special resin instead of porcelain to complete your look, that is matched to the colour of your own teeth as closely as it can be. The treatment itself can be carried out in one appointment, so it is easy enough to fit into a busy schedule and results are visible before you leave our practice. If you are not satisfied with the way your teeth look when you smile, then we recommend that you book a consultation appointment with one of our practitioners to see if this is a suitable treatment for you.

Your front teeth are important

When somebody smiles it is their front teeth that are on display for everyone to see. If you have uneven front teeth that are slightly off colour or just not shaped as you wish they were, composite bonding Harley Street could benefit you. When you attend your appointment your dental practitioner will choose a resin that is as close to the shade of your own teeth as possible and then apply it to the teeth that you wish to have treated. They will then carefully mould and shape the resin to cover any flaws that you may have. They will ensure that it is smooth and in the right position, and once they are satisfied with this the resin will be left to harden. It generally hardens quickly, but you will also be under a special lamp that helps it to harden. As this resin is not as hard as your normal teeth it will wear down over a period, but you can generally expect this treatment to last around five years which is still a rather long time.

Let your smile reap the benefits

The main thing that our patients love about composite bonding Harley Street is that their teeth remain undamaged after they have received treatment, so they stay resilient underneath and will be just as strong should someone choose to reverse this treatment. The fact that no preparation of the teeth is needed makes it an incredibly straightforward treatment too. Instead of having to go back and forth from our dental practice waiting for your mouth to heal between appointments, you can have your treatment conveniently carried out in one appointment. The resin that is used is matched to the shade of your own teeth as closely as possible too. This means that your final results will look completely natural and blend in nicely with your other teeth, and people may not even be able to spot that you have undergone treatment unless you tell them. 

The world is somewhat abuzz with all things relating to cosmetic dental care.

And, as many people want to have whiter teeth without the sensitivity concerns of bleach-based whitening, there has been a shift in recent years towards obtaining whiter teeth using laminates. Placed over the teeth, these options can whiten, brighten and conceal imperfections on the teeth instantly, without damaging the enamel or the gums.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we are proud to be able to offer our patients 2 of the most popular laminate-based treatments in the field of cosmetic dental care; porcelain laminates and composite bonding Harley Street.

But which is better? Here, our team lists 5 things you may not know about composite bonding Harley Street when compared to porcelain veneers. Enjoy!

Non-invasive

The way we fit composite bonding Harley Street and dental veneers are very different.

With veneers, we have to file part of the enamel off to place the dental cement and then the veneer. The composite option is placed straight onto the tooth and is shaped using a drill so no damage to the tooth occurs, making it the less invasive of the two treatments. However, as you may  have guessed, this type of finish requires a lot of skill to master, but our team is able to create a finish that will turn heads wherever you go!

Immediate

When you have veneers fitted, you will need at least two visits to our team; the first to take the scans or the mould of the teeth and the second for the placement of the veneers. When you have composite coverings performed, we can place and shape them within one appointment, making them the more time-efficient option.

Cost-effective

Composite coverings are more cost-effective for many patients; this is because they require no specific printing or shaping and they do not need a dental technician to create them in a laboratory. As they are shaped by our team, they can save you a lot of money with the same great finish as veneers.

Durable

Yes, porcelain veneers are hardy and can stand pressure being applied to them but so can composite options. They don’t chip, break or crack easily and you can use them to bite into tough foods. They are often used as part of crown fixtures too, which aim to rebuild the entire tooth from scratch.They are also naturally stain-resistant, making them a good long term option when it comes to restoring your smile.

Versatile

When it comes to correcting minor imperfections in a tooth, such as chips or cracks, or hiding deeply rooted staining, both composite and veneers hold up well. Also, they are both used to correct issues with minor misalignments as well as concealing small cracks between the teeth. So, if you are looking for a way to spruce up your smile in a cost-effective manner without causing issues with oral sensitivity, it may be time to ask our team about composite laminates.

Remember, we will only advise the use of composite laminates if you have good overall oral health so, contact our team today for a checkup and consultation.

The importance of good oral hygiene

Looking after our teeth needs to be an important part of our daily routine from an early age, not only is it necessary to make our smiles look beautiful, it also helps promote good oral health and overall wellbeing, and it helps prevent dental complications in the future.

It is also important to visit your dentist here at Harley Street Dental Clinic on a regular basis to make sure that your dental hygiene routine is effective, that your teeth are clean and that your gums are strong and healthy. Poor oral hygiene and a reluctance to visit your dentist can result in the formation and accumulation of plaque and tartar in your mouth which can evolve into many different issues in your mouth. Plaque and tartar cause cavities in your teeth which leads to tooth decay, gum disease and eventually tooth loss. Sometimes despite good oral hygiene, other environmental factors may result in problems with your teeth or you may be involved in an accident or an injury which results in damage to your teeth.

If you are looking to improve the aesthetics of your smile or you have suffered from damage to your teeth or your teeth have become broken or chipped then speak to us at Harley Street Dental Clinic and find out if composite bonding may be a suitable treatment option for you.

What is composite bonding and how does it work?

Composite bonding Harley Street is a treatment option which allows us to individually tailor a treatment plan according to your unique requirements. During your initial appointment here at our dental clinic, the dentist will carry out a full examination of your mouth to check the health of your teeth and gums. Then they will be able to assess which problems can be addressed using composite bonding Harley Street and whether this is the most suitable treatment option for your dental needs.

Composite bonding is a process which involves covering the surface of your teeth with a natural coloured resin known as composite. This can be done to cover the whole tooth, the tip of your tooth or the edge of your tooth and it is a process which can be carried out on a single tooth or multiple teeth according to your personal requirements and preferences. You can have a variety of different types of bonding, so some of your teeth may be covered completely whilst others may be covered only at the tips, so this is a very versatile treatment procedure which is completely tailored to meet your individual dental needs. Composite bonding helps improve the appearance of chipped, cracked or broken teeth. It can be used to change the shape or size of your teeth, it can be used to close gaps in your teeth and it can also correct discolouration of your teeth which does not respond to cleaning or teeth whitening procedures. Overall it is a wonderful treatment procedure because it can address many different aesthetic issues of your teeth at the same time, so speak to us here at Harley Street Dental Clinic and find out more about composite bonding Harley Street today so you can smile happily and confidently again very soon.

What is it?

When discussing Composite Bonding it is important to first understand what the procedure is. At no point do we want you entering into the dental practice asking for treatment without knowing what you are asking for.

Rising in popularity due to the simple procedure with instant results, Composite Bonding Harley Street, allows patients to reshape, recolour or just alter the appearance of their teeth using a resin that blends into the natural tooth. With minor tooth imperfections a common occurrence within everyday society, this simple procedure enables people to perfect their smile without undergoing months of dental treatments. With our facial masks slowly decreasing in use, this is one of the quickest ways to perfect your smile for the grand re-entry into society.

Can this replace orthodontic treatments?

Whilst many adults do not want to wear braces throughout their later life, it is important to understand that Composite Bonding can essentially mask the crooked smile by reshaping the tooth. For mild realignment cases, this may be the ideal, quick fix, but for the more severe misalignment cases, it is important to undergo some form of orthodontic treatment. That being said, always discuss your aims with your dental team as they can provide you with the necessary knowledge and guide you into choosing the most suitable treatment or procedure for your individual case.

How many visits does this procedure require?

When time is of the essence, which it often is throughout adulthood, it is always good to know that Composite Bonding Harley Street requires no tooth preparation appointments and in most cases, can be carried out in one session. Whilst the appointment may last around 90 minutes, the elimination of the endless follow-up procedures or healing time processes often proves popular with patients. The timing of your own appointment may vary but your dental team will discuss this with you.

Does a machine create and shape the resin?

Whilst dental veneers require moulds to be taken for a digital scanner which then creates the cap for the tooth, Composite Bonding Harley Street are chiselled and shaped by hand by your dentist. The fine detail is created by the expert working with you and ensures that throughout the process that you, the patient, remains comfortable and happy.

Is Composite Bonding a long term fix?

Whilst they do not last as long as your natural teeth, the resin applied to your teeth can last as long as 5 years. As per all treatments and procedures, this is entirely dependent on your commitment to keeping a good and preferably excellent standard of oral hygiene. Taking care of your teeth, whether natural or cosmetically replaced, always requires a rigorous daily oral hygiene process to be carried out at home along with regular dental checkups. Ensuring this level of care takes a high level of teamwork, so work with your dental team and your smile will remain on top form for the longest possible time and then can be replenished if required.

As with all our treatments and procedures, an initial consultation will be carried out. However, we still encourage all our patients to seek further information and advice on any treatments or procedures mentioned within this article so as to fully understand any risks that may occur.

Composite bonding Harley Street is a type of restorative dentistry which shares a similarity with veneers. Veneers are thin slivers of porcelain assembled by a dental technician and fitted by a dentist, whereas composite bonding is created in the patient’s mouth by layering UV cured resin over the tooth being treated which is then sculpted with a dental drill. However they both resolve a number of common problems.

Composite bonding Harley Street is appropriate to be able to achieve all of the aesthetic goals of standard veneering, providing a natural and healthy appearance to discoloured teeth or closing small gaps that have been left post orthodontic treatment. In many ways, composite bonding can act as a minor form of a crown by covering the entire tooth in the resin, not just its front surface. This can make it a better option for treating cracked teeth than veneers, with a longer useful lifespan.

For a great many of our patients one of the big advantages of composite bonding Harley Street is that it can be performed in a single session, rather than an initial session where measurements are taken followed by a wait. As it stands, veneers have to be manufactured before they are fitted in the clinic.

Could composite bonding fix a gap in my front teeth?

Both bondings and veneers are often used on front teeth based around an aesthetic priority. However, composite bonding is an excellent option for rectifying small gaps between teeth, but there is a limit to the size of the gap that composite bonding or any form of veneer would be appropriate to correct. This can only really be assessed by coming into our surgery and having a check-up and conversation with our dentist, so the best answer we could give you here is maybe, and even if bonding is inappropriate there will be other options to explore.

Is dental bonding uncomfortable?

Composite bonding and veneer fitting are considered painless.During composite bonding, no actual enamel is removed; the sculpting stages done with a dentist drill will only cut away at excessive resin in order to shape that resin into a convincing tooth.

Similarly, veneer techniques are used to cut away small quantities of enamel on the front of the teeth creating a textured surface in order to securely adhere the veneers to the front of the teeth. These grooves are very shallow and are not considered painful or anything like the drilling that has to take place to receive a filling.

Can I get composite bondings?

The majority of people can receive composite bonding. As a form of restorative dentistry, they are not often used with younger patients, but there is no upper age limit on receiving composite bonding although you do require healthy teeth; if there is any active decay, that has to be treated first with standard fillings or crowns. Composite bonding can be used to cover amalgam fillings, but the chances of success are highly variable based on the patient, as it would require a check-up with our dentist to see if this would be appropriate in your case. Applying composite bonding over crowns is also highly variable and requires a dental examination to assess likely success rates.