Harley Street Dental Clinic

Porcelain veneers have been with us since the 1980s and although they have often had their celebrity following, they always have their limitations.

Veneers were often sought out because of the speed of treatment; after measurements, a fitted set of porcelain veneers could have a similar aesthetic effect of years of orthodontic work, but long manufacturing times often slowed down the treatment. Another limitation for cosmetic teams was the bond between the natural tooth and the porcelain veneer. There were many attempts to form the strongest possible bond; these led to etching being applied to the front surface of the tooth and to the back of the porcelain providing a rough texture for which an adhesive could find purchase.

Unfortunately, these techniques thinned and reduced the natural enamel on the tooth and although this was being covered by a layer of porcelain, cavities could form at the base and edge of a veneer and encroach under the veneer, attacking the now weakened front layer of enamel.

Composite bonding

Composite bonding in Harley Street is an attempt to address both of these issues simultaneously. We not only do not etch or remove any enamel during composite bonding but there is no delay time. Whilst composite and bonding may seem very dated, it works via layers of UV cured resin being applied over the teeth. These are set using ultraviolet UV LEDs and built up in layers in a similar manner as gel nails. The UV cured resin is colour matched with a natural opacity in order to imitate enamel. It is tough and stain-resistant but can be carved and shaped using a dental drill through multiple layers of sculpting and re-application. Our skilled dentists can disassemble a facsimile of standard veneers produced in situ in the patient’s mouth!

As you might imagine, this dental procedure skirts the boundary between art and medicine as it relies heavily on the skill competence of the dentist to sculpt a convincing and aesthetically pleasing service. Our dentists have extensive portfolios of successful composite bonding in Harley Street, so if you wish to see proof of work just ask. Such a skill-based procedure warrants caution and we are happy to reassure you of our competence.

By avoiding the need to use a dental laboratory to create a porcelain prosthetic, dental bonding can often be cheaper than their veneer counterparts and when performed correctly, they are indistinguishable. As well as being a nondestructive form of cosmetic dentistry, the use of an in situ veneer can be similar to that of a crown and provide structural support to a damaged tooth or one that has been heavily compromised after fillings or extensive cavities.

Composite bonding in Harley Street is considered a permanent treatment and they have a similar lifespan of approximately 4 years. Reapplication of Institute bondings is far more simple than the reapplication of veneers and can often be done on the same day. For dental advice specific to your situation, you will need to attend a formal assessment by one of our dentists. If you are curious, feel free to get in contact and we would be happy to book you an appointment

Unfortunately in life we only get one set of adult teeth, so taking care of them is extremely important. However, at Harley Street Dental Clinic we understand that even if you take good care of your teeth, you are not able to predict and avoid any accidents that may occur. Accidents can leave teeth chipped or cracked, resulting in people feeling unhappy when it comes to their smile, but it doesn’t need to be this way. If you have chips in your smile, or even small gaps between your teeth, and want to do something about it then speak to one of our professionals about composite bonding Harley Street and arrange an appointment at a time that is convenient to you. They will be able to explain how our treatments will benefit both you and your smile, as well as answer any questions that you have.

Chips and gaps do not have to get you down

Having chips or gaps in your teeth can lead to all sorts of insecurities. For some people it makes them feel so unhappy with their smile that they avoid being in photographs or only smile with their mouth shut. Even speaking to someone new in public can leave people feeling distressed if they are not confident when it comes to their smile. Having composite bonding Harley Street can help you to overcome these insecurities by ironing out some imperfections that your smile may have. Made from the exact same resin material as white fillings, your new and improved teeth will look and feel completely natural. No more having to navigate around the jagged edge of your chipped tooth, and no more shying away from photographs. Other people are unlikely to even spot that you have had treatment carried out unless you tell them, as the colour of your new piece of tooth will match the colour of your original ones, blending in completely.

An alternative to veneers

A lot of people who decide to have composite bonding Harley Street are having treatment carried out on either their upper or lower front teeth, as these are the teeth that are on show when you smile. Chips and gaps can be disguised easily by the resin that is used within this treatment, with your dental practitioner moulding and manipulating the resin into the right shape for your tooth once it has been applied to it. Once your practitioner is satisfied with the shape of the resin, it will be hardened extremely quickly under a special light. More often than not this treatment will be able to be completed during one appointment, but this can vary depending on individual circumstances. This treatment is often considered an alternative to veneers, another treatment that is used to hide the appearance of chips and small gaps. With resin, the surfaces of your teeth remain intact as no tooth preparation is needed. Veneers require your teeth to be filed down and whilst they last longer than resin they are more expensive and can cause more complications. 

In the modern world, if you have crooked or yellow teeth, it can feel embarrassing when there are group photos at work or when out with friends; even smiling in general, can become a lot tougher!

If you don’t want to undertake the hassle of wearing an adult aligner or are looking for a more cost-effective way to whiten your teeth without veneers, then you are in luck!

Known as bonding, this process involves the application of a tooth-coloured resin to the front of your teeth, to correct the shape, colour or to hide any cracks in the enamel. You may be wondering how this differs from dental veneers, but the answer is simple; the dentist who applies bonding to your teeth will be able to sculpt the composite by hand, whereas veneers are typically created with a 3D printer.

Our team has practised composite bonding Harley Street for decades and as a result, our team has the required skill set to leave you with a great-looking smile that is symmetrical and whiter. Often more affordable than veneers, this procedure won’t break the bank and will give you a smile you won’t be able to stop showing off to others!

Curious to learn more about composite bonding Harley Street? Read on for the answers to the top 5 FAQS.

How long does it take?

Composite bonding Harley Street can be completed in one session, which may last up to 90 minutes.

Unlike veneers, there are no moulds to be taken and there is no need for the composite to be preshaped; our skilled team simply place it onto the desired teeth and sculpt it with the help of drills and files to produce a pristine finish.

Can it correct crooked teeth?

Oh yes!

But this is where the price of the process will vary; if your teeth are very crooked, then the underlying cost of binding will be more and in some cases, such as extreme crowding, it will not be feasible to use bonding to correct it. Either way, our team will discuss the options with you to help you to that gorgeous smile you deserve!

Does the procedure hurt?

No, much like veneers, the composite is placed directly onto the tooth’s surface and requires no injections or numbing agents.

Once they are fitted, can I eat straight away?

Our team will advise that you allow the composite to settle for at least 1 hour before you try to eat anything.

Although we will fix or cure the composite with a specialist light, the underlayers may still be soft, so don’t go out to lunch afterwards!

Will they need to be replaced?

Much like white fillings, bonding may need to be replaced on average every 5 years.

But this will differ depending on your lifestyle and whether you stick to good dental hygiene. Of course, one way to ensure that the bonding stays affixed to your teeth is to attend our surgery every 6 months for a check-up. It really is that simple!

When it comes to improving the appearance of your natural teeth, it seems there are now more options available than ever before.

If you want a brighter smile, you can choose to have your teeth whitened. Looking for a way to conceal a gap? Why not try veneers? And of course, if you want to have straighter teeth, you can always choose adult orthodontic options like Invisalign.

But for many people, these options can seem rather daunting; not because they are uncomfortable, but because in these rather difficult times, few people can afford them. So what options are there for having a set of straighter, whiter teeth without the hefty price tag?

At Harley Street Dental, we can accommodate all budgets into getting you that straighter smile that you want. Our team is also trained in performing composite bonding in Harley Street, which ticks all the boxes for being affordable while also making your smile look great.

But what are some of the other advantages of choosing composite bonding in Harley Street to improve your smile?

Affordable

Yes, we’ve mentioned this before but when compared to other procedures (such as the placing of dental veneers), composite bonding in Harley Street is much more affordable for the average person.

And of course, when you come to Harley Street Dental, our financing options can help you break down the overall cost of the procedure into affordable monthly chunks.

Appearance

Visually, the result of bonding is very similar to veneers and so, it can be used to conceal chips, stains and cracks on the enamel of your teeth.

Like veneers, bonding can also be matched in both colour and translucency to your surrounding teeth, giving a more natural appearance if desired. But if you want to brighten the appearance of your teeth, our team can also create a composite that is lighter in colour to instantly brighten your smile.

Preventive

Interestingly, bonding also has its place in preventive dental procedures too.

If our team notices that you have receding gum lines, we can apply bonding to add strength to the tooth but to also conceal the root from potential damage. This prevents bacteria from gaining access to the pulp, thus preventing decay and infection.

Pressures

You may have heard that porcelain veneers are rather fragile.

While this is not technically true, many dentists advise caution after the fitting of veneers when it comes to eating harder foods. With bonding, there is no need to avoid tougher foods; composite can handle all the daily pressure that occurs with biting, chewing and grinding thus making it both a functional and aesthetic option rolled into one!

Versatile

As you may have noticed, bonding is a versatile treatment which can prevent and improve a myriad of issues with your teeth.

They can improve worn down teeth, while also concealing cracks and repairing chips so if you are looking for a cost-effective way to improve your smile, talk to our team at Harley Street Dental today about bonding.

When it comes to creating a whiter smile, there are many options available.

And if you want to conceal gaps and create a better look of symmetry while achieving a whiter smile, there are ways to do this too!

If the idea of having your teeth whitened using conventional whitening methods like bleaches makes your teeth tingle, there are other ways to get the smile you want without causing sensitivity issues.

And at Harley Street Dental, we can offer you both!

Our team at Harley Street take cosmetic procedures seriously and are proud to be able to offer our suitable patients either veneers or composite bonding Harley Street. Both designed to whiten and reshape your teeth, we will help you choose which option is most suited to you, and which is more likely to give you the confidence boost you want without breaking the bank!

But what is the difference between veneers and composite bonding Harley Street?

What are veneers?

Like false nails, veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are placed over the front of your tooth and are held in place with dental cement after lightly roughening the enamel.

What is bonding?

Composite bonding Harley Street involves the placement of composite onto your teeth, which is then shaped to give your teeth a straighter and whiter smile.

As you can see, the procedures are quite similar, so here our team at Harley Street Dental will compare them.

Longevity

If performed correctly, bonding will last for 10 years, provided you maintain good oral hygiene during that time. In comparison, veneers can last anywhere from 7-15 years, depending on which teeth they are attached to, oral hygiene and which foods you eat. Too much pressure can cause damage to veneers.

Appearance

Visually, these 2 procedures are quite similar; both can whiten your teeth multiple shades while closing minor gaps and creating better alignment.

Bonding is more of a skill than creating veneers though, so if you want an easier procedure with a guaranteed great outcome, veneers are probably the way to go.

Hardiness

Bonding is renowned for its hardiness and can be used to strengthen weakened or cracked teeth.

As mentioned earlier, when it comes to porcelain veneers, they can become damaged and chipped if you eat too many hard foods, so depending on your diet they may not be quite as durable as the bonding we can offer in Harley Street.

Cost

While the price of these procedures is an individual thing, based on the amount that is required, as a general rule, bonding is less expensive than veneers.

But as mentioned before, it needs a great deal of expertise to get it right, so it is your decision as to which procedure you want our team to work with when you come to Harley Street.

Application

Veneers will require our team to take either a scan or a mould, which will then be sent away to create the veneers. This can take up to 10 weeks. Bonding, however, can be started and finished in one visit, allowing you to leave our surgery with the smile you deserve.

In the world of dental veneers and oral implants, it can be easy to overlook simpler methods that are available for restoring your smile to its former glory.

Indeed, when it comes to dental veneers as a treatment, these nifty coverings find their origins in a much earlier cosmetic treatment; bonding.

A safe and effective procedure that was developed some 50 years ago, bonding has been used to restore damaged teeth and was subsequently also been used to improve the appearance of a patient’s smile. Like veneers, the procedure used a bonding resin to attach a composite covering to the tooth, using light to cure the surface and allow the composite to harden. While this is now commonplace in cosmetic dental clinics, in the past you would need to attend an appointment with a specialist practitioner to ensure that this procedure was performed correctly.

At Harley Street Dental, we are proud to carry on the tradition of composite bonding in Harley Street and can ensure that all bonding carried out by our team will be both restorative and cosmetically striking. Improving on the old fashioned techniques, we can use bonding as part of a smile makeover or to simply build up a damaged tooth, allowing you to feel confident with your smile.

Have some questions about composite bonding in Harley Street? Your 5 FAQs about bonding answered by our team.

Does it hurt?

Like dental veneers, composite bonding in Harley Street should not be uncomfortable.

As our team will sand down a thin layer of your enamel to apply the bonding agent, the inner parts of your tooth will be untouched, meaning you won’t even need a numbing injection!

Can be used to cover decay?

Yes, it can.

In fact, bonding was often used in lieu of metal fillings in past dental practices to cover decay which had occurred at the front of the mouth.

How long does the bonding last?

This will depend on your overall level of dental hygiene and other lifestyle factors, such as smoking.

Similar to white fillings, bonding procedures have an average lifespan of between 3- 10 years. Our team will always ensure that these composite coverings are intact during routine check-ups, and will aim to replace them if they aren’t. Simple! However, the composite used in bonding is softer than the porcelain used in veneers, so bonded teeth are more prone to chips and cracks. Luckily, such damage is easily repaired by our expert cosmetic team at Harley Street.

Can it close gaps?

Bonding can be used to cover gaps between teeth but in a similar way to dental veneers, our team will need to assess suitability.

If your gap is too large, we may suggest either orthodontic braces or dental implants.

Who is suited for bonding?

Provided that you have good overall oral hygiene and you have an ailment which is suited to bonding, then our team will happily offer you bonding as a way to either restore your teeth or enhance your smile.

Composite Bonding Harley Street is becoming more and more popular as a treatment that many of our patients have benefited from. You could use this treatment to improve the shape of your smile, enhance the colour of the enamel and boost the overall appearance of your teeth. We understand that a person’s smile is one of their important assets so improving the look of your smile can be an investment into your health and happiness. This treatment is most commonly used on the front portion of the smile and uses a resin to enhance the look of your smile. This treatment can be used for the minor imperfections that you have in your smile, such as closing the small gaps in your smile and hiding any rotations that may have occurred. You can be assured that this treatment does not damage your surrounding teeth. This treatment is pain-free and often only requires one trip to our practice. The resin closely resembles the colour and tone of the teeth of each patient. The rest of this article runs through how this treatment works as well as the benefits that can be provided.

How does this treatment works?

Composite Bonding Harley Street follows a treatment plan so your smile gets the best help to improve its appearance. Your dentist will select a resin that closely resembles the natural colour of your teeth, so your new smile will look and feel the best that it can. The resin is then placed on your teeth which does not damage the surrounding teeth. Your dentist will then take pride and care to shape and smooth out the resin to hide any inconsistencies you have in your smile. The end result will look natural and smoothed out. The resin is then encouraged to harden with the help of a unique and enhanced light. If you think that this treatment could work for you and your smile then you should read the next section about how this treatment could benefit you. Your dentist will ensure that you get the support and help that you need to make your smile look and feel the best that it can.

What are the benefits of this treatment?

Composite Bonding Harley Street can offer you a number of different benefits if you decide that this is the treatment for you. This treatment is tried and tested so you can be assured that it is the best choice when it comes to improving the look of your smile. We can help you achieve a new and natural smile that you are proud to have in photos or show off when you laugh. Your teeth will not need to be prepared, meaning that they remain strong both during and after the process. This treatment is easily done and accessible as it can mostly be done in one appointment. If this treatment sounds like the one for you and your smile then you should consider getting in touch with us here at our practice so we can begin to help you enhance the look of your smile. You could also have a look at our website to see if there are any other treatments that your smile could benefit from. We look forward to hearing from you.

If you’re looking for an affordable and innovative solution to many of your cosmetic dental concerns, then perhaps composite bonding in Harley Street is the solution that you have been looking for.

This treatment is extremely cost effective and produces stunning results. Composite bonding in Harley Street is the same material that is used for white fillings and therefore it is a hardy, long-lasting and safe material that has a very natural tooth colour, making it difficult to distinguish the difference between the two.

Dentists are able to use this material in a number of ways that can be beneficial in disguising imperfections as well as protecting and covering a vulnerable tooth. Such examples of the use of composite bonding in Harley Street include closing small gaps between teeth, disguising minor rotations, whitening teeth and covering other unsightly damage.

You could liken this treatment to the more expensive alternative porcelain veneers. This is where thin shells are applied to the outer surface of your teeth to create a perfect looking smile. If you are looking for just a single veneer, this treatment might be a more affordable solution.

How long does it last?

Just like veneers, this treatment does not last forever, however, you do not need to replace it if it wears away, unlike the more expensive option. You are of course able to replace this treatment once it wears away or chips off with no problem, but you are not bound to this should you decide you no longer wish for this cosmetic enhancement.

There is no damage to your teeth using this treatment, whether it is repeated consistently or not. This is a great advantage over other options that are currently available, giving you the freedom of experimenting without the concern that you are damaging the health of your smile in the process.

How long does the treatment take?

Treatments can usually be completed in one short visit, although you may be asked to come in for a consultation first so that we are able to determine the plan of action to ensure best possible results.

It is always important to discuss any treatment with your dentist so that you are able to clear the air and be on the same page with one another. Take the time to go through any questions that you might have and to examine the advantages and disadvantages of this treatment as well as all of the alternatives so that you are confidently making the best decision for yourself and the health of your mouth.

Only when both dentist and patient are confident with the option do we proceed, knowing that expected results are aligned with expectations so that everyone walks away happy with the final result.

Using affordable materials to provide cosmetic solutions for our patients is just one of the ways that we are working hard to ensure that you are as satisfied as possible with your smile and our efforts to keep it beautiful and healthy.

We look forward to working on a solution with you to achieve your smile goals.

It can be very jarring to confidence when you have chipped, stained or slightly off-centre teeth.

Many people who are concerned about the appearance of their teeth often resort to not smiling during photos, and may even withdraw from social interactions altogether – far from fun! In the past, you could typically have issues like staining, chipping or slight asymmetry dealt with separately but today, thanks to advances in modern cosmetic dental techniques, there is a solution to all of these issues in one treatment.

Known as bonding, this procedure is cost-effective, time-friendly and allows you to get the straighter, whiter smile you have always wanted without the worry of braces, pricey dental veneers or potentially uncomfortable whitening sessions. Offering a solution to all of these issues in one, this really is one of the best ways to boost your confidence without the hassle!

Our team knows all about the benefits of composite bonding in Harley Street and can offer you a straightforward way to improve your self-esteem without breaking the bank. When you come to us in Harley Street for bonding, we guarantee that you will leave feeling better about your smile. What’s not to like?

Aside from the obvious confidence boost which accompanies composite bonding in Harley Street, what are some of the other advantages?

Time-saving

As mentioned previously, one of the key advantages of composite bonding in Harley Street is that it saves time. Indeed, when compared to other cosmetic procedures like porcelain veneers or even dental implants, there is no prolonged waiting period between the initial consultation and the application of the composite. You can be in and out of our surgery in Harley Street with a gap-free, whiter smile in 1 session! Great stuff!

Low-risk

While some cosmetic dental options present with higher risks, such as oral implants, bonding is risk-free! As the composite is bonded to the surface of your tooth, it does not damage the tooth, requires no scraping or other preparation, and will not cause any infection.

Budget-friendly

Don’t be fooled – just because this procedure is cheaper than other options, it does not mean it is inferior or low quality. Our team at Harley Street Dental perform bonding procedures regularly and are trained in colour matching the composite to your surrounding teeth, leaving you with a natural-looking finish. And, of course, as this procedure only requires composite and can be completed in 1 session, that is all you will pay for! Brilliant!

Less-invasive

Another advantage of this treatment is that, unlike other cosmetic options, it is non-invasive.

As it doesn’t require our team to scrape away the surface of your teeth and will not involve uncomfortable injections to complete. It is also pain-free, which is appealing to many nervous dental patients who want to improve their smiles.

Lifespan

If you maintain good oral hygiene and attend check-ups with our team, your bonded smile can last for years. Patients report that their bonding has lasted over 10 years, so it is a great investment.

You may have heard of veneers in the past, a treatment that perfects smiles in an instant and is usually offered to the rich and famous who sport picture perfect, pearly white smiles. You may have also heard of the cost of this treatment and have decided that this is beyond what you’re looking for in your cosmetic dental care.

If you have minor cosmetic concerns with your teeth, namely your front two teeth and are looking for an affordable way in which to rectify these issues and feel more confident about the appearance of your smile, then perhaps composite bonding in Harley Street is a treatment that you would like to hear more about.

This treatment uses the same white material that we use for white fillings and is used to hide imperfections in visible teeth, such as slight rotations or small gaps, without any damage to your teeth in the process.

Composite bonding in Harley Street generally only takes a single visit to complete, so is again a fast, effective and easy way to achieve that smile you are looking for without the complication and hassle of multiple expensive and complex procedures.

How do we do this for you?

We ask you to come in to see us to discuss this option so that we can both determine whether composite bonding in Harley Street is the right option for you. We will discuss the advantages and any potential issues that you may experience with this treatment, as well as talk about realistic results that you can determine whether this is the right treatment for you.

If you are keen to move forward and we both feel this will have a positive impact on the appearance of your teeth as well as your health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally, then our dentist will go ahead and begin looking for the right tone of resin that best matches the colour of your natural teeth.

From there, we will carefully apply the resin to your teeth, filling in a visible gap or allowing the appearance of a crooked tooth to be lying flat and straight as it should be. We are skilled and experienced in these matters and the end results will be a natural and clean solution, allowing you to confidently smile with more perfectly shaped teeth.

Once we are happy with the appearance of your teeth, we will use a special light to quickly harden the resin so that it is a strong fixture to your teeth.

This treatment does not last as long as veneers, which can last upwards of a decade, but it is an affordable and effective way that you can experience having the teeth you have always wanted. Because there is no lasting damage to your teeth, unlike veneers which strip a fine layer of enamel from your teeth, you can decide to redo the procedure when you want to, not because you have to for the health of your smile.

There is no harm from speaking to us about this treatment, so let’s see whether this treatment is the solution you have been looking for in achieving that picture perfect smile affordably and quickly.