Everybody knows what metal fillings look like. The metal material used to fill teeth is called amalgam and has been around for a long time. Although reliable and hardwearing, these fillings are not cosmetically appealing.
In the early 1990’s a new generation of resin-based tooth coloured filling materials called composite became available to dentists. This material has been developed so that it is now as strong as amalgam, but comes in a range of different shades, allowing the dentist to match the filling to the natural tooth shade exactly.
In most cases, it is now easy for a dentist to replace existing metal fillings using this composite material, as well as to replace older “white” fillings in front teeth that have become discoloured.
Bonding is a skilled and artistic way of lightening and changing the shape of teeth, or closing small spaces or gaps, in just one visit to a dental surgery.
How is Bonding applied?
Only a very small amount of preparation is required to roughen the surface of the tooth, and the dentist then places colour-matched composite resin on the tooth, and carefully shapes it to the desired effect.
A special light is shone on the material to cause it to set in seconds, and then the tooth can be adjusted and polished.
How long will they last?
Bonding results last for 5-10 years. The material, however, does lose its shine over time, and stains and plaque easily stick to it. As the results begin to fade, bonding can be repaired or redone.