Composite Bonding
Composite or dental bonding is a method to transform a smile through small, conservative changes using a direct sculpting technique. Multiple shades and translucencies of materials are directly sculpted in the mouth to create natural, seamless beauty on front teeth. This procedure can dramatically improve the look of small teeth, gaps, spaces, and chips, often without any tooth preparation.
Minimally Invasive Esthetics
Composite bonding is an extremely conservative way to fill in gaps, change shapes, and mask color. Oftentimes, no tooth needs to be removed to achieve dramatic changes. This procedure is very technique sensitive and requires extensive additional training. Dr. Grady excels in this procedure that blends dentistry, color, and sculpture.
Composite Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers and direct dental bonding are similar procedures—the difference is in the material. Dental bonding is sculpted directly in your mouth with layered composites. Porcelain is made by a master ceramist and later bonded in the mouth.
Both procedures can be used to change the shape, size, and color of your teeth. Porcelain, however, tends to be used when the entire tooth is involved, or multiple entire teeth. Dental bonding tends to be used when only parts of the tooth need to be repaired, because the coloring can be blended and the composite can be feathered over the remaining part of the tooth to make the repair undetectable.
Another difference is that porcelain is much harder and more stain resistant than composite, so it lasts much longer. It actually resists stains better than natural tooth enamel. While a smile makeover with composite bonding may only last 3-5 years before it loses its luster and begins to stain, porcelain veneers will look beautiful for many years. Porcelain is also more expensive. Each case is different and requires an in-office consultation to determine which material is the best for you!
