Fixing Small Gaps – How Composite Bonding Can Improve Your Smile

Fixing Small Gaps – How Composite Bonding Can Improve Your Smile

Do you have a small gap in your teeth that you don’t like? Fed up with people pointing it out and telling you ‘it gives your face character’? Well, it might seem like a minor issue to some, but if it bothers you, it matters. The great news is that you don’t have to live with it because of composite bonding.

Many people don’t really think too much about cosmetic dentistry, as the main concern usually centres around whether or not someone’s teeth are healthy or not. That said, its popularity is growing all the time, with 40% of under-35s in the UK having already had treatments like teeth whitening.

When people look for answers, the questions are usually pretty simple. Will it look natural, will it hurt, and will it actually close the gap rather than just hide it? Here we look at those points more closely to see if composite bonding in Manchester is right for you, or not.

Why Does a Small Gap Between My Teeth Bother Me So Much?

When some patients come into our dental clinic in Manchester, we’re surprised to find that many people feel a little silly about wanting to talk about non-urgent dental matters – like gaps. The thing is, we don’t think it’s silly at all, so we’re more than happy to introduce solutions, like composite bonding.

We know that a small gap in your teeth can have a big impact on your self-confidence, especially if it bothers you enough to want to avoid being in photos. That’s why people often do nothing about them for years, despite seeing them in the mirror every day.

In the end, it usually comes down to getting so fed up with seeing it that it gets so old that you do something about it. However, when you realise how simple fixing that gap can be, it can tip the balance and convince you to get it sorted.

How Can Composite Bonding in Manchester Fix Gaps in My Teeth?

Ok, so you get to the point where you’re sure that composite bonding is something you’d like to try. Your teeth are otherwise healthy, but you’ve vowed to get it sorted so you can stop worrying about that gap in your teeth. What next? Well, there’s a very defined path to your new look.

Composite bonding in Manchester fixes things by reshaping the teeth next to the gap rather than moving them. The work is focused on the tooth edges involved, so the space is reduced or closed without affecting the rest of the mouth.

Step #1 – Your dentist checks the gap and the bite

The first step is checking that the gap isn’t still being caused by pressure from your bite or slow tooth movement. Your dentist will look at how the teeth meet, whether the space is stable and whether anything is likely to push it open again.

If the gap is still changing or being driven by a bite issue or another tooth, composite bonding won’t be the right option.

Step #2 – Preparing the tooth surface

Before the bonding material is added, the tooth next to the gap is cleaned and treated so the material will stick. A liquid adhesive is painted onto the enamel and hardened with a blue light.

It’s actually a very strong, medical-grade glue that locks the bonding in place. Nothing is drilled away, and injections usually aren’t needed.

Step #3 – Composite material is added to the tooth edge

The next part is to apply a tooth-coloured composite material to one or both of the teeth beside the gap. It’s a process that involves slowly building things up, so that your dentist can gradually control exactly how much of the space is closed.

Step #4 – The tooth is shaped by hand

Composite bonding in Manchester then involves shaping the teeth so they look the same as those next to them. The teeth themselves stay in the same position in the jaw, which is why bonding works best for gaps that are already stable.

Step #5 – The colour is matched and polished

Once the shape is right, the material is lastly matched to your natural tooth colour and polished. This helps the bonded area blend in so the gap no longer stands out when you smile or talk, resulting in a completely natural look.

It’s why it’s often chosen when fixed or hidden braces feel excessive, and the goal is simply to deal with one specific gap.

Composite Bonding in Manchester Can Fix That Gap

Thanks to modern orthodontics, there’s absolutely no reason why you should have to put up with gaps in your teeth. As we’ve seen, fixing these gaps is non-invasive, often requires no injections, and you leave the clinic with the finished result. That makes a solution not only available, but also suitable for nervous patients.

At Ringway Dental, our experienced team helps people improve their smile confidence every day, with treatments like these. We run a relaxed clinic, too, so if you ever want to talk about any of your options, we’re happy to explain things clearly.

So, if you’d like to talk to someone about dealing with that annoying gap in your teeth, get in touch today. We’ll be happy to talk you through what to expect.

FAQs About Composite Bonding for Small Gaps

Q – How long does composite bonding last on a small gap and how long does it take to do?

A – Bonding isn’t permanent, but it can last several years with good care. Wear, staining or small chips can mean it needs polishing or repair over time. The procedure itself can take as little as 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the complexity of the case- you can read more about this here.

Q – Does composite bonding damage the natural tooth?

A – No. For small gaps, bonding is usually done without drilling, so the natural enamel is left intact.

Q – Will composite bonding stain or change colour?

A – It can stain over time. Unlike enamel, composite won’t whiten, so tea, coffee, red wine and smoking can affect its colour.

Q – Can I eat normally after composite bonding?

A – Yes. Once set, the material is strong enough for everyday eating, though biting very hard foods with the bonded edge should be avoided.

Q – Should teeth whitening be done before composite bonding?

A – Often, yes. Teeth whitening is usually done first so the bonding can be colour-matched to the final shade of your teeth.

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