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Let’s begin by answering this question. Yes. Certain gaps in your teeth can be closed without the use of braces. The technique used to achieve this is composite bonding.

But wait! (you might say). Isn’t that used to improve the shape and shade of teeth?

Correct. However, a lesser well-known use of composite bonding is to close small gaps in your teeth, improving the width and length ratio and balance of individual teeth. This can be performed to address the space between 2 teeth, or indeed 4 or 6 front top or bottom teeth (known as a smile makeover).

 

Female patient at the dentist. Close up of her teeth an the dentist's gloved hands.

In this piece we’ll explore:

 

What is composite bonding?

A versatile cosmetic technique, composite bonding is the delicate and gradual application of composite resins to individual teeth. Using these resins, it’s possible to alter the shape of a tooth, which includes filling in small gaps between each tooth. This is a low-maintenance and minimally-invasive alternative to a corrective process such as Invisalign.

Leeds’ Meliora Dental can offer composite bonding to patients who don’t have severely overlapping teeth requiring orthodontic intervention.

 

Is composite bonding better than braces for getting rid of small gaps?

This is a good question, and it’s one that our valued patients often ask us. However, it isn’t so much about one treatment being “better” than the other.

Composite bonding and Invisalign address different types of gaps in your teeth. Composite bonding addresses aesthetic-only gaps in your smile caused by teeth being misshapen. This can be as a result of a tooth becoming chipped, though sometimes genetics are responsible.

Meanwhile, Invisalign is generally used when adult teeth have erupted at unnatural angles and are not structurally sound. It is a more comprehensive corrective solution for gaps and tooth misalignment.

 

What are the benefits of composite bonding?

Composite bonding is becoming increasingly popular for closing small gaps in your teeth because:

It’s minimally-invasive

Composite bonding is a one-appointment process and doesn’t involve any specific ongoing aftercare. By contrast, post-Invisalign you will need to wear a retainer to stop your teeth from moving out of position in the future.

It looks completely natural

Over the past decade, composite resins have been developed to further mimic the translucency of real tooth enamel. In short, the end result looks more tooth-like than ever.

The bioactivity of composite resin has also been optimised to help resist dental issues such as decay. Composite bonded teeth are becoming increasingly biologically harmonious with natural tooth structure.

Affordable

Composite bonding is one of the most affordable cosmetic dental treatments out there. Here at Meliora Dental, we offer competitive rates for composite bonding, as we believe there should not be a financial barrier to entry when it comes to beautifying one’s teeth and feeling confident.

 

Am I suitable for composite bonding?

Your suitability for composite bonding will depend on the reason for the small gaps present in between your teeth.

Patients who have developed gaps as a result of bite issues of periodontitis are not suitable for composite bonding. Composite bonding can be performed by a cosmetic dentist in Leeds (such as one of our team here at Meliora Dental) when the need for treatment is to close minor gaps in your teeth.

Should we identify gum disease or malocclusion (bite problems) as the reason for gaps in your teeth, our diligent team will explain the suggested next steps to address these issues.

It may be that if you are more suited to Invisalign, (Leeds has plenty of Invisalign providers, but here’s why you should pick us) we can look at booking you in for a no-obligation Invisalign consultation. Dr Kunal Rai will be able to forecast how your teeth will look after treatment, using ClinCheck software to pre-track your tooth’s movements during treatment.

This technology gives us clinical insight which facilitates complete predictability at the end of treatment.

 

Finding a cosmetic dentist in Leeds: how to go about it

When it comes to finding a private dentist, Leeds has more than its fair share! Choosing a dental practice is a big deal – after all you’re putting your trust in someone to look after your teeth and to make you feel safe and at ease.

Here at Meliora Dental we take the wellbeing of our patients really seriously – but our friendly team of dentists also have the knack to help you feel at ease. We find a bit of humour can go a long way in making our patients feel comfortable and settled.

So, what makes a good cosmetic dentist?

Before choosing a cosmetic dentist, make sure you check for the following on their website:

Contact a cosmetic dentist in Leeds

Contact our friendly reception team for a Composite Bonding Leeds Consultation by clicking here.

 

 

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

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As a result of an accident I had as a child my front tooth suffered some trauma and became discoloured over time. The tooth eventually broke last year which led to it being removed. I was referred to Kunal who took me through the various options I had. As functionality was the most important aspect...

Andrea B

stars 1

As a child, I was given a fixed brace by a practice who showed very little care. These were removed after 9 months due to them being "unable to straighten anymore" leaving me unhappy with my teeth and a major open bite. As years went on, I became less and less confident with my teeth,...

Imogen O

stars 1

Thank you for your hard work and I hope this testimonial reflects just how happy I am with my smile. The care and attention which I received during my smile makeover was far better than any I have previously experienced. Kunal and his team were amazing throughout the entire process. I had regular check-ups throughout,...

Matthew G

stars 1

Kunal is a very approachable, informative and meticulous dentist. From the beginning of my last Invisalign journey, Kunal explained the procedure very clearly and thoroughly. He showed me a 3D image and how my teeth would change throughout the treatment, the length of the treatment and the possible cons of it, such as black triangles...

Charanprite D

stars 1

I was never conscious of my teeth much but over the years my teeth became more overcrowded, in particular my bottom teeth. I found myself smiling in photos with my mouth closed as I didn’t like the way my teeth looked this was something that over time I got even more conscious of and so...

Eve

stars 1

Kunal and his team gave me the best experience throughout my transformation. Everything was explained all the way through the process and he even accommodated my lunch time appointments every 4 weeks! He always gave his honest opinions and made me feel at ease. He is such a perfectionist and wouldn’t let me leave my...

Happy Patient

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

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As a result of an accident I had as a child my front tooth suffered some trauma and became discoloured over time. The tooth eventually broke last year which led to it being removed. I was referred to Kunal who took me through the various options I had. As functionality was the most important aspect for a replacement for me we agreed an implant was the route to go. The tooth removal however left an element of damage to the natural bone so I had to undergo a bone graft to repair this. One year after the extraction (as 2 bone grafts were needed in the end) I'm now fitted with my implant and I can honestly say I have never been as proud to smile as I am today. From start to finish Kunal...

Andrea B

stars 1

As a child, I was given a fixed brace by a practice who showed very little care. These were removed after 9 months due to them being "unable to straighten anymore" leaving me unhappy with my teeth and a major open bite. As years went on, I became less and less confident with my teeth, until I came across Kunal. From the first moment I walked into the practice, Kunal was very welcoming and talked me through every possible stage that would happen if I was to go ahead with treatment with zoom calls to show the perceived results and ensure I was happy to go ahead with treatment Kunal gave me a diagnosis of my open bite, which was behavioural, therefore instantly this behavioural trait was worked upon to receive the best results from...

Imogen O

stars 1

Thank you for your hard work and I hope this testimonial reflects just how happy I am with my smile. The care and attention which I received during my smile makeover was far better than any I have previously experienced. Kunal and his team were amazing throughout the entire process. I had regular check-ups throughout, and each time Kunal would make sure I was happy, not just with the work that had already taken place, but with the direction my smile was headed. Kunal engaged in discussion with me about each aspect making sure I fully understood what would happen and giving me the chance to have my own input. This combined with his vast knowledge and incredible skill left me feeling fully relaxed and in safe hands. Each step was performed in meticulous detail,...

Matthew G

stars 1

Kunal is a very approachable, informative and meticulous dentist. From the beginning of my last Invisalign journey, Kunal explained the procedure very clearly and thoroughly. He showed me a 3D image and how my teeth would change throughout the treatment, the length of the treatment and the possible cons of it, such as black triangles and what can be done to minimize them. Kunal made it clear from the beginning that as a dentist his interest was the function of the teeth, better oral hygiene, the bite etc. I learned so much from him regarding my own teeth, that it was my bottom teeth that was causing the misalignment on my top teeth, l have gum recession due to excess brushing and l was in danger of losing two teeth due to it! Things my...

Charanprite D

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