Do Dentists Recommend Having Composite Bonding On Overlapping Teeth?
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Patients can have composite bonding on overlapping teeth - however, if the overlap is too severe, your dentist may recommend having orthodontic treatment first. This prevents the bonding material from looking bulky or unnatural on the teeth.
Can composite bonding straighten teeth?
Cosmetically, yes. Rather than fixing the issue, the treatment disguises it. To do this, a bright, chip-resistant resin is applied to the teeth and moulded to the desired shape. The resin is then cured in place, leaving behind a perfect straight white smile. This means composite bonding is great for treating mild and moderate malocclusions, such as overlapping and crowding. It is also used to address chips, cracks, small gaps and discolouration.
What teeth are not suitable for composite bonding?
The experts at Yorkshire Dental Suite will not apply dental bonding to severely overlapped teeth as it looks awkward. That’s not the only time we advise against composite bonding - for example, the resin cannot be used to fill gaps left behind by a missing tooth (we recommend a dental implant instead). As long as your teeth and gums are generally healthy, you will most likely be suitable for composite bonding. We ask that the following criteria applies to ensure uniform, beautifully bright results:
- You have no gum disease present (hygienist appointments available)
- You have no cavities (fillings available)
- You are at least 18 years old
- If a tooth is damaged, at least ¾ of the tooth is still there
Teeth straightening before composite bonding
In some cases, orthodontic treatments are required prior to composite bonding. If your dentist thinks you need to take this additional step, they will discuss it with you during your initial consultation. You have two options to choose from:
- Clear aligners: The most discreet way to straighten smiles. Patients are required to wear your clear aligners for 22 hours a day and swap your trays every week to progress to the next stage of your treatment. It is not suitable for patients with missing teeth.
- Fixed braces: Using brackets and wires, this orthodontic device exerts pressure onto the teeth, encouraging them to move into their correct position over time. It is a great choice for very complex alignment cases and patients experiencing problems with their bite and jaw.
We also advise undergoing teeth whitening prior to your dental bonding appointment. Your dentist will then match the resin to your existing teeth to ensure a natural and seamless colour match.
Different types of malocclusions
We recognise we have mentioned the word malocclusion many times. Put simply, a malocclusion is when your teeth are misaligned and do not meet correctly when you close your mouth. Some malocclusions impact the finished look of certain dental treatments (like composite bonding), or your eligibility for the treatment altogether. We have broken down the different types of malocclusions and how they are identified by dentists.
Malocclusion | What is it? |
|---|---|
Overcrowding / Overlapping | When the teeth twist and clash due to a lack of space within the jaw. |
Gapped teeth | The small gaps found between teeth (not the same as a gap left by a missing tooth). |
Crossbite | The misalignment of the upper and lower teeth when you close your mouth. |
Open bite | When the top and bottom teeth do not come together when your jaws are closed. |
Overbite | When the upper front teeth extend beyond the lower front teeth by at least 0.2mm. |
Underbite | When the lower teeth overlap your upper teeth, causing your lower teeth and jaw to appear more prominent. |
Overjet | The protrusion of the upper teeth over the lower teeth. Often referred to as ‘buck teeth’. |
Conclusion: Composite bonding is a great treatment option for patients wishing to straighten and perfect their teeth. Enquire with Yorkshire Dental Suite today and our expert team will bring your dream smile to life.