Composite bonding can help to transform your smile, covering chips, straightening teeth, and giving you the smile you have dreamed of. But can composite bonding be used for teeth grinding? It is a common question and one we are happy to answer today.
In some cases, composite bonding can be used to repair teeth damaged by teeth grinding. The dental bonding can be attached to your teeth to give you a new smile, but you should also consider addressing the cause of your teeth grinding. Today, we will walk you through the composite bonding process and how you can help with your teeth grinding.
Composite bonding is a great way to cover the damage of teeth grinding, restoring your teeth to their former glory. It is important, before you proceed with any composite bonding, that you make your dentist aware that you grind your teeth so that they can offer the best treatment plan.
While composite bonding can restore your teeth's appearance, it will not deal with the issue of you grinding your teeth. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can be caused by an underlying issue, and it is always best to try to treat this first before making any changes to your teeth. During an initial consultation, we would discuss your teeth grinding with you and carry out a full dental examination to determine the cause of your grinding and see if composite bonding is the right choice.
While composite bonding is a good choice for grinding your teeth, we often recommend porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are far more durable and will withstand some grinding without becoming damaged. As composite bonding is not as durable, it is important that a night guard is used every night to protect your new teeth and that we work to uncover and address the cause of your teeth grinding.
Your dentist will also need to ensure that your teeth are suitable for composite bonding. You might require some additional dental work before bonding can be administered to ensure that your teeth are healthy enough to support them. Grinding your teeth can wear away at your enamel, exposing your inner teeth layers and causing sensitivity. This sensitivity can make it difficult for composite bonding to be administered, and we might need to look at alternative treatments. All of this is covered during an initial consultation, allowing you to know quickly if composite bonding is a viable option for you.
Once it has been decided that composite bonding is the right choice for you, you can move forward with the process. The treatment process typically follows the steps outlined below:
As we mentioned earlier, each treatment begins with an initial consultation. We will examine your teeth and discuss your dental history before moving on to discuss your smile goals. From this, we can work out if composite bonding is the right treatment option for you.
Before your bonding, we need to prepare your teeth. We might need to remove any existing dental work and clean your teeth. Composite bonding needs a clean surface, with any plaque or tartar removed.
Next, your tooth is etched so that the bonding material can adhere better. This can feel like a scratch on your tooth, which some patients find uncomfortable. The etching is minimal compared to other treatments, like veneers and should not damage your teeth.
The bonding material is applied to your tooth, creating a new shape, straightening your smile, or addressing chipped teeth caused by teeth grinding. The resin is shaped into your desired shape before being cured with a UV light. We can also polish the resin to harden it, giving it a tooth-like appearance and texture.
For composite bonding, you need to have good oral health, with healthy teeth and gums that are free from gum disease, decay, and other problems. Depending on the severity of your teeth grinding, you might not be considered a suitable candidate for composite bonding, but in these cases, you can work with your dentist to address the cause of your teeth grinding before enhancing your smile with composite bonding.
If your teeth have been weakened, they may not be able to withstand the bonding, which is why it is recommended that you have healthy and strong teeth. You will also need to have good oral hygiene habits, which must be maintained after you have had the bonding.
During a consultation appointment, we will carry out the necessary examinations to see if you are a suitable candidate for composite bonding.
Before we add composite resin to your teeth and reshape them, we would like to address the grinding of the teeth to prevent it from happening. By solving your teeth grinding issue, you can protect your natural teeth and prevent further damage to them or the bonding.
Grinding your teeth can be a tricky habit to break, especially if it happens at night and you aren't realising you are doing it. The cause of grinding your teeth can vary, but it is usually caused by malocclusion problems, stress, sleep apnea, or TMJ disorder. These issues can all be addressed, and you don't need to worry about them impacting you in the long term. How you address the issue will vary, but typically the following are recommended:
A dental mouthguard
Jaw exercises
Relaxation techniques
TMJ treatment
These treatments and techniques can help to minimise and prevent grinding, protecting your teeth. It is important that you seek advice from a dentist before trying any of these methods to ensure they are the right option for you and your teeth.
A common alternative to composite bonding, if you grind your teeth, is porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are more durable and can be protected by a mouth guard worn at night if you continue to grind your teeth. Porcelain veneers are a more invasive treatment as the front of your teeth is filed and thin shells are placed over them. Porcelain veneers will last longer than composite bonding, but they can be an expensive and irreversible option.
You can also consider dental crowns, which will sit over your natural teeth, too. Dental crowns do require more frequent visits to the dentist, and it can be a time-consuming treatment process, but they also offer a permanent solution to your problem.
A dentist can walk you through all of these options, and you can learn more about porcelain veneers and dental crowns here.
Composite bonding can be a good option for anyone looking to enhance their smile and repair the damage from teeth grinding. While it is not a suitable treatment option for everyone, it can help to transform your smile and boost your confidence. Learn more about composite bonding at our Melbourne CBD clinic to see if it is the right option for you.
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