If you have spaces between your side teeth, you might not want eighteen months of train-track braces or clear aligners. That is why so many patients ask us about using composite bonding as a fast way to close gaps between teeth.
In cosmetic dentistry, we call this diastema closure. We do not drill your teeth at all. You walk out after about sixty minutes with composite resin added to the sides of adjacent teeth until they touch, closing the dark gaps in a single appointment.
How long does it hold up?
In our clinic at 3 Goldhawk Road in London and talking with people who travel down to see us from Manchester most patients get around 7 to 10 years out of their bonding before it needs a buff or a small repair. Many make it well past twelve years without touching it.
The secret to this incredible longevity is virgin enamel. Because closing a gap means bonding directly to untouched, healthy enamel on the side of the tooth, the chemical and micromechanical bond is extraordinarily strong.
Plaque also gathers very easily where the teeth now touch. You have to slide floss gently between the new contact points every single night, or tea and red wine will leave a dirty brown line right along the bond. Slide the tape out sideways rather than yanking upwards.
Beyond that, leave wooden toothpicks alone. Don’t wedge hard objects between your teeth. A basic night splint will sort out any grinding while you sleep.
Visit our page on composite bonding London to explore treatment options, costs, and expert advice.
The insights shared in our articles are meant to educate and inform, not to replace a face-to-face consultation. Every smile is unique, and a proper diagnosis can only be made by a qualified clinical professional. Please book an appointment with our team or consult your local dentist for advice tailored to your specific oral health needs.
