What Is 3D Printed Composite Bonding?
Composite bonding has become an increasingly popular way to change the shape and appearance of teeth without moving straight to porcelain restorations.
Now digital technology is changing how that bonding can be planned and placed.
Saltford Dental offers 3D printed composite bonding, combining digital smile design with composite resin to create a highly planned smile transformation.
Quick answer
3D printed composite bonding uses digital scans and 3D technology to design your new smile before treatment begins. A custom template is then produced to guide the placement of composite onto your teeth.
At Saltford Dental, 3D printed composite bonding for 10 teeth is currently £3,750.
How is it different from normal composite bonding?
Traditional composite bonding is generally applied and shaped directly onto each tooth by the dentist.
With the 3D approach, more of the proposed result is planned digitally beforehand.
Your teeth are scanned, a digital design is created and you can preview the planned changes.
A customised template is then 3D printed and used to help transfer that design accurately to your teeth using high-quality composite resin.
What can 3D bonding change?
Depending on your suitability and the condition of your teeth, composite bonding can be used to address concerns such as:
Small gaps
Chipped teeth
Uneven tooth edges
Differences in tooth shape
Smile symmetry
Teeth that appear disproportionately small
It's particularly interesting for patients who aren't necessarily looking for a dramatic "Hollywood smile", but would like their teeth to appear more balanced and harmonious.
Do you have to drill the teeth?
One of the main attractions of composite bonding is its conservative nature.
Saltford Dental's 3D bonding technique is designed to be minimally invasive, often requiring no drilling or injections and minimal alteration to natural enamel.
Whether this is possible for you depends on your individual teeth, so this needs to be confirmed following assessment.
Can I see what my teeth will look like first?
This is one of the biggest advantages of the digital process.
A detailed digital mock-up is created before treatment, allowing both you and your dentist to preview the proposed result.
For patients who feel apprehensive about making a cosmetic change, being involved in the design stage can provide valuable reassurance.
How much does it cost?
Saltford Dental currently offers 3D printed composite bonding for 10 teeth for £3,750.
For comparison, conventional composite veneers at the practice start from £375 per tooth and Emax porcelain veneers from £750 per tooth.
Who is it suitable for?
Not everyone who dislikes their smile needs the same treatment.
Some patients may benefit from whitening, others from clear aligners, bonding or veneers – and sometimes a combination provides the best result.
The purpose of a cosmetic consultation is to identify what you'd like to change and then determine the most conservative suitable way to achieve it.
Saltford Dental welcomes cosmetic dentistry patients from Saltford, Keynsham, Bristol, Bath and surrounding areas.
