Composite Bonding for gappy teeth?

[Seaoftroubles]

Anyone had this done? I have developed gaps between my top front teeth and my dentist says she can use composite bonding to minimise this but because my teeth are strong will only do the edges and not coat the whole tooth.However she has warned there will be a 'margin' so it may stain a little bit over time but as everyone is different its hard to tell how much. Anyone any experience of this?

[Ladyfoxglove]

Yes I've had this and yes it does stain over time. You just have to bleech regularly.

[Seaoftroubles]

Thanks for your reply ladyfoxglove, was yours for gaps or the whole tooth and what sort of bleaching do you do to remove staining? I generally see the hygenist for a good clean every 4-5 months, do you think that would be enough?

[Caddie08]

I've had it done and it does stain. There is a bit of a ridge on the teeth where the composite joins the real tooth and I tend to over time get a stain in that bit like a line of discolouration. I see the hygienist but she can't always remove up so I have had to have a couple of the composites redone. Still a lot better than the gaps! Hope that helps.

[Seaoftroubles]

Thanks Caddie, my dentist has assured me that she will make the margin as smooth as possible but I am still a bit anxious about it. I hate the 'black triangles' though -gaps which are due to gum recession. How many teeth did you have done and how long would you say it took for the staining to appear? I was hoping the hygienist would be able to remove it!

[burnishedsilver]

I have it. I've had it done 3 times in 22 years. The first time there was a bit of staining but none since. The dentist smoothed out the edge a bit and filed off he staining. On the whole its been very successful and not at all noticeable. Its been redone after I chipped by stupidly biting something I shouldn't have.

[Seaoftroubles]

Sounds like a good result burnished perhaps I will go ahead! And only 3 times in 22 years is impressive.

[Ladyfoxglove]

Mine was for filling in gum recession so the bit where the root shows (over enthusiastic brushing!) I had dental at home bleach trays £500 worked in a few weeks. Needs doing every two or three years though. I have a 6 monthly clean too but for me thats not enough. I have poor teeth though and Im old.

[Coumarin]

I've had a couple of gaps filled and one tooth where a combination of antibiotic staining and excessive brushing had caused my gum to recede. I haven't noticed any discolouration in 7 years. Although the above posts have made me a bit paranoid so I will double check.

The tooth that had the gum issue does have a tiny bit that needs redoing but it's barely noticeable.

If it's possible to then I'd highly recommend it. Unfortunately my gaps were too wide to do all of them without it looking weird but what so did get looks great. Very quick and easy.