Smile for life: Braces or bonding?

At Ewell Orthodontics, we are strong advocates for Invisalign and braces, but, most importantly, we are dedicated to finding the perfect treatment for you.

Our specialist orthodontists in Surrey, Richard and Faiza, take the time to understand your goals and lifestyle, so we can help you to make an informed decision. Our aim is to help you achieve a confident smile that lasts a lifetime.

When it comes to improving your smile, two popular options right now are braces and composite bonding. In this blog, we’ll explore both treatments, empowering you to make the best choice for your individual needs.

Straightening your smile with braces

Braces offer a fantastic solution for anyone looking to straighten misaligned teeth. They work by gently aligning your teeth for a natural, beautiful result. No case is too small or too challenging; we can adjust individual teeth or completely transform your smile.

Your treatment options include traditional fixed braces with clear or metal brackets, lingual braces that fit behind your teeth and crystal-clear Invisalign aligners.

While braces may take some time to achieve your final result, you’ll see your smile improving week by week. At the end of your treatment, we’ll fit fixed and removable retainers to maintain your smile for life.

Perfecting your teeth with bonding

Composite bonding is a cosmetic technique that uses tooth-coloured resin, the same material used for tooth-coloured fillings, to enhance your smile.

Bonding can improve the contours, symmetry and colour of your teeth, covering imperfections in one pain-free appointment.

Composite bonding is a popular alternative to veneers because it doesn’t require the removal of enamel, so it’s kinder to your teeth and reversible.

The downside of bonding is that it doesn’t last forever, and you may need to repeat this treatment every few years.

Choosing the right option for you

With their extensive experience in dentistry, Faiza and Richard excel in orthodontics and complementary treatments, such as teeth whitening and bonding, ensuring you achieve the best possible outcome.

For a straighter smile, braces typically offer the most effective and long-lasting solution. Providing you wear your retainers consistently; your results should last indefinitely. So, over time, orthodontic treatment offers exceptional value for money.

If you’re happy with the size and shape of your teeth, braces can achieve amazing results. If you have any other concerns, like a chipped or misshaped tooth, we can combine braces with bonding or contouring for the perfect finishing touch.

Composite bonding alone can be an alternative to braces if you’re happy with the position of your teeth but want to address minor imperfections such as small fractures, chips, discolouration or uneven surfaces.

Braces before and after bonding

Braces are an excellent way to move your teeth into the optimal position for composite bonding. We can precisely position each tooth to minimise the amount of bonding needed and avoid bulky, unnatural results.

If you’ve already had bonding carried out, we can still help. This patient, for example, had lateral incisors (the teeth on either side of his two front teeth) that were set back. To improve the appearance of his smile from the front, his dentist added a thick layer of composite to ‘bring the teeth forward’.

We’re now in the process of straightening his teeth with Invisalign, and as the lateral incisors move forward, we will slowly remove the composite until his natural teeth are all perfectly aligned. Providing he wears his retainers, he won’t need any further treatment or maintenance in the future.

Meet our experts for a consultation

To find out which treatments best meet your needs, you can visit us for a no-obligation consultation in Ewell, Surrey.

You’ll meet Richard or Faiza, who will gently examine your teeth and explain all your treatment options to you. You’ll receive a comprehensive treatment plan, detailing how long your treatment will take, how much it will cost and the different ways you can pay for your new smile.

Contact our friendly treatment coordinators to book your first appointment or get started now with a free virtual consultation.