Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is the process of applying composite material to the teeth in order to repair or enhance them in both colour and shape. The composite is a tooth-coloured material that, when applied, allows the tooth to maintain its natural colour, or if the tooth is discoloured, return it to its natural colour.

This is favoured by many as it is a very discreet treatment and isn’t a lengthy process to apply. The most common issues which can be fixed with composite bonding are chipped or crooked teeth where the composite material can be used to fill in the gaps between the teeth and repair their normal shape.

The key benefits of composite bonding are that the treatment is easy to apply and can deliver excellent results. For example, we can apply a composite bonding treatment in a single day, which can completely transform your smile and won’t require any additional treatments.

We often find that composite bonding can last between 5 to 10 years, depending on your oral hygiene habits and the location of the bonded tooth.

In the majority of cases, composite bonding is minimally invasive and pain-free. Our dentists ensure that each procedure is as safe and as comfortable for our patients as possible.  

There is usually no drilling of the natural tooth involved with composite bonding. Instead, the resin material will be bonded to your teeth, and then gently polished at the end. This treatment usually doesn’t require any anaesthesia or alternate form of pain relief.

There is the possibility of composite bonding staining over time. However, as the material used for composite bonding is nonporous, it will stain significantly slower than your natural teeth will.

The care for bonded teeth is similar to your normal oral care routine. We’d recommend brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with regular dental check-ups.

Yes, teeth can decay under composite bonding. Although the composite resin material adheres to the tooth, it doesn’t completely seal off the underlying tooth structure. Therefore, if oral hygiene is not maintained, bacteria can accumulate and lead to decay under the bonding.

While composite bonding is an effective treatment for cosmetic dental issues, it has some disadvantages:

• Durability: Composite bonding materials are not as hard or durable as natural teeth or other restorative materials like porcelain. They are prone to chipping and staining over time.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of composite bonding is usually around five years, after which it may need replacement or repair.
• Aesthetics: If applied too thickly on seriously crooked teeth, composite can make teeth look bulky.

The number of teeth you can get composite bonding on depends on your specific dental needs and cosmetic goals. It’s possible to apply composite bonding to one tooth or multiple teeth.

Composite bonding is a relatively reversible process because it involves minimal alteration of the natural tooth structure. However, if any natural tooth was removed during the procedure, it cannot be replaced. It’s important to discuss this with your dentist before the procedure.

The “better” treatment depends on your specific needs and circumstances. For example, dental veneers or crowns might be a better option if you’re looking for a more durable and long-lasting solution. These options are typically more resistant to staining and mimic the properties of natural teeth more closely than composite bonding.