Composite Bonding
Composite bonding is the process of adding a tooth coloured material, known as composite resin, directly onto your tooth then shaping it by hand, to improve the size, colour or shape.
Tailor made right there in the surgery, this provides not only great flexibility on the final appearance but fantastic results in as little as a day.
As the composite resin material bonds to the tooth there’s minimal need, or usually no need at all, to drill or shave any of the tooth surface, making composite bonding a minimally invasive (and reversible) way of improving the appearance of your smile.
Composite bonding has become popular over traditional veneers as, although composite by nature is less stain resistant and durable as porcelain, it can be polished and repaired more quickly and easily, making it a great option for both shorter or longer term treatments.
WHO IS COMPOSITE BONDING SUITABLE FOR?
Composite bonding is suitable for adults who are looking to improve one or more of the following aesthetic issues:
- Improve the appearance of uneven, crooked or misshapen teeth
- Reduce or close unwanted spacing or gaps between teeth
- Improve the appearance of misaligned teeth
- Build worn front teeth back up
- Mask discoloured teeth
TREATMENT PROCESS
You may need up to 6 appointments, with the initial few appointments focussed on design and planning to ensure the optimal result for your composite bonding. Your dentist will advise you of what appointments are needed.
HOW MUCH DOES COMPOSITE BONDING COST?
Pricing depends on the type of bonding and the amount of teeth to be treated.
- Composite edge bonding and gap closure start from £120 per tooth.
- Cosmetic anterior (front teeth) bonding starts from £200 per tooth.
- Composite bonding veneers start from £1500 for 4 teeth.
As with many of our treatments, patients on one of our membership plans get a 10% discount.
Read more about our membership plans here.
AFTERCARE
As you won’t be numb for this procedure, and your composite bonding will be set before you leave the practice, you can usually return to your normal day to day immediately after your visit. That being said we would advise you avoid the following, to keep your bonding in tip top shape:
- Avoid heavily staining foods and drinks, as well as smoking for 48 hours following the procedure.
- Avoid biting onto or into anything too hard with your front teeth, that includes things like crusty bread, pen lids, fingernails and more. Although incredibly strong the bond isn’t as strong as a normal tooth, so try not to put your new composite bonding at risk of chipping unnecessarily. If they do chip or break don’t fret, they can be repaired.
Normal brushing and flossing can resume immediately after your composite bonding has been fitted. Any discomfort following the treatment usually resolves itself after 2-3 days.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WILL IT hurt?
There’s usually no or little preparation needed, meaning local anaesthetic is usually not necessary. Applying the composite onto the teeth doesn’t hurt, however you may experience slight sensitivity whilst we are cleaning and drying your teeth.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Composite bonding usually lasts between 5-7 years, although due to the minimally invasive nature of the treatment it can be removed and replaced as needed. Your bonding will need some maintenance over its lifespan as it can chip and stain, however, this can be easily repaired and polished, to return it to its original look, unlike traditional veneers.
WILL MY TEETH BE FILED DOWN TO STUMPS?
No. Composite bonding requires little to no preparation due to the way it adheres to your teeth, meaning we do not need to remove much (if any) of your tooth. It is reversible and can be removed at any point.
WILL THE COLOUR MATCH THE REST OF MY TEETH?
We will help you choose the perfect shade for your composite bonding, matching it to your existing teeth for a completely natural result.