Composite bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure wherein composite resin material is applied to the front surfaces of the teeth to enhance their appearance. The procedure can be done to improve the aesthetics of discoloured, chipped, misshapen teeth, or can be used to close gaps between teeth, or to make short teeth look longer.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

Composite bonding typically requires one or two visits to complete and can take anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour per tooth, depending on the complexity of the case.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS? HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

Following composite bonding, you may experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or some mild discomfort in the treated area and around the gums. 

Bonding usually lasts around 5 to 10 years, but this may vary greatly depending on your lifestyle. During this time, the composite material may stain and require periodic polishing or replacement. It is typically recommended to have your composite bonding polished once yearly. Your diet and lifestyle both have a big impact on the longevity of your bonding. Smoking, vaping, grinding your teeth, nail-biting, eating hard or staining foods can all adversely affect the aesthetics and appearance, and cause dark staining onto the composite or small chips and fractures. The correction of any fractures to your bonding after the first year will be at your own cost. 

IS IT PAINFUL:

No. Composite bonding is usually pain free  as it requires no or very little removal of enamel. There may be some minimal discomfort when shaping around the gum area but otherwise you should have a comfortable experience. 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST:

Composite bonding costs £195 per tooth. If you are interested to find out more, there is a £40 consultation fee for a 30-minute session to explore your ideas and expectations for your perfect smile. In the session we will examine whether your teeth are suitable for bonding, discuss your desired outcome and start to plan your bonding case. 

POST-PROCEDURE CARE:

After composite bonding, it's important to avoid biting on hard objects or consuming foods or beverages that can stain the teeth. Always rinse with water after eating or drinking food or beverages that are known to stain teeth, like red wine, coffee, berries. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential to maintain the health and appearance of bonded teeth. Your dental hygiene is of the utmost importance to maintain the longevity of your bonding. 

HOW DOES THIS PROCEDURE AFFECT THE HEALTH OF MY TEETH?

It is important to be aware that although composite bonding is a very minimally invasive aesthetic procedure, once a tooth has been etched and bonded, the enamel is permanently modified at a nano level not detected by the eye. In cases where the removal of composite bonding is required, there is an increased risk of the removal of some natural tooth tissue in the process of removing the bonding.