What is Composite Bonding?

1. Initial Examination

To start, our dentist will sit down with you to discuss the treatment. An initial examination will be performed to check your teeth, assess the next steps, and identify any potential issues. We will make sure you are comfortable and prepared for every step of the treatment process, and you will be free to ask as many questions as you need at this stage.

2. Preparing the Composite Resin

After examining your teeth, our dentist will prepare the dental bond material. This starts with identifying an exact colour match that will blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. We will then mix the resin to create a natural-looking composite bond.

3. Application

To apply the composite bond, we will need to make a small etching in the surface of your teeth to ensure a good and secure fit. Our dentist will then apply the putty-like material to the surface of the tooth before sculpting it into the perfect shape.

4. Hardening the Bond

With the correctly-shaped resin in place, a specialised blue light is then used to harden the composite material. This sets the material into a strong and durable bond.

5. Polish and Final Examination

We finish this treatment with a high-grade polish to finalise the shape and shine of the bond. This will ensure that the bond blends perfectly with the surrounding teeth, for a clean and smooth finish.

At Cherry Trees Dental, composite bonding treatments start from £350. The cost of your composite bonding treatment will vary depending on the number of teeth to be treated and the extent of the damage to be repaired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does composite bonding damage your teeth?

No. Composite bonding is a harmless and non-invasive procedure. It doesn’t require any drilling or cutting, the material is applied to the surface of your teeth. Once applied, a composite bond will not affect the natural enamel of your teeth.

What are the benefits of composite bonding?

Composite bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment that can drastically improve the appearance of your teeth. It can be used to correct a range of dental problems, including cracked or chipped teeth, gaps between teeth, staining and discolouration.

Unlike crowns or veneers, the dental bonding procedure doesn’t require cutting your teeth or removing any healthy enamel. No anaesthetic is required for cosmetic bonding, so it’s a quick, painless, and affordable treatment option.

What is a composite bond made from?

Composite bonds are made from a special type of plastic known as composite resin. This resin material has a putty-like texture that is coloured, sculpted, and polished to match your existing teeth.

This material is very durable, but it will be slightly softer and less stain-resistant than your natural enamel.

How long does composite bonding last?

Composite bonding typically lasts for 5-6 years. Your composite bonds may need to be repaired if they become chipped, stained, or damaged in some other way. Since the resin material is not as hard as your natural enamel, it will be slightly more susceptible to wear and tear.

Composite bonding on your back and side teeth will last longer than it will on your front teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene, minimising very hard foods and avoiding nail-biting habits will help keep your bonds in top condition for longer. Luckily, composite bonds are easy to repair when they do become damaged.

What is composite bonding good for?

Composite bonding is perfect for repairing teeth that are chipped, cracked, or broken.

It can restore worn-down or decaying teeth, correct uneven tooth shapes, and protect tooth roots. It can also improve your smile by disguising stains and discolouration and filling gaps between teeth.

How do I know if composite bonding is right for me?

Composite bonding is a great way to improve the appearance of your teeth. You are a good candidate for composite bonding if you want to:

• Repair small cosmetic problems with your teeth, like gaps, chips or cracks
• Disguise discoloured teeth and staining
• Cover tooth rot or decay
• Add definition to shortened or damaged teeth

Cosmetic bonding is not the right solution for teeth that need realigning. It also may not work if the natural tooth is too short to build up from. If in doubt, a quick consultation with our dentists will help identify the correct treatment for you.

What are the alternatives to composite bonding?

There are a few alternatives to composite bonding that may suit certain patients better. One alternative is dental veneers. Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of teeth, lasting up to 20 years.

Another alternative is dental crowns, which are porcelain caps that are placed over teeth. Both can cover up damage and improve the appearance of your teeth.

Porcelain is a harder and more stain-resistant material than composite resin, so veneers and crowns can last a lot longer than composite bonds. However, the procedure for both veneers and crowns involves cutting away small parts of your healthy teeth, making them both more invasive and more expensive treatment options.

How can composite bonding work with teeth whitening?

It’s common to use composite bonding alongside teeth whitening for a more dramatic improvement to your smile.

If you want to whiten your teeth, we will always recommend that it be done before a composite bonding treatment. This is because the resin used in a dental bond will be specifically chosen to match the colour of your existing teeth. After the bond has been applied, it won’t be possible to whiten it further.

How long does a composite bonding appointment take?

Composite bonding appointments can take anywhere between 1 and 3 hours. The time needed will depend on the number of bonds being applied, and the extent of the damage being repaired.

How do I care for my composite bond?

Composite bonding is a durable treatment, but it’s still important to care for your teeth after the procedure. You can extend the life of your composite bonds by taking care of them properly. Since composite resin is a little less tough than your natural enamel, it’s important to avoid biting down on hard objects such as candies, ice cubes, or your fingernails.

To keep your smile as bright as possible, you should also avoid things that stain your teeth like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. As always, brush your teeth twice every day and remember to floss. See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, so we can catch any potential problems before they happen.

Can I get cosmetic bonding on my front teeth?

Yes, composite bonding can be performed on any of your teeth. Speak to our dentists to see what is the best option for you.

I’ve just had Invisalign done. Can I now get composite bonding?

Yes, composite bonding is a suitable follow-up treatment to Invisalign if you have any further issues that need fixing. For example, after Invisalign has straightened your teeth you may notice that one tooth is shorter than the rest.

Composite bonding is the ideal solution to this scenario. However, it’s important to note that you should not get any cosmetic bonding treatments during Invisalign.

Altering the shape of your teeth during an Invisalign treatment could result in your Invisalign trays not fitting correctly. By waiting until after you have finished all of your Invisalign trays, you can use composite bonding to achieve the perfect finishing touch for your smile.