Composite Bonding

A safe and cost-effective cosmetic treatment, composite bonding is a procedure that involves a tooth coloured resin being applied to a tooth. This is a quick and easy treatment that can be completed in one visit, usually without using anaesthetic. This is an inexpensive way of achieving a natural looking finish with colour matched to the colour of your natural teeth.

Composite bonding explained

Composite bonding is a procedure where tooth coloured composite is sculpted and bondage onto a tooth and then covers the whole surface like a veneer. It’s a very versatile treatments used in scenarios such as:

• A smile makeover
• Alignment of uneven teeth
• Closing gaps between the teeth
• Improving the size, shape, and the colour of teeth
• Lightening dark teeth
• Repairing a chipped or fractured tooth
• Restoring tooth that have decayed
• Treating worn-down teeth

The Benefits of Having Composite Bonding

• Little or no preparation of the tooth structure is needed, and that means less pain and less discomfort.
• Treatment preserves tooth structure, so there will be less chance of needing root canal treatment compared to having veneers or crowns.
• Treatment can often be completed in one visit for straightforward cases without the need for any local anaesthetic.
• Composite bonding is mostly cheaper than having restorations like crowns and veneers.
• It’s cheaper and easier to repair a composite bond than a ceramic restoration; so long term maintenance is easier.
• No temporary restoration will be needed.
• It is easier to adjust to composite bonding on the teeth - ceramic restorations cannot usually be altered once they are in place.
• Composite bonding is more “reversible”, because they can be removed with very little or even no damage to the underlying tooth if you change your mind.
• For the more advanced or complex case that involves changing the bite, composite resin is an excellent way to try out how a new bite feels prior to moving on to a more permanent ceramic restoration.

The way it works

First any debris between teeth is cleaned out. The surface of the tooth will be roughened and an adhesive applied to the surface. This is set using a very bright light. Next composite resin material will be sculptured in layers and moulded to the correct size and shape and again a bright light will be used to set it. Finally the restoration will be shaped and polished so that it feels and looks just like a natural tooth.

Am I a good candidate for composite bonding?

Treatment with composite bonding is ideal for patients who want to improve the appearance of their smile but don’t need any more substantial procedures like crowns or veneers. At your initial consultation our experienced dentist will assess your suitability as well as assessing the general health of your teeth and gums. If the aim is also to improve the colour of your teeth as well, whitening before the procedure may be recommended and in this instance we recommend Enlighten whitening that your dentist will explain to you.

Does composite bonding hurt?

Generally, composite bonding is pain-free and there will not be any need for local anaesthetic injection. If the cases more complex and involves multiple teeth or if we need to replace an existing restoration that is quite large, it might be necessary to use anaesthetic. Your dentist will speak to you about what is necessary in your case.

Will my teeth need to be drilled?

In the majority of cases the answer to this question is no which is why we think composite bonding is a great alternative to the application of ceramic veneers. If you do have an existing restoration we will most likely remove this especially if it is defective in some way. This will create the space needed for your new composite resin treatment to be applied. Where alignment of teeth is an issue and preparation needs to be done for this, the approach may be different but your dentist will discuss all this with you, before treatment starts.

What is the cost of composite bonding?

Generally the costs of composite bonding beginners at around £300 pounds per tooth going upwards. Ask us about your cost and how you can spread these costs when you see your dentist.

Does composite bonding coming different qualities?

You’ll find that most dentists use one shade of material in composite bonding. Although this is fine in most cases there are some cases where a larger build up of material is required where the best aesthetic result will be achieved by using different shades of composite resin to give the best result. The aim is always that the resulting composite bonding is indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

How long will my composite bonding last?

As with almost anything else, composite bonding does not last forever and will eventually need replacing. Typically, composite bonding will look flawless for around 5 years. We have seen a longer duration in patients who are religious in following maintenance instructions and who really look after their composite bonding, well. You should see your dentist every six months to assess the bonding. Sometimes, simple repairs and maintenance are needed such a re-surfacing, re- polishing, or the repair of a stained or chipped edge of a tooth. Tooth grinding, poor oral hygiene; tooth movement due to failure to wear retainers or accidental damage can all play their part.

How do I care for my composite bonding?

To make sure that your composite bonding lasts the longest you need to be very scrupulous in your cleaning and maintenance. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing as well and seeing your hygienist, at least every six months. Your composite bonded teeth will not have the strength of your natural teeth so try to avoid biting hard foods or objects with them to avoid chipping or breaking. If you have been given a bite guard, then it is very important that you follow the instructions that your dentist has given you because this guard has been given in order to help you maintain your composite bonding. When you come to see the dentist always bring the byte guard with you.

Always keep any appointments that are made for you so that we can help you keep your composite bonding in its best possible condition.

Is finance available the composite bonding?

We do offer finance plans to help with more costly treatments. Ask your dentist for information on these.

Can I book in for composite bonding without an appointment?

No. At Barnt Green Dental Centre we would never undertake treatment without seeing the patient first and assessing the general quality of their teeth and mouth and taking a history from them, as to what previous dental work they have had done. We might also take impressions and photographs at the time of initial consultation to help us plan the best approach to your treatment.

Why choose Barnt Green Dental Centre for composite bonding?

At Barnt Green Dental Centre clinic we have some of the best cosmetic dentists working for us. Their thorough and artistic approach to what they do has resulted in many sparkling smiles and well deserved reputation for excellence in this area. This is how it works

• At your initial consultation we will Carry out a thorough examination and discuss with you your vision for the final outcome
• To plan the procedure we will take full history and we will also often take X-rays, impressions and photographs
• Next comes the trial smile. In the more complex of cases we will produce a demonstration of what we think the final result will look up like.
• Next we work on the actual composite bonding, where the resin is sculpted and bonded onto the teeth that are to be treated.
• Finally the treated teeth will be polished to make them indistinguishable in either feel or look from your natural teeth.
• Lastly we will review the work that has been done and make any adjustments if they are necessary.