What is composite bonding?
Composite bonding is the application of a composite resin to the edge of a tooth that might be discoloured, chipped, decayed or worn down in some way. It’s referred to as ‘bonding’ as the composite material bonds to the original tooth.
What does composite bonding look like?
Composite bonding is designed to look as much like a natural tooth as possible. The resin will be tooth-coloured in appearance and can be shaped and polished to match the teeth surrounding it.
Why might I choose to have composite bonding?
Composite bonding is used to perfect the edges of worn teeth or change the shape of a tooth that you may not like. It can also be used to close up gaps between teeth. Composite bonding is one of the most affordable cosmetic treatments and usually requires no drilling to the existing tooth.
What happens during the treatment?
There is usually no preparation necessary for composite bonding and the treatment can be carried out in one appointment.
As composite cannot change colour, we recommend whitening your teeth first and then matching the composite to your new whiter shade. We will take a series of photographs and carefully plan out your new smile with as much input from yourself as possible.
The process involves applying a cleaning gel to the teeth, before applying the bond (glue). We then apply the composite and mould it to the desired shape and size before polishing it to perfection.
You should avoid eating or drinking anything that can cause dark stains such as tea, coffee and red wine for up to 2 weeks after having your composite bonding treatment. If well maintained, composite bonding lasts between 5-7 years and is easy to replace when required.
