Composite bonding | Caledonian Dental Care

What is composite bonding?

Composite bonding (sometimes referred to as edge bonding or composite veneers) is when a tooth-coloured resin material (composite) is applied to your existing teeth. It can help to:

Repair minor damage such as worn, chipped and fractured teeth

Disguise discoloured teeth

Build up tooth structure that has been lost or is missing, such as filling small gaps between teeth

What are the benefits of composite bonding?

Immediate results: as very little or none of your tooth surface needs to be removed (unlike conventional porcelain veneers and crowns) you can leave your dentist with a more confident smile in just one visit

Cost-effective: it’s considerably cheaper than other cosmetic treatments, such as teeth straightening, teeth whitening or porcelain veneers

Durability: if you take good care of your new smile and visit your hygienist regularly, composite bonding can last up to five years or more

Painless: as your dentist will usually only work on the surface of your teeth, there will be no need for injections

Natural looking: your dentist will choose a shade of composite that matches the rest of your teeth, that will transform your whole smile

What is the composite bonding process?

Providing your mouth is healthy and is ready for treatment, your dentist will:

Select a composite that complements the natural colour of your teeth. Your dentist will discuss and agree with you how you would like the colour of the composite to look. Sometimes teeth are whitened beforehand so a whiter composite can be used.
Gently roughen the surface of your teeth and apply a liquid that helps stick the composite to them.
Apply the composite to your teeth and sculpt into the desired shape. Your dentist will discuss and agree with you what changes can be made to the shape and size of your new teeth. They might even be able to provide you with a ‘trial smile’ so you can see what your new smile will look like before your treatment.
Use a light (similar to an ultraviolet light) to set the composite before final shaping
Polish the composite until it is smooth and shiny, and blends seamlessly with the rest your teeth

What happens at my initial consultation?

In your initial consultation we’ll discuss what composite bonding is and work out whether it’s the right treatment for you. If it is, we’ll discuss what your options are, fees and the treatment process. The cost of composite bonding treatments will vary depending on what your needs are, but can be as little as £150. Unfortunately, composite bonding is not available on the NHS as it is purely a cosmetic solution.

How long does composite bonding last?

As with most cosmetic dental treatments composite bonding will eventually need replacing. In general, it can last up to five years, if you look after your teeth and regularly visit your dentist. You might find over a few years that the composite becomes chipped or stained. If this happens it can be touched up, polished or fully replaced.