We hear from many of our patients how they dream of the perfect smile. If your teeth are chipped, cracked, uneven, or discoloured, then composite bonding could be the perfect solution to achieving the perfect smile. An increasingly popular cosmetic dental treatment, composite bonding is an effective and efficient treatment option, usually completed in a single visit.

But what is composite bonding, and how long will it last?

What Is Composite Bonding?

Composite bonding, also known as teeth or dental bonding, uses a tooth-coloured resin material that can address a number of cosmetic dental concerns. The resin is shaped and bonded to the surface of your tooth, effectively repairing any tooth damage or enhancing its appearance.

Some of the ways we use composite bonding to enhance your smile include:

• Repairs to chipped or cracked teeth – Minor chips or cracks can be easily rectified with composite bonding. Your dentist will shape the resin to your tooth to match its shape and texture, so you’ll never know the difference.
• Close gaps between teeth – Depending on the size, composite bonding can be used to fill gaps between your teeth. Your dentist will help you to understand if composite bonding is the right treatment for you, and effectively close any gaps to enhance your smile.
• Improve tooth discolouration – Composite bonding isn’t specifically a tooth whitening solution however, it’s an effective treatment to mask stubborn stains or mild discolouration since the resin is matched to your tooth colour.
• Uneven or worn teeth – If you’re looking to improve the structure of your teeth from wear and tear, composite bonding is a great solution to rebuild your teeth to straighten your smile.

What Can I Expect When I Get Composite Bonding?

A benefit of choosing composite bonding is the treatment can usually be completed in a single visit. Here’s what you can expect when getting composite:

• Consultation: During your first appointment, we’ll discuss the desired outcome for your smile and any questions or concerns you might have. In your consultation, we’ll determine if composite bonding is the right solution for you.
• Preparing Your Teeth: The surface of your tooth receiving composite will be roughened in order to create a strong bond with the composite resin.
• Choosing The Right Shade: Next, we’ll ensure the resin chosen perfectly matches the colour of your surrounding teeth to guarantee a natural looking smile.
• Applying The Resin: The second to final stage is applying the resin. This is placed carefully on the surface of your tooth, and then sculpted to the desired shape. We then use a specific light designed to harden the resin.
• Shape And Polish: Once the resin is solid, we’ll smooth the composite material so it’s identical to your surrounding teeth, alongside a polish to achieve a glowing smile.

How Long Does Composite Bonding Last?

Another benefit of composite bonding is its longevity. With proper care, this popular cosmetic dental treatment can last anywhere between 5 and 10 years. However, there are factors that can impact how long your composite lasts.

• Poor oral hygiene: If you don’t adopt good oral hygiene, such as brushing twice per day, regular flossing, and dental check-ups, this can impact the overall health of the composite and your teeth.
• Daily wear and tear: Habits such as chewing on hard objects or grinding your teeth can put stress on the bonding, which can lead to early chipping or premature wear on the resin.
• Severity of the repair: Composite bonding used for extensive repairs such as closing gaps in the teeth, may need attention sooner compared to bonding used for smaller repairs, such as a chipped tooth.

Composite bonding is a convenient, minimally invasive cosmetic dental treatment that is effective in helping our patients to transform their smile. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a cost-effective treatment for chipped, cracked, discoloured, or uneven teeth. With proper care, composite can last for a long time, meaning you can smile with confidence for years to come.

Are you considering composite bonding, or wondering if it’s the right treatment for you? Discover James and Sarah’s smile transformations with composite bonding. You can schedule a consultation with us today, and we’d be delighted to discuss your smile goals. Call us on 01202 487888 today or complete a consultation form here.