Composite bonding has become a very popular dental treatment which requires no drilling or preparation of your teeth. It is the addition of a composite resin material that is carefully shaped to either make minimal changes to chipped teeth (composite edge bonding) or cover the entire tooth (composite veneers) to whiten and change the anatomic shape of your teeth.
Composite bonding can be done in one single visit and an easy way to make you feel more confident and boost your self-esteem when you smile. It will certainly help you achieve a smile you are much happier with.
Composite bonding has become a very popular dental treatment which requires no drilling or preparation of your teeth. It is the addition of a composite resin material that is carefully shaped to either make minimal changes to chipped teeth (composite edge bonding) or cover the entire tooth (composite veneers) to whiten and change the anatomic shape of your teeth.
Composite bonding can be done in one single visit and an easy way to make you feel more confident and boost your self-esteem when you smile. It will certainly help you achieve a smile you are much happier with.
What is Composite Bonding?
Composite bonding can be used to either fix damaged teeth that have chipped, worn or broken and also be used to transform your smile by closing gaps between teeth or evening out the proportions of misshapen/odd shaped teeth. Composite bonding can either fully cover the front surface of your teeth, known as composite veneers, or added to edge of your teeth, known as composite edge bonding.
Composite Edge Bonding
This allows us to make small subtle changes to the length or shape of natural tooth.
Composite Veneers
They will cover the full front surface of your natural teeth to change the shape, fix imperfections and cover discolouration’s/patches on teeth.
Cosmetic Contouring
This is the reshaping of your natural tooth to smooth out small chips or even out the length of your teeth.
What can Composite Bonding Fix?
– Chipped or broken teeth
– Discoloured teeth
– Odd shaped teeth
– Worn teeth
– Gaps between teeth
– Disguise mild crowding
What are the Benefits of Composite Bonding?
Composite bonding can usually be carried out in just one visit following an initial consultation. It is one of the fastest and effective treatments to fix minor cosmetic issues.
Teeth bonding is non-invasive and the most conservative treatment in cosmetic dentistry as opposed to dental crowns and veneers where part of the tooth is permanently removed. Composite bonding only requires the front surface of the tooth t be roughened to allow the composite resin to bond which means the structure of your tooth remains intact.
With composite bonding, as the process is non-invasive, the cosmetic improvements made to your teeth can be done quickly and without causing further damage to your teeth.
It is also a cheaper alternative to other cosmetic dentistry treatments such as veneers and crowns. The treatment can also be completed in just one appointment which means you do not need to return to the clinic for multiple visits.
Composite bonding should last you many years, usually 5-7 years depending on how well you look after them, with regular visits to the dental hygienist and your general dentist.
Composite bonding is generally done in a single visit unlike porcelain veneers and crowns which are made in a dental laboratory by our technicians. In certain cases where multiple teeth require bonding, additional visits will be required for further polishing to enhance and complete your treatment.
An initial consultation is required to discuss and determine what you are keen to change about your smile and be able to recommend which treatment options are available for you to achieve your smile goals.
Once you are happy to proceed with treatment you can book the bonding appointment. Your dentist will begin by choosing the shade of the composite to match your natural teeth and prepare the tooth’s by slightly roughening the surface. The soft composite resin material will be applied to the necessary areas of your teeth and cured with a special light to set and harden the composite in place. Once the bonding process is done, the now hard composite resin can be contoured and polished to further shape and perfect the result.
The composite used is designed to mimic the reflection and strength of your natural teeth to ensure they blend in. With good care and maintenance your composite bonding should last around 7 years. You should still attend regular check-ups to monitor your bonding and advice if touch up polishing or replace composite is required to maintain your new smile.
With composite bonding we recommend that you combine it with teeth whitening, and Invisalign® to straighten, whiten and brighten your smile, as the composite resin will be shade matched to the colour of your natural teeth that are not being treated. You’ll definitely want to ensure your teeth are to your preferred shade before treatment for bonding begins. Once your composite bonding has been placed and set, it is not possible to further brighten and whiten your teeth.
You will want your teeth to be in best condition possible before treatment so a hygiene visit is also recommended to remove any stubborn stains and plaque.
To ensure your composite bonding remains intact and looking its best, here are a few tips:
– Avoid tea, coffee, smoking and food which may stain for 48 hours after having the procedure done.
– Brush your teeth often and see the hygienist regularly to maintain good oral health. This will help your composite bond stay clean and unstained.
– Avoid biting nails or chewing items such as pen lids, which may chip the composite material. Bonding is not as strong as your natural teeth so it is important to take precautions to avoid damage.
With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, your composite bonding should last for around 7 years.
How much is composite bonding?
Prices will vary depending on the extent of your treatment on each tooth and whether it is composite edge bonding or a full composite bonded veneer. Your dentist will be able to advise on costs and treatments during your consultation.
COMPOSITE BONDING (per tooth) ……………….. from £250
Other cosmetic dental treatments that can be done in combination with composite bonding:
TEETH WHITENING ……………….. from £475
PORCELAIN VENEERS (per tooth) ……………….. from £1200
PORCELAIN CROWNS (per tooth) ……………….. from £1200
PORCELAIN BRIDGES (per tooth) ……………….. from £1200
Prices may be subject to change. For more information please feel free to contact us on 020 7499 9806 or at smile@holfordcuraden.com
First of all, whitening toothpaste works by using abrasives to remove stains. This entails that part of your enamel is being removed.
The process also doesn’t actually change the shade/colour of your teeth but simply removes surface stains damaging your teeth in the process. In addition, scraping enamel leads to sensitive teeth, which is highly uncomfortable.
Also, if you go for DIY whitening, there will be many risks. For example, using a non-custom tray can misshapen your teeth or minimise the effectiveness of the whitening products. Some gels are even harmful and abrasive, while others just don’t work.
A non-custom tray can also result in unsafe amounts of whitening gel getting into your gums and burning them.
Without our expert service, you will waste money on useless products and risk yourself to problems that will cost you more for multiple treatments.
Go for quality – it is more affordable.
Come to the clinic for a consultation. Firstly, we need to know if you are eligible for composite bonding and whitening.
If you have bleeding gums or severe gum disease that will need to be treated before we can start with any cosmetic dentistry including teeth whitening, composite bonding, veneers and crowns.
We will also make sure that you are not allergic to any of the materials or products used.
We will make sure you are 100% ready for cosmetic treatments before starting anything.
This is an ideal procedure for patients who have stronger teeth and healthy gums. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and see if any other dental treatment is required before recommending the best cosmetic treatments to allow you to achieve your smile goals. Patients who have yellow tones, chipped and uneven teeth are the best candidates for cosmetic treatment. Old fillings and dental restorations will not change colour so will need to be replaced to match your new teeth’s colour.
When is teeth whitening and composite bonding not a suitable treatment?
There are some situations where the treatment may not be suitable or not recommended to:
– Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
– Children below the age of 16
– Patients who are suffering from tooth decay, mouth cavities and periodontal disease
– Individuals who are extremely sensitive or allergic to bleaching agents like peroxide
– Patients who wish to whiten and brighten restorations such as implants, crowns and veneers
The teeth whitening course will last between ten to fourteen days, using the whitening trays and gels provided.
The teeth whitening will be gradual and work wonders.
There is the option to wear the whitening trays during the daytime or night-time depending on the whitening gels the dentist recommends. The main product that we use at Holford Partners Curaden is Philips Zoom Nitewhite and Daywhite.
For minimal treatment, a few days may be enough.
During the whitening process you should avoid foods and drinks that would stain a white shirt and also stop smoking at least a week or two after to get a stable, long-lasting result.
Listen to your dentist’s instructions, and you will have the beaming smile you want.
Sometimes there can be some sensitivity during the whitening process and that is totally normal but if the pain persists and becomes too unbearable please give us a call so we can advise you on what to do. You are very unlikely to experience any pain or discomfort following composite bonding but if any adjustments need to be made due to bite issues then please contact us so we can help.
If you are unsure about how much gel to use or anything concerning the whitening process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
If you came from a different dentist and are doubting the effectiveness of the service, please feel free to visit us for a second opinion.
When the entire whitening process and composite bonding is done, you must continue good oral hygiene habits.
Brush twice a day, floss at least once a day, use interdental brushes and rinse with mouthwash.
Try to avoid eating brightly coloured foods and drinks such as tomato sauces or tea/coffee immediately after. It would greatly improve the longevity of your whitening and composite bonding treatments if you didn’t smoke.
Most importantly, visit the dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and hygiene cleaning.
Please call the dentist anytime you think you have a problem with your teeth and gums.
NO DRILLING AND PAIN-FREE
Our composite bonding process does not cause any damage to your enamel. The treatment is completely pain-free and requires no injections or drilling. Usually the procedure can be done in one visit.
BESPOKE WHITENING
Our rubberised bespoke whitening trays will not bother your teeth or sleep. They are built for comfort and maximum efficiency, so the whole process is quick and simple. This will help to brighten your smile prior to your bonding and can also be used to maintain your new white smile.
QUALITY GUARANTEED
We guarantee that only the highest quality materials are used to give you the best possible results. Our cosmetic dentists and specialists have many years of experience which allow them to provide 1st class treatment.
NO DRILLING AND PAIN-FREE
Our composite bonding process does not cause any damage to your enamel. The treatment is completely pain-free and requires no injections or drilling. Usually the procedure can be done in one visit.
BESPOKE WHITENING
Our rubberised bespoke whitening trays will not bother your teeth or sleep. They are built for comfort and maximum efficiency, so the whole process is quick and simple. This will help to brighten your smile prior to your bonding and can also be used to maintain your new white smile.
QUALITY GUARANTEED
We guarantee that only the highest quality materials are used to give you the best possible results. Our cosmetic dentists and specialists have many years of experience which allow them to provide 1st class treatment.
The usual alternative options to composite bonding are:
Both of these alternatives cause some damage to teeth. Veneers are a popular option which can last for many years but as they are made from porcelain, the tooth has to be cut down to fit them, which causes some permanent damage. Similarly, for a crown to be fitted, a dentist has to remove some of the healthy part of your tooth.
Bonding is a quick, less expensive and non-invasive procedure, and it can be easily repaired if damaged or broken.
Talk to your dentist about your options. They will be able to advise you on whether composite bonding is the right treatment for you.
During your consultation our experienced dentists will assess your aesthetic concerns and recommend which treatment option would be more suited to your needs. Sometimes one is better than the other in certain cases depending on the condition and position of your teeth. The bite is also a significant factor as to which option is better suited.
Teeth whitening gel does not have any affect on composite however if you have had composite edge bonding then the natural tooth portion that is still on show can be whitened to maintain the shade and allow the bonding to continually match.
If you have full coverage composite veneers they cannot be whitened but the whitening gel has been found to help remove any residual surface staining on the composite material.
The composite resin used is specifically designed for this treatment and is very durable. However, it is still not as strong as porcelain and can chip and stain over time. The longevity of the treatment will be determined to a large degree by how the teeth are looked after and any potentially destructive habits you may have. We usually advise that composite bonding will last around 7 years.
The composite bonding procedure should not cause you any discomfort or pain. It is extremely unlikely that you will experience any unusual symptoms after treatment. Local anaesthetic is rarely used during composite bonding treatment and it is only necessary if the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth. Even if required, a topical gel will be applied to the area prior to any injections to ensure you do not feel a thing.