What is Composite Bonding?

Composite bonding is an aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting option to restore chipped or oddly shaped teeth. The modern material used for tooth bonding is incredibly durable and able to match the shade of the natural tooth, resulting in a highly natural appearance.

Dental bonding is ideal for making general improvements to your smile, or disguising small chips/imperfections. Before deciding to get Composite Bonding, it is important to understand all the risks and benefits and what facts you need to be aware of.

How Long will my Composite Bonding last?

The life expectancy of composite bonding of course depends on many factors for example, the person's bite, diet and how well they look after them in terms of oral hygiene. A standard estimate is that composite bonding should last for 5-7 years. Avoiding very hard or sticky foods, maintaining good oral hygiene, seeing a Dental Hygienist regularly and wearing a nightguard to protect your teeth during your sleep will all help to increase the life expectancy of your bonded teeth.

Who would benefit from Composite Bonding?

It is important to acknowledge that Composite Bonding is a cosmetic procedure. Whilst using composite material can help to fill holes or cover sensitive areas, cosmetic procedures are for aesthetic purposes only. Meaning they should be carried out when the patient is not happy with the look of the teeth and not carried out related to health reasons.

• Fractured or chipped tooth from damage, decay or injury
• Grinding of the teeth
• Want to improve the appearance of your smile
• Have an exposed tooth root that needs covering
• Are unhappy with the gaps between your teeth or their shape

Insurance coverage for this procedure will depend on whether the dental bonding is for cosmetic purposes. Some people undergo dental bonding to change the appearance of their smile, but certain oral health conditions may result in the dental professional recommending the procedure.

Advantages of Composite Bonding

• Low-risk

Dental bonding is a safe procedure because the restoration is only on the tooth's surface. The possible complications are also low-risk, and the procedure is reversible.

• Minimally-invasive

Unlike other methods such as porcelain veneers, composite bonding requires minimal enamel removal. The procedure doesn't need a recovery period.

• Cost

Compared to many cosmetic treatments, tooth bonding is less expensive. The alternative, dental veneers, is significantly more expensive.

• Fewer appointments

Direct tooth bonding requires only one dental appointment.

Factors which affect the lifespan of Composite Bonding:

• The quantity and type of the material used

A higher-quality composite resin will of course last longer. If too much of the material is used, the bite may be affected and chips are more likely to occur. Too little composite material could mean the tooth will either appear too thin or could snap and break because of this. Ensure you visit an experienced dentist for your composite bonding to get a long-lasting result.

• The strength and health of the teeth holding the bonding material

Strong, healthy teeth can hold bonding material longer than weak teeth. If your teeth are weak, the bonding material may not sit well and can break or chip off.

• Your habits and lifestyle

Lack of care for your teeth, having a high sugar or acidic diet, also habits such as  teeth gritting or nail biting can damage the bonding faster.

How can you increase the life expectancy of your Bonding?

The durability of your teeth bonding largely depends on you. The following steps will ensure your teeth bonding lasts longer.  

• Brush twice daily

Regular brushing can ensure decay and stain-causing food particles do not remain on your teeth. Avoid using abrasive toothpaste, and opt for fluoride-containing toothpaste and brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

• Floss regularly with the right flossing technique

If unsure of the right flossing technique, consult your dental hygienist or dentist to show you how to floss properly.

• Avoid chewing hard items (ice cubes, candies or your fingernails)

Chewing on hard objects applies pressure on the bonded teeth, increasing the risk of breaking or chipping. Avoid opening food packs with your teeth or tearing sellotape.

• Attend regular professional cleaning and check-ups.

Regular professional dental cleaning and check-ups will help identify any problems you may have with your bonding, allowing you to fix the issue and get professional advice to care for your teeth.

• Avoid heavily staining food and drinks.

Reduce your intake of foods and drinks like red wine, curry, coffee, tea and other things that stain your teeth. If you consume any of these, ensure you rinse your mouth or drink teeth-staining beverages with a metal straw.

• Stop chewing tobacco and smoking.

These habits harm your general and oral health and adversely affect your bonded teeth. Also, avoid biting your fingernails and chewing on objects like a pen cap.

Taking the right precautions will help your dental bonding last as long as possible. These precautions will preserve your smile and confidence.

What can happen to bonded teeth over time?

Composite bonding doesn't last forever. Some reasons that may result in repairing or replacing your bonding include the following:

• Staining on the front teeth leaves a different shade from your natural teeth. If you have dental bonding on your back teeth, staining may not be an issue.
• If the bonding was to cover or lengthen worn teeth, the biting or grinding issues that wore down the teeth may also wear down your new bonding material or cause it to chip or break.
• The composite material isn't as durable as your natural teeth. Grinding teeth, eating hard food, and chewing on pens or fingernails can wear down resin faster than natural teeth.

How will I know I need a dental bonding replacement?

Bonding should feel and look like healthy and natural teeth. Your dental bonding requires replacement if it looks and feels different. For example, the sharp or lifted corners may indicate the bonding is due for a replacement. You may also need a replacement if your bite feels different because the bonding has become loose.

Do not overlook the signs of worn bonding. Loose resin can chip your teeth or make them vulnerable to damage. Stained bonding on the front teeth will have an affect on your appearance.

Veneers vs. dental bonding

Many people fit veneers to make their smiles brighter and more attractive. Veneers are made from composite or porcelain resin. They are a thin covering placed on the teeth to cover imperfections.

Veneers offer a longer-lasting solution for damaged or stained teeth. Porcelain veneers also last longer and may achieve results that bonding can't, however  they do require multiple dental visits.

Porcelain veneers are extremely durable but still do not last forever. If you undergo dental bonding, you may decide to upgrade to porcelain veneers when the time comes. However, if you choose veneers, you must continue to replace them when necessary, because preparing the teeth for veneers removes some parts of the enamel.

Dental bonding at Smile Works Dental may be suitable if you have discoloured, chipped or broken teeth and need a quick fix. You can call us on 020 7183 4091 for more information on our tooth bonding procedure or to book an appointment with our experienced dentist.

Frequently asked questions :

What does bonding do to the teeth?

The dental professional will directly attach the composite resin material to tooth surfaces, like cement. Most times, removing the enamel isn't necessary, making the treatment reversible and non-invasive.

Does bonding damage the teeth?

Most people choose tooth bonding because it is a non-invasive procedure that doesn't harm the teeth, unlike other cosmetic procedures such as porcelain veneers or crown installation. Composite Bonding does not involve removing the enamel, so the existing teeth are left undamaged.