In short, composite bonding is a highly effective cosmetic treatment for those patients with minor dental imperfections looking to quickly uplift their smile.
This guide to how effective composite bonding is should provide the answers to a few further questions you may have about the treatment we offer. Read on to find out what the procedure is like, and how long composite bonding lasts.
What is composite bonding and how does it work?
Composite bonding is where your chosen dental professional will apply a tooth-coloured resin to the teeth that need re-sculpting or shaping. This resin is a mixture of materials, and before it’s set into place your dentist will skilfully sculpt the material so it sits inconspicuously next to adjacent teeth. The idea behind composite bonding is to help correct minor imperfections, so it’s ideal for masking the appearance of small chips, cracks and stains found on the front of the teeth.
Once your dentist has applied and sculpted the composite resin material, a special light will be applied to the area to harden and set it in place. They will usually consult with you before this is done to check you will be happy with the results, and that they meet your expectations (if not going beyond them)!
What is the procedure of composite bonding like?
Composite bonding is a painless procedure that doesn’t involve any invasive activities, such as drilling or removing parts of the natural tooth. The most invasive thing any composite bonding procedure will involve is where your dentist may lightly etch into the surface of the tooth using a special gel and tools. This shouldn’t cause any pain whatsoever, and is simply done to provide a rough surface that the composite resin and adhesives can bond to.
Due to its quick and relatively simple nature when applied by experts in their field, composite bonding can be completed in just one sitting. You will usually benefit from a consultation with your cosmetic dentist beforehand, so you can work together to identify whether this is the correct treatment for your needs and goals. Some dental surgeries prefer to book these consultations separately, while others will be happy to go ahead and book you in for a consultation followed by the composite bonding treatment.
It is important that your teeth are in a relatively healthy condition before composite bonding goes ahead, so this is something your dentist should check for before applying the resin. Do bear in mind that your consultation may raise issues that need treatment, such as teeth requiring a filling – which could take longer and postpone your bonding procedure.
How does composite bonding look?
Composite bonding looks natural, as the resin material used is colour-matched to each individual patients’ teeth. This means it won’t stand out or be a brighter colour than your normal shade. When composite bonding is applied to minor imperfections, there’s usually not too much material applied that it’s noticeable. Instead, composite bonding is used to enhance your natural smile by filling in or concealing any small gaps, chips, or stains.
Does composite bonding last?
Composite bonding lasts for up to 7 years with good care and regular visits with your dentist. Anywhere from 5 – 7 years is a reasonable time to expect your composite bonding to last if you follow all the recommendations given by your dentist following treatment. Some general tips to help ensure composite bonding lasts longer include:
Avoiding smoking and hard foods immediately after treatment, as this can quickly stain and dislodge the bonding
Quitting bad habits – such as opening things with your teeth, quitting smoking long-term, and avoiding too much sugar
Following all the recommended advice from your dentist and attending follow-up appointments, then booking biannual appointments every 6 months.
If you are looking for a longer-lasting treatment, discuss porcelain veneers with your dentist.
Are there any drawbacks?
While composite bonding is ideal for fixing minor imperfections and slight crookedness of the teeth, one drawback is that it won’t provide an instantaneous or lasting fix for more complex dental issues.
In terms of comparing composite bonding to other cosmetic procedures and treatments, it also doesn’t last as long as some other options. Composite veneers do also last between 5-7 years with good care, though they are typically used for more comprehensive coverage of the teeth where there are more noticeable problems you’d like to fix. If you do have major dental problems, composite veneers might be best. One step further would be to opt for porcelain veneers, which can last up to 15 years with expert care and attention to detail in cleaning. As always, maintaining regular dental appointments will help – extending the lifespan of your veneers if you do choose this option.
Due to offering a lower level of coverage around the teeth, composite bonding may not offer as much of a transformative impact as composite or porcelain veneers. If you’re looking for maximum effect, veneers might be a better way forward.
When it comes to durability, composite bonding also doesn’t provide as much resistance to common signs of wear-and-tear that can come after cosmetic treatments. As veneers cover more of the tooth, you’re less likely to notice chips and stains than with bonding. Any staining or chipping with composite bonding may be more obvious as it only covers a small section of the tooth.
Composite and porcelain veneers do also offer a more natural look that can be carefully sculpted to match the surrounding teeth. Porcelain veneers have a slight translucency to them, just like our natural teeth do. Composite veneers, while they’re not translucent, can be carefully adjusted around the tooth to ensure your smile looks natural when they’re applied.
Composite bonding by Kamran Rasul
At Kamran Rasul, our friendly team has curated an inviting yet luxurious atmosphere in Liverpool, where our experts offer cosmetic dental treatments that make patients smile.
If you’d like to book in for a consultation about whether composite bonding would work for you, contact us on 0151 433 9634.
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