Composite Bonding: The Most Commonly-Asked Questions

Your teeth can develop many different issues during your lifetime. These may be caused by trauma, decay, infection, or through lifestyle choices like smoking and diet. The result can often affect the appearance of your smile and can harm your self-esteem. 

There are several ways to fix cosmetic dental problems. You may already be aware of dental veneers, but you might not know much about composite bonding. 

If you ask questions like; “is composite bonding right for me?” Learning more about the treatment can help you answer that. 

Here are the answers to some of the most commonly-asked composite bonding questions. 

What Is Composite Bonding?

Composite bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment using resin to repair defects in your teeth. Unlike some other types of restoration, composite bonding doesn’t involve pre-made elements. Instead, the composite resin is applied directly to the tooth, crafted into shape, hardened, and polished. 

The treatment is sometimes called “tooth bonding”, “dental bonding”, or “cosmetic bonding” by other dental professionals. 

What Can Composite Bonding Fix?

This versatile treatment can fix various issues, including repairing chips and cracks, rebuilding misshapen and uneven teeth, and improving the texture and appearance of your teeth.

Although it’s a cosmetic treatment, repairing damage to your teeth can reduce the risk of dental infection. 

What Are the Benefits of Composite Bonding?

Composite bonding improves the appearance of your teeth. Using resin that matches your teeth means we can seamlessly repair defects. The result is a natural-looking smile that can help you feel confident. 

In comparison to other treatments, composite bonding is quick, simple, and discomfort-free. This makes it an attractive option. 

Is Composite Bonding Suitable for Everyone?

While most people can receive composite bonding treatment, we’ll need to assess the health of your teeth to ensure this is the best option for you. If you grind or clench your teeth or bite your nails, your resin may become damaged. If you have bruxism, we may recommend an alternative. 

What Is Composite Resin Made Of?

Composite resin is made of a special plastic. The resin is BPA-free, safe, and hardwearing. While it is durable, it’s not as tough as your natural tooth enamel. 

What Happens During the Composite Bonding Procedure?

The composite bonding treatment is simple and effective. We can treat a single tooth or several. Before we start, we’ll need to assess your teeth and discuss what you would like to change. We can then plan your treatment. 

First, we’ll apply the composite resin to your teeth. Next, we’ll carefully sculpt it into your teeth, addressing the areas of concern. Once we’re happy with how your teeth look, we’ll use a special light to harden the resin. 

Finally, we’ll polish the hardened resin to ensure your tooth is perfectly smooth and the resin blends seamlessly. 

Does Composite Bonding Hurt?

With any dental procedure, you may wonder whether to expect any pain or discomfort. Although we use the latest technology and techniques to ensure maximum comfort in all of our treatments, the simplicity of the composite bonding process means that there are no drills, and you won’t experience any pain. 

In many cases, we don’t need to administer anaesthetic either. 

How Long Does the Composite Bonding Procedure Take?

The exact length of your composite bonding treatment will depend on the extent of the work we’re carrying out. Simple repairs on a single tooth can be completed in a single, short appointment. You can expect to allow 30-60 minutes for each tooth.

If you require extensive treatment, we may spread this across two or more appointments. 

What Is the Recovery Time for Composite Bonding?

Because we don’t tend to need anaesthetic and there is no discomfort, you won’t have to worry about recovering from your treatment. 

That said, although we harden the resin during your appointment, it can take a couple of days to become firmly set in place. During this time, we suggest avoiding eating anything hard, crunchy, or chewy that could dislodge the composite material. 

How Long Does Composite Bonding Last?

Composite resin is a durable material that bonds to the surface of your teeth. The exact lifespan of your new smile will depend on the care that you put into maintaining it. 

Typically, composite bonding lasts for around five to seven years; however, many people find they can go for a decade or more before having it repaired or replaced. 

How Do You Take Care of Composite Bonding?

Once in place, it’s important to care for your new smile. This means maintaining a good dental hygiene routine. Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste. Keeping your teeth strong and healthy will stop the enamel from wearing down around the bonded areas. 

Because the resin isn’t as strong as enamel, you must avoid chewing anything hard, like your nails, pen lids, and even ice. 

Flossing, using mouthwash, making regular dental hygiene visits, and coming to see us for routine checkups are also important. 

Is Composite Bonding Expensive?

One of the best things about composite bonding is that, due to its simplicity and the fact that we don’t need to get bespoke restorations made by a lab, the entire process is very cost-effective. 

Compared to many other cosmetic treatments, it stands out in terms of value. 

What Are the Alternatives to Composite Bonding? 

Composite bonding isn’t the only treatment option versatile enough to fix such a mix of dental defects, dental veneers repair similar faults. 

Dental veneers are thin custom-made porcelain shells that are applied to the surface of your teeth. Because they are made for you, they look amazing. Porcelain veneers achieve a longer-lasting result; however, they do cost more. 

Composite Bonding in Surrey

Composite bonding is a quick, simple, and versatile treatment that improves self-esteem and restores your smile. At Love Teeth, our clinics across the Surrey area have helped countless people enjoy the way their teeth look. 

If you’d like to learn more about the treatment to find out whether it’s for you, call us today and schedule an appointment.