Treatments
Composite Bonding
Bonding is one of the simplest cosmetic dental procedures at our clinic in Marylebone, London.
About This Treatment
About Dental Composite Bonding
Composite bonding is used to correct slight imperfections of the smile. This could be reshaping or repairing chipped teeth and closing small gaps. Using a plastic-like material called composite, it is completed in one visit and generally requires no numbing. Dental composite bonding can be considered a low-cost alternative to veneers and can be a more conservative aesthetic option.
Bondings fillings can be used to repair:
- Chipped teeth
- Decayed teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Worn teeth
- Gaps or large spaces between teeth
- Fractured teeth
The main benefits of composite bonding are:
- No needles or injections
- Can sometimes be without drilling of the natural tooth structure
- Same day result
We only use the very safest and highest-quality bonding materials available
Although dental bonding does not have the longevity and durability of porcelain veneers, it is a fast, relatively inexpensive way to improve your smile.
At A Glance
Treatment Time
1 Hour
Result
Healthier Attractive Smile
Downtime
None
Longevity
3-5 years
Contraindications
Mobile Teeth, Already Crowned Teeth
Dental Bonding vs. Veneers: What's the Difference?
Veneers and composite dental bonding are two popular cosmetic treatments that can treat minor oral health issues and improve your smile. These treatments are often confused as they share a lot in common. One of the biggest differences when comparing dental bonding and veneers is the material used. Composite is a plastic-like material whereas porcelain is more of a glass-like material.
Composite is a porous material, meaning it can stain overtime or break more easily. It is not as strong as porcelain.
Porcelain veneers are more stain-resistant and resemble more closely natural teeth. Veneers also offer greater protection because they cover the entire front surface of the teeth and its biting surface — but they require removing more of the protective enamel from your natural teeth.
Veneers are lab made ultra thin sheets of ceramic material which are shaped to fit onto the teeth. They usually require some removal of natural tooth structure to create enough space for the veneer to attach to the tooth. They are normally recommended for larger imperfections of the teeth and as they are lab made, are more costly than composite bonding.
Composite dental bonding works well for closing small gaps. However, it may require alteration to your tooth just as needed for veneers. They are less costly than porcelain veneers, but do not last as long as porcelain veneers.
As a general rule, bonding is the more affordable treatment but it won’t last as long. While dental bonding can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, veneers can last for decades.
Both bonding and veneers can change the size, colour, texture of teeth and close gaps, change shapes and give a smile a more healthy and glowing look.
If you opt for veneers, they will need to be custom-made in a process that takes weeks and at least two or three office visits. Dental bonding offers immediate results and takes 2 visits and each bonded tooth between 30 to 60 minutes.
If you’d like to learn more about composite dental bonding, book a consultation at our clinic in London today. Please call a member of our friendly team on 020 3997 1616 to book now.
| Bonding | Veneers | |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | Durability | Maximum |
| High | Ease of Stain | Low |
| Less | Tooth Reduction | More |
| ££ | Cost | £££ |
| Small | Transformation | Profound |
| 2 | No. Of Visits | 3 |
Bonding Video
Best dentist in London! I am pretty picky being American, and searched long and hard to find a dentist was happy with, and am super pleased with Dr Germain! Originally I was just looking for a dentist to do a good cleaning and checkup, and then I ended up doing Invisalign and bonding as well as I really felt Dr Germain got what I was looking for and knew how to achieve it. She really cares about her patients, has amazing attention to detail, and will be very realistic with you about what makes sense for you. Would highly recommend!
- What to expect during your composite bonding appointment at our clinic in London:
Dental bonding begins with preparing the tooth so that there is a place for the bonding material to be applied.
This is done by roughening or etching the surface of the tooth with a gentle phosphoric acid conditioner to help the composite resin bond with the tooth. This is a completely painless process.
Sometimes, if you have an old filling that needs to be replaced or have a chip, we remove the composite prior to the bonding or bevel the tooth so that the composite coding blends with the natural tooth.
Next, the right shade of the composite material is selected and sculpted to restore or improve your tooth’s shape and size. Once the material is moulded, it will be hardened with a special UV light.
The bonded composite material can be further shaped and layered as needed before the last step: polishing and smoothing. This gives the dental bonding material a shiny finish like your surrounding teeth.
A dental bonding procedure at Identity will take around 30 to 60 minutes for each tooth and it will be completed in just one office visit.
- How long does dental composite bonding last?
On average dental composite bonding lasts 3-5 years. In comparison porcelain veneers last 7-10 years, although the majority of porcelain veneers last much longer. To learn more about porcelain veneers, click here.
Habits and daily care also influence how long bonding can last. Brushing, flossing, and smart food choices can decrease the rate at which bonding dulls. Avoiding using teeth as tools and maintaining regular dental exams and cleanings support the extended lifespan of bonding. The secret to longer lasting dental composite bonding or veneers is keeping good oral hygiene. A professional polish is recommended at least once a year. If the patients are grinding or clenching, the use of a night guard or a deprogrammer is recommended.
- Do your teeth have to be straight first before composite bonding?
It is recommended to straighten teeth before bonding. It allows better results and a more conservative approach when having to remove tooth structure.
Slight minor misalignment can be masked with composite. Even if it is not mandatory, for more aesthetically pleasing results, it is advisable to have your teeth straightened with braces or invisalign first.
- Can dental composite bonding be whitened?
We do not recommend whitening teeth that have been bonded. Whitening gel is not believed to damage dental bonding but the reaction of the bonding material, the resin, to the whitening agent is unpredictable and may not match that of natural enamel. The patient may be left with what is called a chameleon effect. This is where some parts of the tooth appear lighter than others. For a more uniform shade result, patients may be advised to whiten their teeth before dental bonding is performed.
