Should I get composite bonding done?

Composite bonding is a extremely popular cosmetic dental treatment that has taken social media by a storm. As we capture more photos of ourselves on our phones and cameras, we begin to seek that 'perfect' smile. Whether you're looking to enhance your natural smile or go for a 'Hollywood' look, you may be wondering if composite bonding might be for you. Is it a bad idea to get composite bonding? Will composite bonding damage my teeth?

Short answer: There is no short answer to this one, it completely depends on the condition of your teeth and what you're hoping to achieve.

What is composite bonding?

Composite bonding uses an aesthetic, tooth-coloured resin material to partially or fully cover the visible part of the tooth. They can be applied to individual chipped or broken teeth, or across many teeth to produce a wider uniform appearance. Often composite bonding can be done without the need for any local anaesthetic or any drilling of the tooth surface.

How is composite bonding done?

This does depend on the condition of your teeth and what's being done, but typically, the tooth surface is initially cleaned and polished. Any existing visible fillings may have to be removed or reduced.

After polishing, a gel is applied to the enamel before the dental bond (glue) is placed. This bond is set using a strong blue light, before the composite material is built on to the tooth enamel, often in layers with each layer being set individually with the light.

Each treated tooth is then shaped and polished, before the process continues on the next tooth.

Is the tooth enamel drilled for composite bonding?

In most cases, the composite is applied with no drilling to the natural tooth enamel. In some cases where the existing tooth is significantly out of position (particularly if it's too long or too far forward), then some tooth adjustment may be necessary. This is normally discussed at the consultation and treatment plan phase.

What are the risks of composite bonding?

The risk of damaging the underlying tooth with composite bonding are generally very low. That said, any treatment which generates heat, such as drilling a tooth, or the setting of a composite filling, can pose a small risk. Occasionally, this can lead to nerve inflammation which you may notice as some sensitivity of the teeth after treatment. In extreme cases with significant nerve inflammation, teeth may require root canal treatment which would be at an additional cost, though when composite bonding is done without the need for anaesthetic or drilling, this is very unlikely.

We always practice minimally invasive dentistry, which means doing as little preparation to the teeth as possible, particularly when considering cosmetic treatment. If significant preparation work will be needed, you will be told about this before treatment and in these instances, the risk of a tooth needing root canal treatment will be higher, possibly up to around 5%.

In the long term, the treated teeth will need to be well looked after with comprehensive home cleaning including interdental cleaning, such as flossing, every day. Composite bonding can chip in instances of nail biting, pen chewing, biting into hard foods or if you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth.

Over time the edges around the composite bonding may pick up staining and therefore look darker, often this can be polished back out again but in cases of severe staining, replacing the whole filling may be needed. How quickly your teeth and bonding will stain depends on how much staining food and drink you consume. Tea, coffee (particularly if taken without milk, red wine and curries are the common culprits for staining your teeth.

Is composite bonding treatment painful?

The great majority of all cases are completed pain-free and normally without the need for any numbing with local anaesthetic. Exceptions to this are when we are combining treatment with some filling replacements, or situations requiring gum-contouring or if the patient has pre-existing sensitivity.

Will my teeth feel different after having bonding done?

As with any changes to the teeth, the composite bonding will feel new and you may feel aware of the surfaces for a few days. During this period, you should take extra care on biting until you are used to chewing with your new smile. The composite resin is fully hardened instantly on placement, and no particular extra care need be taken in the short term. You should be able to eat, drink, brush and floss with confidence the same day.

How should I look after my teeth after I've had composite bonding?

We usually request that you arrange a follow-up appointment within the next month after you have your composite bonding placed. This will allow us to confirm you have had no difficulties, and will also allow us to advise you on any ongoing home care. At this appointment, there may be small adjustments requested or required, before a final polish is carried out.

You should brush your treated teeth as normal the same day, and at least twice daily from then on. Care should be taken to ensure the edges at the gum line are cleaned well to prevent any staining or gum irritation. Flossing is strongly recommended around teeth with bonding, in the same way as it is around normal teeth. Using a mouthwash (not charcoal based) daily can also help keep the teeth and gums clean and healthy. We

recommend brushing with a good electric toothbrush (e.g. an Oral B IO or SURI sustainable electric toothbrush), together with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Check out our blog on whether you should get an electric toothbrush here.

If you have been advised and provided with a nighttime protector against tooth grinding, this should be routinely worn, and should be brought with you at any subsequent appointments to allow us to review any potential problems. You will probably need a new retainer or guard making after you've had your bonding as your old one may no longer fit.

Can you whiten your teeth after composite bonding?

Composite cannot actually be whitened so we usually recommend whitening before starting treatment with composite bonding. The composite shade for the bonding can then be chosen once the teeth underneath are a colour you're happier with. In the long term, you may also find that the natural teeth that haven't had bonding on them may discolour, so it may be necessary to whiten the other teeth to keep them a similar colour to the bonding.

Tooth whitening can help remove some of the staining that can build up around your bonding, but the best way to keep your composite bonding looking its best, is with careful daily cleaning. It's also important to note that tooth whitening results will naturally fade as more staining builds back up, again this depends on how much staining food and drink you're having. Whitening top-ups may be required using home use products every couple of years.

How long do composite veneers last?

As with any cosmetic dental procedure, composite composite bonding will not last forever, and will eventually need replacing. Reasons for replacing may include chipping, colour fade, natural underlying tooth movement, or composite veneer loss. Composite bonding removal must be carried out carefully and using magnification ideally to prevent any damage to the natural enamel. Further composite bonding may then be placed, or other treatment choices sought at that stage.

Early replacement risk factors include tooth grinding, accidental damage, poor daily hygiene routines or tooth movement due to retainer not being worn. Typically, we see good results of up to 5 years, dependent upon care. Any problems encountered during

the life of the composite bonding should be brought to our attention as soon as is practical, to allow advice and necessary action to resolve the issue.

It is extremely important to check the guarantee on your treatment with your dentist.

What can I have instead of composite bonding?

1. No treatment

You may choose not to go ahead with any treatment choice. You can always contact the clinic at a later date if you wish to reconsider your options.

2. Porcelain veneers

Porcelain can be used in a similar fashion to composite. Modern techniques rarely need to heavily prepare the teeth to ‘stumps’, as many people are worried about. If suitable we carry out no-preparation porcelain veneers.

Porcelain provides a stronger, glossier, more stain-resistant surface which can last more than 10 years. Although usually more expensive, porcelain is often the cheaper

long-term solution for larger smile makeovers rather than needing to more frequently replace composite bonding.

3. Orthodontic braces

Braces are used to correct tooth position problems, and will be discussed as an option at your consultation if appropriate. If the shape, size and shade of your teeth is good, braces like Suresmile clear aligners may be the ideal solution. The less treatment you have on your teeth, the less you will need to maintain in the long term.

Can I make changes to my composite bonding after it's finished?

If you would like some minimal changes to your composite bonding, such as making them shorter, thinner, or with minimal shape changes, this will be done during one complimentary review appointment. Any further adjustments following the guarantee phase may incur additional charges.

There's a reason why composite bonding has become so popular, it's usually pain free, without even needing anaesthetic, and can provide you with a smile you really love. It's important to remember though that as with any treatment, there are risks as well as benefits, and the results won't last a lifetime. You can expect to need to have your bonding redone every five years or so. Always remember that we would never start a treatment if we didn't believe the benefits for you outweigh the risks and this is a decision that we must make together, with you.

To find out if composite bonding is right for you, don't hesitate to get in touch.