Composite bonding

With proper care, composite bonding can last 3 to 5 years or longer. Avoiding habits like nail biting, chewing on pens, or opening packages with your teeth helps prolong its life.

No, bonding is typically painless and often doesn’t require anaesthesia unless it’s used to fill a cavity or repair tooth damage near a nerve.

Your dentist will take the time to discuss your needs and concerns, whether it’s chipped teeth, gaps, or reshaping. You’ll also discuss your cosmetic goals and what you would like to achieve with composite bonding.

If composite bonding is a suitable option for you, your dentist will:

• Explain how the procedure works.
• Recommend how many teeth to treat and where.
• Discuss alternative treatments if needed (e.g., veneers or whitening).

You’ll receive a personalised quote for the treatment, and the dentist will outline:

• How long will the procedure take?
• What will aftercare involve?
• Any limitations (e.g., dietary changes, long-term durability).

If you haven’t had a dental examination recently, we will arrange this for you along with the option of a hygiene appointment, before your composite bonding appointment.

Book your free composite bonding consultation by clicking here.

1. Colour Matching
Your dentist will begin by selecting a shade of composite resin that closely matches your teeth. This ensures the bonded area blends in beautifully with your smile.

2. Tooth Preparation
Most bonding procedures require little or no drilling, and in many cases, you won’t need an injection. The tooth surface is gently roughened, and a special gel is applied to help the bonding material stick securely.

3. Applying the Composite
The dentist will apply the tooth-coloured resin to your tooth and carefully shape it by hand. This step is where your new smile starts to take shape!

4. Hardening the Material
Once the resin is perfectly shaped, it is hardened using a special curing light. This only takes a few seconds per layer and makes the material strong and durable.

5. Final Touches
The bonded area is polished and smoothed to look and feel just like the rest of your teeth. The dentist will also check your bite to ensure it’s comfortable and natural.

6. Aftercare

• You can eat and drink as normal after the procedure.
• Avoid biting into very hard foods, biting nails or pens or opening things with your teeth.

• Try to limit coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking to reduce the risk of staining, especially within the first week of getting the composite placed.
• Maintain good brushing and flossing habits, and visit your dentist regularly.
• If you grind your teeth, your dentist may recommend a nightguard to protect your teeth while you sleep.

Bonding usually takes between 2-3 hours and is often completed in a single visit.

Yes! Our dentists are trained to carefully sculpt the resin to your natural teeth, so the result is seamless and natural-looking.

Yes, but it’s best to avoid staining foods and drinks (like coffee, red wine, and tobacco) especially in the first week, as the material is more prone to staining than natural enamel.

Bonding can make slightly crooked or uneven teeth appear straighter, but it’s not a substitute for orthodontic treatment in more severe cases.

Brush and floss daily, attend regular dental check-ups, and avoid biting hard objects to keep your bonding in good shape.

Alternatives include porcelain veneers, crowns, or orthodontic treatments depending on your goals and the condition of your teeth.

Bonding can improve the appearance of mild misalignment, but more complex cases may require Invisalign. We’ll advise after examining your teeth.

The material can stain from coffee, tea, red wine, or smoking. Regular hygiene visits and occasional polishing help maintain the colour.

Yes. Bonding is fully reversible because it doesn’t permanently alter the underlying tooth.

Whitening gels don’t change the colour of composite resin. If you plan to whiten, we recommend doing it before bonding so the resin can match your new shade.

Yes, bonding is commonly used on front teeth. However, habits like biting nails or pens can weaken or chip the resin.

Brush and floss as normal. Gentle brushing helps maintain the polish and reduces staining.

Yes. Composite resin can be shaped to close small gaps and improve symmetry without orthodontics.

If you grind your teeth, a nightguard protects both the resin and your natural teeth.