Composite Bonding
Last medically reviewed by Dr Sam Jethwa: February 24, 2021
Conceal and Correct Damaged and Discoloured Teeth
A modern and new way to restore teeth back to their former glory, composite bonding is used for cosmetic reasons to rebuild tooth structure that has been lost through decay, trauma or injury.
An affordable way to get the smile you’ve always wanted.
Patients with chips, cracked or broken teeth can turn to cosmetic bonding for a quick aesthetic fix, which can be applied in just one appointment.
The treatment process uses a tooth-coloured resin that’s applied to the existing tooth, composite bonding can reshape teeth or improve on their existing colour.
Do you qualify?
The only patients we tend not to recommend this treatment to are smokers or those with crooked teeth – this is because the composite materials are not as resistant to staining as porcelain veneers.
Whilst we are happy to treat smokers and happy to discuss your options, we would often recommend those who wish to continue to smoke to opt for porcelain veneers instead of bonding as they will experience issues around staining.
Oral health benefits: Keep tooth structure intact
One of the advantages of composite bonding is that it does not require the removal of any of your existing tooth structure.
In order to bond the resin material, we apply it directly onto the tooth and then craft and shape as we go.
Often described by our patients as pain-free, the procedure requires no anaesthetic or drilling.
All our dentists will do is polish the teeth, then gently add the special, strong resin material.
To finish, we will use a high-grade polish to set and complete!
Veneers vs composite bonding
Compare veneer before and afters here.
Veneers and composite bonding target and treat the same oral conditions. Whilst veneers, in this case, are the most expensive alternative, they are priced higher for a reason.
Porcelain is a very strong and highly durable material. It is stain-resistant and can last for a lifetime.
Veneers are permanent procedures, which cannot be reversed.
Composite bonding is not a permanent procedure.
This is because the composite material is not as strong as porcelain and the resin, just like a natural tooth can be affected by staining and discolouration.
Learn more about veneers here. Or see what we would advise here.
Dental FAQs: Your questions answered
- How long does composite bonding last? When compared to veneers, composite bonding does not last as long. With the right care and attention, you should have no problem wearing them for at least 2-5years. It is recommended to avoid hard foods and similar substances, which can impact or crack the composite material.
- How much does composite bonding cost? Prices tend to start from £99 and will often not cost you more than £290. When composite bonding is used to treat chips and cracks, this can be very worthwhile, whereas more severe cases may wish to consider composite veneers.
- Does composite bonding damage teeth? No, composite bonding is a resin material which is adhered to/applied and sculpted directly onto the tooth.
Affordable composite bonding costs (UK)
As composite bonding is a cosmetic procedure offered by private practising dentists, it is not available to patients on the NHS.
However, patients who wish to spread the cost of their treatments can do so with affordable 0% finance options and payment plans. Learn more about them here.
For more information concerning the cost of composite bonding visit our fees page, or get in touch with us here.
Alternatively, if you have dental insurance, you can check with your provider if this is covered.
Book an appointment with us easily online
More health information: Is composite resin bonding right for you? Colgate.
Composite bonding before and afters
Altering the shape and distance between teeth
Get rid of gappy smiles
See more before and afters here.