How Much Does Composite Bonding Cost In The UK?
A beautiful smile can level up your confidence and self-esteem.
Dental bonding is a treatment option that addresses cosmetic issues you may be self-conscious about. Also called tooth bonding, it is a non-invasive process that doesn’t require tooth trimming or preparation.
This process can be done in one visit and lasts for a fairly long time.
Composite bonding is made from composite resin, which is added to the surface of your teeth to supplement or alter the visual appearance of your teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will shape the putty-like resin over your natural teeth to improve their appearance.
There are many reasons that composite bonding is a great option for patients. It’s affordable, quick, durable, and is minimally invasive compared to other cosmetic treatment options.
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What is composite bonding best used for?
If you’re evaluating the treatment option that is best for your teeth, you may be wondering what composite bonding is best used for.
Some people may confuse composite bonding with other procedures like composite veneer or orthodontic treatment.
Composite bonding uses a composite material that is placed over the surface of your teeth to improve your smile. This cosmetic procedure has many use cases, such as repairing a chipped tooth, covering up stains, discolouration, and rough spots, closing gaps, and lengthening teeth that appear too short.
Composite bonding is a better option to improve a smile where general dentistry treatments like teeth cleaning have not worked, or where orthodontic treatments are not appropriate or necessary.
Is cosmetic bonding better than veneers?
Two popular treatment options are cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers. Both procedures can enhance the appearance of your teeth and give you a smile makeover.
However, the difference in cosmetic dentistry procedures lies in the bonding material used, the durability, the application, and the price. During cosmetic bonding, a putty-like resin material is applied to the surface of your tooth. Conversely, porcelain veneers are made from porcelain material, and they are custom-made thin shells that cover your teeth.
When it comes to durability, porcelain veneers last longer than composite bonding. That’s because porcelain is a tougher material that is stain-resistant and crack-resistant. Porcelain veneers, on average last between 10 to 15 years but can last up to 20 years. In comparison, composite bonding lasts up to 10 years. However, porcelain veneers are irreversible, while composite bonding can be undone anytime.
In terms of appearance, both treatment options mimic the look of your natural teeth. Since they are custom-made to match the shape of the patient’s teeth, they are nearly indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth. However, the porcelain material tends to have higher translucency allowing light to pass through the veneer, making it look more natural.
A huge difference between the two treatments lies in the application. The cosmetic bonding procedure can be done in a single appointment, while veneers may take multiple visits and several weeks to complete. That’s because permanent porcelain veneers are fabricated in the lab, which takes weeks.
One of the major advantages of cosmetic bonding is that they are minimally invasive and do not require the preparation of the tooth. Since it uses a putty-like resin material, it can be simply be applied directly to the tooth without prep work. Porcelain veneers require trimming a layer of enamel from the top and sides to make space for the veneers.
Lastly, there’s a big discrepancy in cost. Generally, composite material isn’t as durable and the procedure is simpler, making it the more affordable option.
Is it better than Invisalign?
Composite bonding and Invisalign treatment are great options for closing gaps in teeth to achieve the perfect smile.
The answer to the question of which option is better depends on how wide the gaps are. Dental bonding can be the better option for patients with small gaps because they add just enough bulk to your tooth to close the gap. If you only have one gap, bonding can also be the better choice.
Invisalign may the better option for people with extra space between most or nearly all of their teeth. That’s because Invisalign can realign all of your teeth and correct bite problems. This protects your teeth from bacteria and prevents possible tooth decay or gum disease.
In general, dental bonding helps add some material to the edges to make the space between the teeth more narrow. In contrast, Invisalign works by moving the teeth closer to close the gaps. It’s best to speak with your orthodontist or dentist to determine which treatment option is appropriate for you.
Is the treatment painful?
Composite bonding is the perfect option for people who are anxious or fearful of dental procedures. That’s because the procedure is pain-free and doesn’t require any anaesthesia. The bonding procedure can be done in a single visit. Permanent veneers need to be fabricated at a separate lab by a ceramist before it is sent back to the dental practice.
Unlike other procedures, there isn’t any drilling or permanent alteration to the natural tooth structure or your existing teeth required. Veneers, on the other hand, can be an invasive treatment because it often requires removing a layer of tooth enamel before the veneers can be placed on the surface of the tooth.
The procedure of getting composite veneers is the following
1. Your cosmetic dentist selects the composite resin that matches the shade of your natural teeth.
2. The tooth gets roughened to help the bonding stick better.
3. An adhesive material is applied to the tooth surface.
4. Your cosmetic dentist will shape and apply the resin material to fit your tooth.
5. A special UV light will be shone directly on the bonding to harden the material.
6. The dentist will polish the resin as the final touch
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How long does composite bonding treatment last?
Since this treatment option uses composite material, it won’t last forever. However, it does last 10 years which is still quite a long time. The composite material can wear down over time.
Once the bonding is worn, patients will need a replacement. However, there are plenty of aftercare guidelines you can follow to keep your bonded teeth in good condition for as long as possible
Composite bonding aftercare
Your cosmetic dentist will provide proper aftercare instructions to ensure the composite bonding continues to look glossy and natural.
Here are some good oral hygiene tips to follow to keep your bonded teeth in great condition:
- Visit your hygienist for routine check-ups and professional teeth cleanings. Your dentist will be able to examine your dental hygiene and spot any early signs of problems before they occur. They will also polish and clean your teeth.
- Floss daily. When you floss up to the gum line, it will help remove the bacteria and plaque build-up before it begins to spread.
- Brush your teeth twice every day and use fluoride toothpaste. This helps to dislodge food particles and keep your teeth clean.
- Drink water after each meal. You can keep your mouth clean by flushing out the bacteria and food debris. This helps to reduce the acidity levels inside of your mouth.
- Avoid teeth grinding and biting on hard objects. Bad habits such as teeth grinding can wear down your enamel and the composite material.
- Avoid tooth-staining foods. There are many things that can discolour composite bonding over time. For example, tobacco can turn your teeth yellow and black. Some foods and drinks have high levels of artificial colouring, which can stain your teeth. This includes red wine, coffee, soda, juice, and curries.
What is the cost of composite bonding?
Composite bonding is a relatively inexpensive dental procedure. That is because the material used isn’t expensive, and the procedure itself is fairly straightforward.
However, the price will depend on a few factors such as:
- The dentist experience
- The location of the dental clinic
- The extent of the treatment
- The number of teeth
In the UK, the cost of composite bonding typically ranges between £75 to £300. Composite bonding is the most affordable option compared to other cosmetic dental treatments. For example, composite veneers cost between £200 to £600, and porcelain veneers cost between £500 to £1000. Furthermore, Invisalign generally costs between £1500 to £5500 in the UK.
Bespoke Smile offers finance options to make composite bonding more affordable. We offer monthly repayment options as low as £16 per month. You can also apply for interest-free loans to help pay for the cost.
Is it the perfect solution for you?
Composite bonding is a great cosmetic treatment option to correct and conceal discoloured and damaged teeth. Furthermore, it can close gaps to make your teeth appear straighter. It’s affordable, painless, and can be done in a single visit.
Although there are other excellent options, such as veneers or Invisalign, composite bonding is cheaper and less invasive.
At Bespoke Smile, we pride ourselves in helping our patients restore their smiles and regain their confidence. If you’re interested in receiving composite bonding, you can book an appointment with us online.
Begin your journey to the perfect smile today.
BDS (Lon) MFDS RCS (Edin) PgDip ClinEd (UK)
Areas of expertise: Smile makeovers using ultra-thin porcelain veneers, smile design to restore worn teeth and advanced full mouth restorative dentistry.
“A perfect, natural, or bespoke smile is possible to achieve for anyone. There is no substitute for the feeling of confidence an individual and beautiful smile can give. We have developed techniques, which we teach to dentists across the UK and abroad, to help them better their care in their clinics. I believe in comprehensively treating every patient, to bring them up to absolute health, and then put in place maintenance to avoid patients from recurrent replacements, and further treatment. It is a passion for me to deliver an unrivalled experience and end result, which stands the test of time”
