Cosmetic

Composite bonding

Composite bonding is the least invasive way to change the shape, colour or size of your teeth. It is placed directly onto the tooth, shaped and polished in a single appointment, and in most cases no tooth structure needs to be removed.

Who it may suit

These are reasons people come in to discuss it, not a checklist that decides whether it is right for you.

You are unhappy with the appearance of your smile
You are looking for the most minimally invasive way to improve your smile
Small gaps you would like closed or reduced
Chipped or damaged edges on front teeth

Overview

Bonding is meticulously hand-sculpted, tooth by tooth, and shaped against the rest of your smile to fit in with your face. The work is done under isolation, so the composite bonds to a clean surface and lasts as long as possible.

Where teeth are crowded, rotated or heavily discoloured, bonding can mask a certain amount but not everything. Dr Rakesh may recommend alignment or whitening first. This often produces a much better, longer-lasting result.

What the process looks like

Consultation
A look at what you would like changed, an examination of the teeth and bite, and photographs.
Planning
The proposed shapes are designed. Where several teeth are involved, a template can be used to guide the build-up.
Placement
The teeth are isolated and composite is placed and shaped in layers, then contoured and polished.
Review
A short follow-up to check the bite, the margins and the finish.

Common questions

Is any tooth removed?

Often little or none, which is one of the reasons bonding is considered before porcelain. Whether any reshaping is needed depends on the starting position of the tooth and is discussed beforehand.

Will it stain?

Composite takes up stain more readily than enamel or porcelain, particularly at the margins. Polishing at review appointments helps, and how quickly it happens depends on diet and habits.

How does it compare with veneers?

Bonding is more conservative and can be adjusted or repaired; porcelain is harder-wearing and holds its shade better. Which is appropriate depends on how much needs changing, and both are discussed at the consultation.

Can bonding be removed?

Where the tooth underneath has not been prepared, composite can generally be taken off and the tooth returned close to its previous state. This is confirmed for your own teeth at the assessment.

Dental treatment is planned for the individual. Whether any treatment described here is appropriate for you can only be established at a clinical assessment, and the options discussed with you may differ from those set out on this page. Photographs show the outcome for one patient and are not a prediction of anyone else’s result.