I'm Dr Theo, a cosmetic and restorative dentist here at Stella Dental, and composite bonding is one of the treatments I get asked about most. Whether patients have seen it on social media or a friend has recommended it, the same three questions come up almost every single time. So I thought I would answer them properly here.
How long does composite bonding last?
Composite bonding is a resin material that I apply directly onto the surface of your natural teeth, and like your natural teeth, it does wear over time. As a general rule, I tell patients to expect their bonding to last between three and five years.
That does not mean it will simply drop off once the five year mark passes. What tends to happen instead is that it starts to chip or stain slightly, at which point it will need some maintenance. In my experience, with good care composite bonding can sometimes last well beyond five years.
Does composite bonding look natural?
Yes, and this comes down to two things I always focus on. The first is the resin itself. I work with a wide range of shades, so I can match the material closely to your natural tooth colour. The second, and honestly the more important factor, is skill and planning around your face.
When I plan bonding with a patient's facial proportions in mind, the result looks far more natural than bonding done in isolation. Occasionally, achieving that means putting the teeth into a better position first, for example with clear aligners, before I start the bonding itself.
Does composite bonding damage your teeth, and can it be reversed?
Because bonding is an additive procedure, meaning I build resin onto the surface of the tooth rather than drilling into it, I would not describe it as damaging in most cases.
That said, I would not call it fully reversible either. If a patient later decides to have their bonding removed or replaced, I do need to gently scratch back the surface of the tooth to take it off. It is, however, far less invasive than porcelain veneers.
How straightforward that removal is depends a great deal on the clinician doing it, along with the time and care taken. Personally, I like to take my time with removals. I use a UV light that clearly shows me where the composite ends and the natural tooth begins, so I can remove and replace bonding safely when it is needed.
Thinking about composite bonding?
I hope these answers give you a clearer idea of whether composite bonding is right for you. If you would like to talk through your smile in more detail, get in touch with us here at Stella Dental in Nottingham and I will be glad to see you for a consultation.
