Composite Bonding: A Quick Fix for Chips and Gaps

A small chip, a gap you’ve never loved, or a tooth that’s slightly the wrong shape. Composite bonding can often fix these in one visit, without drills or injections in many cases.

What is composite bonding?

Bonding uses a tooth-coloured resin that is shaped by hand directly onto your tooth, then hardened with a special light and polished to a natural finish. The dentist matches the shade to your own teeth so the repair blends in.

What can it treat?

• Chipped or worn edges
• Small gaps between teeth
• Uneven or misshapen teeth
• Slight discolouration that whitening can’t change

What happens at your appointment

1. 1.We discuss the look you want and check your teeth are suitable.
2. 2.The surface of the tooth is lightly prepared, usually with little or no removal of enamel.
3. 3.The resin is applied in layers and shaped to the right form.
4. 4.It’s hardened, trimmed and polished, and we check your bite.

The pros and cons

Bonding is generally quicker and less invasive than veneers, and in many cases it’s reversible. The trade-off is that resin isn’t as strong or as stain-resistant as porcelain, so it may need polishing or repair over time.

Looking after your bonding

• Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth.
• Avoid biting your nails, pens or ice, or using your teeth to open packets.
• Keep up regular hygiene appointments to keep the surface polished.
• Limit heavy staining drinks such as red wine, tea and coffee.

Is it right for you?

The best way to know is to come in for a chat. We’ll tell you honestly whether bonding, whitening, veneers or aligners would give the best result for what you want.