Composite bonding: Everything you need to know for a brighter smile

Composite bonding is a minimally invasive cosmetic dental treatment that offers a quick, effective, and natural-looking solution to enhance the appearance of your teeth, improving your smile.

Dr Preyaanthana Ragu, leading dentist, explains what composite bonding entails, what dental issues it can correct, and how to maintain results long-term.

What is composite bonding, and what dental issues can it fix?

Composite bonding, also known as dental bonding, is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses a tooth-coloured resin material to improve the appearance of your teeth. This resin is directly applied to the tooth's surface and hardened with a special light, allowing your dentist to reshape, rebuild, or recolour it as desired to match the natural look of surrounding teeth.

Composite bonding is ideal for minor to moderate dental cosmetic issues, such as:

• chipped or cracked teeth
• small gaps between teeth
• strains or discolouration that can’t be corrected by traditional whitening treatments
• minor misalignments or uneven teeth

As a versatile and customisable treatment, composite bonding is suitable for people who want to make aesthetic changes to their smile without committing to more invasive procedures like veneers or crowns.

Is composite bonding a permanent solution?

Composite bonding isn’t a permanent solution. Since composite resin isn’t as hard or durable as natural enamel, it’s more susceptible to wear, staining, and potential damage over time.

While composite bonding may need to be redone eventually, with good dental care, it can last between 5 and 10 years.

How is the composite bonding procedure carried out?

The composite bonding procedure is simple and non-invasive, often performed in just one dental visit.

Your dentist will begin by selecting a shade of composite resin that closely matches the natural colour of your teeth. Unlike other cosmetic dental procedures, composite bonding requires minimal preparation, and anaesthesia isn’t needed unless the bonding is being applied near a sensitive area or to repair decay.

In some cases, to create a suitable bonding surface, your dentist will lightly roughen the tooth’s surface and apply a conditioning liquid to help the resin adhere more securely to the tooth. Your dentist will then directly apply the resin material to the tooth in layers, and subsequently mould the resin to match the natural shape and contours of your teeth.

Once the resin has been shaped, a special blue curing light will be used to harden it, bonding the resin securely to the tooth’s surface. This process will take a few seconds to a minute per area.

Lastly, your dentist will make any necessary adjustments and polish the bonded teeth to match the gloss and look of the surrounding teeth, making sure it blends seamlessly. With this finishing touch, the composite bonding will look and feel like a natural part of the tooth.

How should I care for my composite-bonded teeth after?

Proper dental care and maintenance are essential for preserving the appearance and longevity of composite bonding. While resin is durable, it’s not as hard as natural enamel, so certain lifestyle habits can damage it.

Here are some essential aftercare practices to keep your bonded teeth looking fresh and intact:

Oral hygiene

Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once a day. This will help prevent plaque build-up and staining, which can discolour both natural teeth and the composite resin. Using non-abrasive toothpaste is also recommended to avoid scratching the bonding material.

Foods and beverages

Limit the consumption of foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured fruits, as these can stain the bonding material over time. If you consume these, rinse your mouth with water afterward or drink the beverages through a straw to minimise contact with the bonded teeth.

Habits

Chewing on ice, using your teeth to open packages, and biting fingernails or hard objects can damage the bonding material. These habits put stress on the resin and can lead to cracks, chips, or even separation from the tooth surface.

Additionally, smoking contributes to staining of both natural teeth and composite resin. Quitting smoking is therefore highly recommended to keep your smile bright.

Dental visits

Regular dental check-ups and hygienist appointments are crucial for maintaining both your natural and bonded teeth. A professional hygienist cleaning every 6 months helps remove plaque and tartar build-up that regular brushing might miss, especially around the margins where the bonding meets your natural tooth.

During these appointments, the hygienist can use specialised tools and techniques that are safe for composite bonding, helping to remove surface stains without damaging the resin material. They can also provide personalised advice on cleaning techniques specific to your bonded teeth and identify any areas that might need extra attention in your daily oral hygiene routine.

Teeth whitening

One important note for patients considering teeth whitening is that composite resin doesn’t respond to bleaching treatments like natural tooth enamel. If you’re planning to whiten your teeth, it’s best to do so before composite bonding so that the resin can be matched to your desired shade.

If you would like to book an appointment with Dr Preyaanthana Ragu, head on over to her Top Doctors profile today.