At Apolline Dental, we believe your smile should be something you feel proud to share. Cosmetic bonding, also known as composite bonding, is a simple yet transformative treatment that can restore and enhance your teeth without the need for invasive procedures. Whether you want to repair a chipped tooth, close small gaps, or brighten your smile, composite bonding provides a natural and effective solution.
What is Composite Bonding?
Composite bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure where a tooth-coloured resin is carefully applied to the surface of your teeth. This resin is shaped and sculpted to improve the appearance of your smile, then hardened using a special curing light and polished until it blends seamlessly with your natural enamel.
It’s a versatile treatment that can be used to improve the look of:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Slight misalignment or uneven tooth edges
- Discoloured or permanently stained teeth
- Worn or shortened teeth
Unlike veneers or crowns, composite bonding usually requires no drilling and no injections. It’s gentle, fast, and highly effective for patients seeking cosmetic improvements.
Difference Between Cosmetic and Composite Bonding
Patients are often confused by the terms cosmetic bonding and composite bonding. In reality, they both describe the same treatment:
- Composite bonding is the clinical term dentists use. It refers to the composite resin material that is applied to the tooth.
- Cosmetic bonding is a more patient-friendly term, focusing on the treatment’s purpose: to improve the look of your smile.
So, whether you see the treatment called cosmetic bonding or composite bonding, they are one and the same.
Composite Procedure
At Apolline Dental, we focus on making the process comfortable, straightforward, and tailored to you. Here’s what you can expect:
- Consultation and Smile Assessment: We begin by discussing your concerns and goals. Photographs and scans may be taken to plan your treatment and help you visualise the results.
- Shade Matching: We select a resin shade that perfectly matches the colour of your natural teeth. If you’re considering teeth whitening, it’s best to do this beforehand so the bonding can be matched to your new brighter shade.
- Tooth Preparation: The surface of the tooth is gently cleaned and roughened with a mild etching gel. This creates a microscopically rough surface that helps the resin bond securely.
- Application of Resin: The tooth-coloured composite resin is carefully layered and sculpted onto your tooth. Your dentist will shape it to achieve the right size, symmetry, and alignment.
- Curing: A special light is used to harden the resin in place.
- Polishing and Finishing: Finally, the bonded tooth is smoothed and polished so that it blends naturally with your smile.
In many cases, this entire procedure can be completed in just one appointment, making it one of the quickest ways to enhance your smile.
Benefits of Composite Bonding
Composite bonding has become one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments in the UK and for good reason:
- Minimally invasive – preserves your natural teeth with little or no drilling
- Quick results – noticeable improvements in just a single visit
- Natural look – resin is colour-matched and polished for a seamless blend
- Affordable – more cost-effective than porcelain veneers or crowns
- Customisable – each tooth can be individually shaped to suit your smile
- Repairable – if damaged or stained, bonding can usually be polished or repaired rather than replaced entirely
After Care
While composite bonding is durable, it’s not as hard-wearing as natural enamel or porcelain. With good care, it can last 3-5 years before needing touch-ups. To help it last as long as possible, we recommend:
- Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush
- Flossing regularly to maintain gum and tooth health
- Attending routine dental check-ups and hygiene appointments
- Avoiding biting hard objects like ice, fingernails, or pens, which can chip the resin
- Limiting food and drinks that stain (coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco), especially in the first 48 hours after treatment
- Wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play contact sports
If your bonding does chip, stain, or wear down, it can usually be polished or repaired quickly and easily.
Why Choose Apolline Dental for Composite Bonding?
At Apolline Dental, we combine clinical expertise with a patient-centred approach. You can expect:
- Experienced dentists skilled in cosmetic techniques
- High-quality composite materials for long-lasting results
- A personalised treatment plan designed around your smile
- Gentle, minimally invasive care in a welcoming environment
If you’d like to enhance your smile quickly, safely, and affordably, cosmetic bonding could be the ideal choice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Composite Bonding
How long does bonding last?
Bonding is not as durable as your natural teeth, and its lifespan depends on your eating and chewing habits. Avoid biting hard foods and objects, particularly if bonding is on your front teeth. Patients who grind their teeth are also more susceptible to chips. On average, bonding lasts between 3-5 years, though with excellent care it can sometimes last longer. While the material may chip or stain, it rarely fails completely and can usually be repaired or polished.
How do I care for bonded teeth?
In the first few days, avoid tea, coffee, red wine, and cigarettes to minimise staining. After that, bonded teeth can be cared for like the rest of your teeth: twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
How does the material stick to my teeth?
The teeth are first cleaned to remove any food and plaque. This is done using a conventional toothbrush and floss. After this has been done, the teeth are cleaned using an etching gel. This is a mild form of acid (safe to use in the mouth) which creates a microscopically rough surface, helping the material stick. The composite resin which begins like a putty is then bonded to the tooth. Once set, it forms a very strong connection. The material is carefully layered and sculpted to the desired shape.
Does bonding damage my teeth?
Unlike veneers, composite bonding does not usually require changes to the underlying teeth. As a result, the procedure is not considered to be as invasive. However, the acid etch process does remove a small amount of tooth, 20 microns to be precise. To put this into perspective, a human hair is approximately 40 microns thick. So, half the thickness of a human hair!
Is everyone suitable for bonding?
A smile makeover with composite is not always possible. In an ideal world the teeth should be moderately straight to begin with. However, where the teeth are not straight Invisalign treatment can be done before the bonding to put the teeth in a better position. This is a very common route to the best smile which is as minimally invasive as possible.
Does the procedure hurt?
Because the underlying teeth will not be altered in most cases, very often the procedure does not require an injection. However, sometimes a small amount may be required if the bonding material is being placed in close proximity or beneath the gums. This will be discussed with you prior to the treatment commencing.tooth is not altered. Occasionally, a small amount of anaesthetic may be required if the resin is placed close to the gums.
Who decides the colour and shape?
You do – in consultation with your dentist. The colour and shape of your new teeth are agreed upon at your initial consultation, and every smile is designed to be bespoke.
Does it feel natural?
Yes. Once polished, the bonding material feels smooth and shiny, just like natural teeth. Most patients adapt quickly and find the result feels completely natural.
How many appointments does it take and what should I prepare?
Each case usually goes as follows :
Consultation; 45-60 minutes – at this appointment we will discuss the treatment, take photos, show you cases etc.
Bonding appointment: 3-4hours – if you are selected for treatment, this is the appointment where the creativity will begin. Wear comfortable clothing and feel free to bring headphones, your ipad etc. Eat a good meal, as you may get hungry!
Review: 60 minutes – one week later you will be invited to return for a review where the teeth can be tweaked. Your feedback is important here as we want you to be happy with the final smile.
What happens if I want the bonding removed?
Removal must be done carefully to protect the underlying tooth. It typically takes 20–30 minutes per tooth, using specialised equipment.
Can bonding be re-done?
Yes. Old bonding can be safely removed and replaced with new material.
What if my bonding chips or stains?
Small chips can often be polished or repaired. Stains may build up over time, particularly if oral hygiene is poor. In some cases, the bonding may need to be replaced.
Do I have other options besides bonding?
Yes, as will all treatments you have the option of doing nothing and keeping your teeth as they are.
Alternative ways of improving your teeth include porcelain veneers. For this process, the teeth have to be adjusted minimally to allow the changes to be made. If you are looking for absolute perfection then porcelain veneers may be more suitable for you. When doing veneers, more drastic changes can be made to the shape of your teeth.
Veneers require less long term maintenance and maintain their polish and shape for much longer. As with most patients who opt for bonding, the chances are that you have already looked into veneers and have been discouraged by the fact that your teeth need to be altered.
However, there are some instances where veneers are more suitable than bonding. If this is the case for you, we will usually point out if this is the case.
Orthodontics is another treatment which will be discussed and explored if you are suitable. In some cases, this may have been done already.
Your dentist will discuss these options with you, but if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask.
Do I need to whiten my teeth before bonding?
Most patients whiten their teeth before bonding so the resin can be matched to a brighter shade. Whitening after bonding is possible, but the resin won’t change colour, which can cause a mismatch.
