The Pros and Cons of Composite Bonding

They look like your natural teeth

Despite some misconceptions, composite bonding can mimic the natural tooth structure so accurately that it's indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

We use it to repair small chips and perform complete smile makeovers.

Here's the thing, though: choosing the wrong colour or failing to apply it correctly can make composite bonding look fake or unaesthetic.

Make sure your dentist does a lot of this type of work and feel free to ask to see cases they've treated before.

It's a quick and minimally invasive procedure

Composite bonding is a minimally invasive procedure, making it a popular solution for enhancing your smile.

Most patients don't notice any discomfort, so there's no need to worry about taking time off work.

Your dentist will usually complete the procedure in one sitting, and you'll walk out with new teeth.

We typically offer a follow-up appointment for a quick check and polish, but it's one of the most efficient cosmetic dental treatments.

Affordability

Composite bonding is highly affordable compared to many other cosmetic dental treatments.

Unlike porcelain veneers, we won't need to factor the costs of an expensive lab procedure into your treatment costs, as composites are applied directly to your teeth.

Most composites cost around half the cost of a veneer per tooth or less.

When you have treatment with The Modern Dentist, you can also benefit from convenient interest-free payment plans for eligible procedures.

Immediate results and enhanced smile aesthetics

Many cosmetic dental procedures take time to see results, but that's where dental bonding is different.

Composite resin offers immediate results, meaning you can leave with a transformed smile on the same day.

Long-term results include enhanced smile aesthetics and increased self-esteem. We can also adjust each bonded tooth without restarting the entire procedure.

For example, we can make them more square, round, shorter, or longer.

Versatility in treating various dental issues

Composite bonding is a highly versatile treatment that can result in multiple cosmetic enhancements.

It can repair cracked and chipped teeth, make teeth look straighter by masking minor misalignments, and hide discolouration.

Your cosmetic dentist can even fit full composite veneers and give you a complete smile makeover.

It won't damage your enamel

Composite bonding treatment doesn't damage your tooth enamel.

While some other treatments, such as porcelain veneers, require alterations to the enamel, we apply the composite resin material over your natural teeth without having to damage them.

Durability and lifespan concerns

Composite bonding isn't as long-lasting as other cosmetic procedures, like porcelain veneers.

The composite resin material is not as strong or as hard as natural tooth structure.

Over time, the composite material can begin to chip or wear down, especially if you grind your teeth or put them under significant pressure.

Susceptibility to staining and discoloration

As with natural teeth, composite resin is prone to staining when you eat and drink certain foods.

Regular exposure to tobacco, wine, coffee and tea can cause discoloured teeth and composite, but modern materials are more resistant to staining than older bonding material.

Not as strong as natural tooth enamel

Porcelain is an ultra-strong material, but composite veneers are resilient.

There's a minor risk of cracking or chipping, but this usually only occurs from biting hard, brittle things like nails, plastic or metal, or from teeth grinding at night.

Potential need for regular maintenance and touch-ups

Composite bonding can stain around the edges, where it meets the tooth, which means it requires regular cleaning and maintenance.

Over time, we might need to repair any chips and perform touch-ups to ensure the bonded teeth continue to maintain a natural aesthetic.

Limited application for major dental restorations

While composite bonding is a great treatment for minor cosmetic adjustments, including small chips, minor misalignments and discolouration, it won't suit extensive repairs or structural damage.

You might require more extensive treatments for severely compromised teeth, misaligned teeth or missing teeth.

We usually recommend porcelain veneers or onlays, Invisalign or braces, or implants for these cases respectively.