Eilertsen Dental Care, Plymouth

Composite Bonding
Plymouth

composite bonding - composite resin applied to natural teeth before

bonded teeth results with composite resin material after

What is composite bonding?

Composite bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment that’s minimally invasive, used to improve a patient’s smile, protect, and build up worn or damaged teeth. This technique can be used to alter length, shape, and mask imperfections. This cosmetic treatment can be carried out single tooth, or a full smile makeover including multiple teeth depending on the patients desired look. Composite bonding can also be used to cover part of a tooth such as a chip or break, or the whole tooth depending on what the clinician decided is best. It is a modern cost-effective way to restore teeth that can be done in practice. Results of composite bonding produce a natural teeth finish and refreshed look that allows the patient to regain confidence in their smile.

We are pleased to be able to offer this cosmetic service at Eilertsen Dental Care in Plymouth.

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Teeth whitening

Please note: that if you have discoloured teeth and are considering having your teeth whitened, we recommend that this is done prior to composite bonding treatment, as the bonding resin will not whiten like your teeth will after.

Composite Bonding Procedure at Eilertsen Dental Care

Appointment 1:

Starting with an initial consultation where our clinician and the patient create an agreed composite bonding treatment plan and an understanding of the look that is to be achieved. This can include use of photographs to discuss the smile. This is also a chance to ask questions and ensure that there is a full understanding of the procedure.

Appointment 2:

This will involve minimally preparing the teeth and placing the composite. A colour match will be decided between the patient and the clinician to blend with the other teeth, this can be done using a single colour or multiple to create a layering effect. Optionally, anaesthetic can be used to create a more comfortable appointment; this can be decided between the patient and clinician on the day. A rubber dam or Optragate is then placed in order to isolate the teeth that are being worked on, this ensures excellent moisture control which will allow for a strong bond so that the composite adherence to the tooth is strong. Again, this also makes it comfortable for the patient and keeps soft tissues and the tongue out of the working field. The clinician will decide if prep is necessary; which can be the case sometimes, if there is old composite to be removed. If no prep is required, the clinician will clean each tooth using a gel and place a bond layer, before placing and shaping the composite to the agreed design. Once all composites have been placed, moulded and cured the clinician will polish the teeth using a series of techniques to allow for a natural finish. If the fine polishing can be completed in that appointment the clinician will do so.

Appointment 3:

Sometimes fine polishing requires a second appointment which will be communicated to you by the clinician. Any alterations that need to be made will be made in this appointment as well, until the patient and the clinician are both happy with the outcome.

Maintenance:

Composite bonding is a cosmetic procedure that will require ongoing maintenance, usually every 6 – 12 months where there is repair or polishing to any damage or staining. These appointments incur a separate charge.

What are the Pros and Cons of Composite Bonding?

Pros:

Composite bonding is minimally invasive
More cost effective then other treatments
With good maintenance, has a 5-7 year life span
A natural refreshed look to improve the aesthetics of a smile
Less chair time than alternative options
Can easily be fixed if chipping occurs

Cons:

This cosmetic bonding treatment isn’t completely reversible, but is less damaging to the tooth than alternative treatments
Although shade matching will be done to the best of the clinicians ability, there can be a slight colour discrepancy between the natural tooth and the bonded tooth (this is more of a risk with single tooth bonding)
Can be more prone to staining and chipping due to the nature of the material, but with good maintenance can be minimised
Less of a lifespan than other alternatives

Is my composite bonding under a warranty?

Composite bonding doesn’t come with a warranty due to the number of factors that can affect the restorations in the patient’s lifestyle. However, there is a 3 month grace period in which the clinician can repair a chip or break if the bonding fails. If the break was due to the patient’s habits or poor choices (ie: opening bottles with their teeth, using teeth to open things or purposely biting on hard objects) the clinician will not be liable for this and additional costs will be incurred. After 3 months any damage will be down to the patient to cover the cost of.

Composite bonding cost?

Composite bonding treatment will be carefully planned by your clinician. For the primary stage, prices range from £250 – £450 per tooth, dependant on the extent of coverage required.

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For a more detailed insight into Composite bonding please see our blog post

Please ensure you ask any questions at the consultation.

You will sign a separate consent form, where you confirm you have read and understood this document and are happy to proceed with the composite bonding treatment.

To book an appointment please visit our booking page.