Composite Bonding

What is bonding?

Composite bonding is the process by which Syed uses a specific tooth-coloured resin material to change the shape, colours and textures of teeth.

Bonding is versatile and can be used to close gaps, restore chipped teeth and create symmetry in the smile.

Syed's signature smile designs come from creating natural smiles that bring out the best in his patients.

From stand-out white shades to more subtle options, patients have the choice in selecting the final forms and colour tones of the composite.

The Process

Step 1 - Planning

We begin with photographs, detailed measurements and an assessment of the bite.

In more complex cases, we create a digital smile design which is then used to build up the teeth in a way which ensures the composite will have maximum resistance to chipping whilst maintaining excellent aesthetics.

The images on the right showcase a digitally designed smile followed by a test-drive in the mouth of the exact smile design.

Step 3 - Isolation

Composite is a resin-based hydrophobic material.

Syed utilises the gold standard in isolation to ensure the bond from composite to tooth is as strong as it can be.

This keeps the composite looking and feeling great for longer, with reduced staining and greater adhesion.

Step 5 - Polishing

After placing the composite, it is carefully sculpted to form the ideal shape.

Working through different grades of coarseness, the final polish creates the "wow" factor.

Polishing is completed in two separate appointments to ensure outstanding final shaping and aesthetics.

Step 2 - Whitening

We plan to match the shade of composite to the shade of the teeth.

We brighten the teeth with take-home teeth whitening to the desired shade. This can be as subtle or as bright as required.

Step 4 - Bonding

Layer by layer, composite is expertly placed to create the effects necessary to form life-like composites.

Special tints can be used to further naturalise the composite to allow for seamless blending.

Composite Bonding vs Ceramic Veneers

Composite Bonding:

Great aesthetic results.
No tooth tissue removed.
Less appointments required (usually).
More affordable.
Multiple shade options.
Good strength.
Lasts 5-7 years on average (before staining, chipping or loss of surface finish).
Weaker than ceramic veneers.
Loses surface texture and polish over time.
Picks up stains across the composite over time , dependant on diet/smoking.
Hand-sculpted.
Less predictable as hand-sculpted on the day.

Ceramic Veneers:

Excellent aesthetic results.
Minimal tooth tissue removed.
More appointments required (usually).
Greater financial commitment.
Wide range of shade, texture and translucency options.
Excellent strength and durability.
Lasts 10-15 years on average (before staining around the borders).
Stronger than composite.
Maintains gloss surface texture and polish over time.
Only picks up stains around the edges after a long period of time, dependant on diet/smoking.
Crafted by a master ceramist dental technician.
More predictable (test-drive).

We are often asked by our patients "what is the difference between composite bonding and veneers and which would be best for me?".

There are multiple factors to query before making that decision, but usually it comes down to:

Patient age - for older patients, we tend to recommend ceramic veneers for additional durability and reduced cycles of replacement required over time. For younger patients, composite bonding is typically recommended to avoid tooth tissue removal at a younger age.
Costs - budgeting for dental treatment is essential to ensure the main concerns are addressed within the budget. Usually, patients will wish to align and whiten their teeth before proceeding with composite bonding or veneers in order to place the teeth in the optimal positions for excellent, long lasting outcomes.

Considering cost options is vital to reaching your goals without compromising other aspects of smile design.
Maintenance - any cosmetic treatment will require maintenance, however, maintenance requirements exist in different degrees.

Composite bonding will need more maintenance, with recommended re-polishing once per year and an expectation to replace the full bonding treatment after 5-7 years.

Veneers are much stronger and do not lose their finish. They will only usually require replacement once every 10-15 years and do not require annual re-polishing or repairs.