Dental Contouring London - Dental Bonding London

Unlike porcelain veneers, which are manufactured in a dental laboratory, composite bonding is generally done in a single visit at the clinic. In certain cases where multiple teeth require bonding, we anticipate requiring 2-3 appointments for the whole process.

An initial consultation takes place to help the dentist determine exactly what you would like to change about your smile and give you options on ways to do this. It is recommended that you whiten your teeth prior to bonding - this is also discussed and planned, if necessary, at your bonding consultation. A ‘trial smile’ is placed on your teeth temporarily to demonstrate the proposed final aesthetic outcome and this really helps you to visualise your new smile before proceeding.

When both you and the dentist are happy, you can book your bonding appointment. On the day, the composite resin will be applied to the necessary areas and hardened with a special light before more layers are added. Once the bonding process is set, the composite resin and your natural teeth will be contoured and polished for an even result.

The composite resin used is almost as strong as your natural teeth. With good care, dental bonding can last up to 7 years. During your regular dental exams, your dental care specialist will help you decide if the dental bonding and contouring procedure needs to be re-done to maintain your smile.

What is a Composite Material?

Composite is a material produced from resins and a number of fillers. It is essentially white filling material but it has been enhanced through the years so it is stronger and can bond better to teeth. Composite bonding is a hot trend in dentistry due to its aesthetically pleasing appearance. Dentists are now able to completely match the shade, translucency and texture of a natural tooth with composite bonding.

Is Composite Bonding Right for Me?

If your teeth have minor cosmetic imperfections that you’re conscious of, bonding may well be a quick and effective way to even out your smile. Even if porcelain veneers are your ultimate goal, you could opt for tooth bonding as a short-term measure while you save for the more expensive treatment.

What Are The Main Benefits of Composite Bonding?

It is non-invasive (so there are no injections/needles), and there’s no drilling of the natural tooth surface, so you can have a beautiful result on the same day!

Are There Any Drawbacks?

One minor disadvantage of composite bonding is that it has a greater tendency to stain and chip than natural teeth, but it can be easily polished in future by your dentist.

How Long Does It Take?

Usually composite bonding can be applied to 4 to 6 teeth on the same day, meaning you can transform your smile in just a couple of hours.

How Long Does Composite Bonding Last?

The bonding will need to be replaced approximately every 5 to 7 years although this could be sooner if you smoke, or drink a lot of coffee and wine.