Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic bonding is a procedure used to repair small defects in your teeth - like chips, spots or small gaps. This cosmetic dentistry technique can transform your smile and restore your confidence using materials that match the natural shade and translucency of your healthy teeth.

This tooth has a large chip		Tooth bonding restores the natural appearance of the tooth

Dentists use bonding to restore your teeth by applying layers of composite resin to repair any cracks or chips.

What treatment will I receive?

Tooth bonding can be completed in a single visit and anaesthetic is normally not required.

First, the tooth is prepared by lightly roughening the area that needs repair and treating the surface of the tooth with a layer of bonding primers.

Next the composite resin is applied to your tooth in layers and manipulated to match the colour, translucency and detail of a natural tooth. The resin is then hardened with a high-intensity curing light and polished.

How long will the bonding last?

Our composite bonding work is guaranteed for one year. If you take proper care of your bonding, you should never need to replace it but some touch-up work may be necessary after three to five years.

How do I take care of my bonding?

Your bonding will last much longer if you keep your teeth clean, so avoid eating sweet or starchy foods between meals and brush and floss regularly. Smoking, or drinking excessive amounts of tea and coffee, can stain your bonding and alcoholic drinks can cause premature deterioration.

If you have bonding on the biting edges of your front teeth, bite hard foods at the side of your mouth and never bite fingernails, pins, or other hard objects with bonded teeth.

If you develop any areas that snag floss or feel rough on your tongue contact the practice as soon as possible. This is easily rectified if it is caught early.

If you have extensive bonding, avoid abrasive toothpastes and hard toothbrushes and have your teeth professionally cleaned at least four times a year.

There are specialised polishing pastes and techniques for bonded teeth. If the wrong paste or technique is used, it can damage the surface of the bonding and make it more likely to stain - so it's crucial to use an experienced hygienist.

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