Book Online SMALL CHANGES, CAREFULLY PLANNED
Composite bonding uses tooth-coloured resin shaped directly onto a tooth, then hardened and polished. It can repair a small chip, refine an uneven edge or improve proportions without automatically covering the whole tooth. The aim is a result that works with your bite and remaining enamel. S3 Dental assesses oral health first and explains whether bonding is a sensible option for your particular concern.
HOW WE CAN HELP
All treatment is subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability.
YOUR TREATMENT JOURNEY
Your dentist examines the teeth and gums, checks the bite and discusses the shape you want. Photographs or a trial shape may help. Decay and active gum disease should be addressed first. If whitening or straightening would help, we explain the order of treatment before choosing the composite shade.
The tooth is isolated, its surface prepared for bonding and resin added in controlled layers. Each layer is hardened with a dental light. Many small additions need little or no drilling, but preparation or anaesthetic may be needed when repairing decay or existing restorations.
The dentist refines the contours, checks your bite and polishes the surface. You receive advice about cleaning and avoiding habits that overload the material. Further refinement may be appropriate at review once you have used the teeth in everyday eating and speaking.
Composite is repairable in many cases, but it is not maintenance-free or permanent. It can stain, lose its polish, wear or chip, particularly on heavily loaded edges. Lifespan varies with the size of the addition, grinding, diet, bite and cleaning. Arrange a review if an edge feels rough or your bite changes. Do not use bonded teeth to open packaging or bite fingernails.
Bonding starts from £250 per tooth. A larger build-up, composite veneer or multi-tooth plan may cost more; the written estimate explains the scope and any planning or review fees. Ask whether staged payments apply to your plan. Alternatives include accepting the current appearance, professional whitening, orthodontics, porcelain veneers or a more protective restoration where substantial tooth tissue is missing. The least invasive suitable option should be considered first.
GOOD QUESTIONS, HONEST ANSWERS
Not always. Edge bonding may cover only a small area, whereas a composite veneer covers much of the front surface. The amount of material affects maintenance, appearance and cost.
Some straightforward cases can, after assessment. Larger changes may need separate planning, whitening, gum care or review visits. The appointment schedule depends on the agreed treatment.
It often needs little preparation, but it should not be described as universally reversible. Removing or replacing composite requires care, and the underlying tooth can still be affected.
It can discolour over time, particularly with smoking and staining foods or drinks. Professional polishing sometimes helps. Whitening products do not reliably lighten the composite itself.
Often yes, after checking why it broke and whether the remaining bond is sound. Repeated breakages may indicate a bite problem or that another restoration is more suitable.
It changes shape rather than moving roots. Adding material to crowded or poorly positioned teeth may create bulky results; orthodontics can be the healthier option for some smiles.
CHOOSE YOUR LOCAL PRACTICE
West Sussex26 Haywards Road
Haywards Heath, RH16 4HT
Surrey3 Manor Road North
Hinchley Wood, Esher, KT10 0AA
South East LondonNHS OR PRIVATE · YOUR CHOICE
Choose your practice, select an available NHS or private appointment and book online in minutes.
Book your appointment onlineREAL PATIENTS · REAL EXPERIENCES
Trusted by patients across our three S3 Dental practices.
