What is Composite Bonding and How Much Does it Cost?

Jul 2017

27th

27th of July 2017

A common question we are asked is what is composite bonding? The term itself does not mean a great deal and is not self-explanatory. Well, I will try to explain as best as I can in simple terms how the treatment is actually completed, and how much it costs.

What Is Composite Bonding?

Composite bonding involves the adding of a very aesthetic white filling to one or several of your teeth to make them look nicer. For example, if there is a chip on the edge of one of your teeth or it is worn down or there are gaps this can be corrected with composite bonding.

The beauty of this technique is that we do not need to drill away any tooth to provide the treatment in the majority of cases. On occasion, some sharp edges or thick enamel may need to be removed prior to the bonding but this would be very minimal. Therefore, composite bonding is reversible! Is that not great? A cosmetic treatment that can be reversed should you wish. I have never been asked to remove any bonding as of yet, but there is always a first time I guess!

If we look back a few years to the time of Extreme Makeover (remember that program?), virtually all of the cases involved a smile makeover using porcelain veneers and crowns. These look beautiful, no doubt. However, to make a porcelain veneer or crown especially, we have to cut the teeth down a great deal to make space for the porcelain. This is destructive and removes virtually all of the enamel from the tooth. Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the body and protects the biological aspects of the tooth such as the dentine (inner surface) and nerve area. Therefore, the tooth will be more prone to problems in the future without question. Now there is a time and place for porcelain veneers and crowns but, in my opinion, not on virgin teeth and with a minimal preparation as possible.

My point is therefore, that with a technique like composite bonding, there is NO risk at all to the underlying tooth. The worst that could happen is that it chips, stains or becomes discoloured. Disaster! Not quite; the bonding can simply be replenished without fuss.

How Is It Done?

There are a few simple steps, which I will share with you now:

1. The tooth is washed with an acid etch of phosphoric acid 30% for 15-30 seconds. This sounds harsh but enamel is a mineral. It can take it. The etch enhances the bonding.

2. A bonding resin is placed over the tooth and is activated by a light. We use LED these days which generates less heat that the old halogen lights.

3. The white filling material is then layered over the tooth sequentially and set with the light. I use Empress Direct and GC G-aenial as my preferred composites.

4. We may need to use certain cords, clear strips, wedges in between the teeth to create a sound margin to the tooth.

5. Once the tooth is build back up, it is contoured to size and polished in a few steps with lots of water.

6. The bite is checked and the final polish is completed.

Sounds simple? Well, it is. However, it takes a few years to get really good at composite bonding. As with everything in life, the more you do of something, the better you get.

Teeth Gap Filling

The technique for teeth gap filling is similar to above but we want to fill gaps between teeth rather than enhance the appearance of a single or multiple teeth. In this case, I advise a very simple mock up where we can add the composite bonding directly to the tooth/teeth to fill the space and show you how the bonding would look prior to actual treatment. As long as the proportions of the teeth remain natural, the result can be incredible. On occasion, it just does not look right especially if a single tooth is widened too much. In this case, it may be that orthodontic treatment is needed or minimal preparation porcelain or composite veneers.

Composite Bonding Cost UK

The price will vary at different dental practices. The typical composite bonding cost for 2024 to 2025 in the UK is between £250 and £350 per tooth. At Progressive Dentistry we charge £300 per tooth. Compared to porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns or even composite veneers or crowns, this is cost effective and non-invasive. It is a treatment I highly recommend. After all, we were born with lovely tooth enamel. Why strip it all away when there is an alternative that is aesthetic, non-invasive and more cost effective?

Composite Bonding Before & After

Below you can see what a difference the treatment can have. Our client was delighted as the shapes of her teeth had bugged her for ages. Within three quarters of an hour, we could achieve a stunning result without any drilling of the teeth, no needles and no pain. What's more is that after a few weeks, the area looks even better as the gum line adapts around the teeth and bonding.

Our client did not like how the lateral incisor teeth were small compared to the central teeth.

Beautiful symmetry and natural elegance. All in one visit, in just under 60 minutes.

If you would like to know more about composite bonding or arrange a consultation, please feel free to e mail me:

nissit@progressivedentistry.co.uk or book in a free video consultation.

Book a free consultation

Article written by Dr Nissit Patel BDS MClinDent (Pros) Clinical Director at Progressive Dentistry.

Tagged with: Cosmetic bonding Non invasive dentistry Cosmetic dentistry Composite bonding

No drill smile makeover

Smile makeover in one day and with no drilling

Improving ones smile does not have to involve complex dental treatment , multiple visits , drilling of teeth or a high price tag. In many cases, we can use modern, minimally invasive techniques such as composite bonding to enhance a smile in one visit and is also kind to your wallet!

How can you change the colour of a dark front tooth?

One of the most common causes of discoloured teeth is due to a 'dead tooth' or a tooth that is root filled. All of our teeth are supplied by nerve and blood supply. Now when a tooth needs a root canal treatment, this supply called the pulp is removed which can lead to the deposition of blood products within the tooth which is then absorbed by the tooth leading to a darker colour. On a back tooth, this may not have any major issue but on a front tooth is a different matter altogether!

Improving your smile with composite bonding

A smile speaks a thousand words as the old saying goes. Sometimes, it is the little changes that really make a difference. This may not be evident to everyone but if a small enhancement gives you more confidence then this make a huge difference to ones wellbeing.

One of the ways we can enahnce a smile is with a technique called composite bonding. Our case of the month for January 2025 is really a classic one where bonding was used to improve the smile symmetry in a subtle yet striking way.

Composite Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers: Which is Right for Your Smile?

Is composite bonding as good as porcelain veneers?

To answer this question, we really need to differentiate the two treatments as they are two different treatment entirely.

Composite bonding is an additive process. In simple terms, we carefully sculpt composite resin over the teeth in question. This can be used to treat chipped, fractured, uneven and gappy teeth. Composite can also be used to replace old fillings on front ( or back) teeth. The great advantage of bonding includes:

1. Treatment is completed in one visit; an instant smile transformation!
2. Minimally invasive. There is little, if any, drilling of the underlying teeth needed.
3. Biologically safe for the teeth and gums. There is no risk of damage to the nerve.
4. Composite can be easily maintained.
5. More affordable than porcelain veneers or ceramic crowns.
6. Composite will protect the underlying teeth from further wear and tear.

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