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7 Things You Need To Know About Composite Bonding In 2024

Dr. Niall Vallely Profile Image

Last Reviewed 12 March 2024

Medically reviewed by Dr. Niall Vallely, Bachelor Dent. Sc. (Trinity College Dublin) 2003, Cosmetic Dentist

Table of Contents

Composite bonding or cosmetic bonding is a treatment where your dentist adds a special coloured resin to your teeth to improve their appearance. 

It is absolutely pain free, no anaesthesia is needed and there is no permanent alteration to the natural tooth structure, as no drilling is necessary.

It (composite bonding) is a very good option for fixing chipped, fractured or discoloured teeth, to close small gaps or to improve the general appearance of your smile.  Dr. Niall Vallely

Using modern materials and simple techniques, composite bonding is an affordable and faster alternative to dental crowns or veneers, as it can be done in one single visit to the dentist, which saves you time and money.

1. Composite Bonding For Crooked Teeth

composite bonding - smile 4 - Before - 3Dental
Composite bonding - smile 4 - after - 3Dental

Before and After (Click to enlarge) - Dental Cosmetic Bonding

Composite bonding can help to improve the appearance of slightly crooked teeth. By adding some composite resin in strategic places, your dentist can hide or mascarade misaligned teeth, improving the appearance of your smile.

However, please do keep in mind that it is only possible to correct minor position problems with composite bonding

When tooth are more severely misaligned, we would recommend an orthodontic treatment prior to bonding.

2. Composite Bonding For Bottom Teeth

Composite bonding can be used to improve the aesthetic of the bottom teeth as well, but there are some factors that need to be considered before doing it, like the patient’s bite and how the top and bottom teeth meet. 

If the patient has bruxism or suffers from teeth grinding, dental bonding is not a good option because the composite resin is not strong enough to resist to the forces and may fracture.

3. Can Composite Bonding Close Gaps In My Front Teeth?

Composite Bonding - smile 22 - before - 3Dental
Composite Bonding - smile 22 - after - 3Dental

Rickie (Click to enlarge) - Dental Cosmetic Bonding

Yes! Composite bonding is a very good option for closing small gaps between teeth. Either for a single gap or multiple small gaps between all the teeth, you can achieve amazing results with bonding. 

Your dentist places the composite resin on the teeth, closing the gaps between them or making them more discrete if it is not possible to close them completely. 

However, if the gap is too big, the dentist might consider a quick orthodontic treatment before going with the bonding, to avoid extremely big or disproportional teeth.

Is Composite Bonding Right For You?

Based in Dublin, Limerick and Galway - we offer free, no-obligation consultations :)

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4. Composite Bonding On Overlapping Teeth

Overlapping teeth can sometimes make us self-conscious about our smiles. Whether it's a slight overlap or something more pronounced, composite bonding offers a non-invasive solution to enhance your smile's appearance. By carefully applying composite resin to the overlapping teeth, your dentist can significantly improve their alignment and appearance, making the overlap less noticeable.

Composite bonding is particularly effective for minor overlaps, where the resin can be sculpted to create the illusion of straighter teeth. The process is quick, pain-free, and does not require the removal of any tooth structure, preserving the integrity of your natural teeth.

Essentially, this is an excellent option if you're looking for a cosmetic improvement without the commitment to orthodontic treatment. In cases of severe overlap, orthodontic solutions may be recommended to address the underlying issue before considering bonding.

5. Does It Hurt?

Composite bonding is absolutely pain free. No injection is necessary and there is no drilling in the natural teeth. Dr. Niall Vallely

The composite resin will be added to the clean surface of the tooth, and gently polished in the end. 

6. What Are The Advantages and Disadvantages Of Composite Bonding?

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Painless procedure - No injections requiredIt is not as strong as other cosmetic materials - the bonding can break or chip under pressure.
No drilling - The tooth structure is preservedComposite resin can stain under certain habits and pigments, like smoking or frequent coffee/tea drinking. Some types of food and drinks can also cause discoloration of the composite.
Durability - Bonding is expected to last between 5 to 7 years if the patient takes good care of it and has regular visits to the hygienist.It is short, compared to the 15 years that a porcelain veneer is expected to last.
No lab work necessary - Can be done in one single visit to the dentist.
Price - Cheaper than other cosmetic treatments

Is Composite Bonding Right For You?

Based in Dublin, Limerick and Galway - we offer free, no-obligation consultations :)

Book Your Free Consultation

7. How Long Does Composite Bonding Last?

composite bonding - ciara rossi - Before - 3Dental
composite bonding - ciara rossi - after - 3Dental

Before and After (Click to enlarge) - Dental Cosmetic Bonding

On average, composite bonding treatment can last between 5 to 7 years, depending on several factors, such as your oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and whether you avoid activities that could chip or damage the resin, like wearing a mouthguard to protect your bonding if you grind your teeth at night.

Composite Bonding Near Me

We offer free consultations in all our clinics - allowing you to get all your questions answered before you proceed with treatment!

Visit Our Dublin, Limerick Or Galway Clinic

The Red Cow Complex, Naas Rd, Fox-And-Geese, Dublin, D22 KV24

Old Quarter House, Little Ellen St, Limerick, V94 D72V

28, Briarhill Business Park, Galway, H91 C9DR

Conclusion

3dental dublin and limerick
3dental dublin and limerick

For patients who have healthy natural teeth and desire a quick solution to improve the appearance or their smile, composite bonding is a fast, painless and affordable option.

It is the least invasive way of getting teeth aesthetically restored. 

It is suitable for almost everyone and cheaper than other cosmetic treatments. You can get immediate results, as it only requires one visit to the dentist. Check out our Smile Gallery and Testimonials pages to see and hear from our previous bonding patients.

So, if you have any minor dental problems that you are not happy with, talk to us about composite bonding. It might be the best solution to make you smile again!

Is Composite Bonding Right For You?

Based in Dublin, Limerick and Galway - we offer free, no-obligation consultations :)

Book Your Free Consultation

Recent Reviews

Kieran Spillane

“Can’t recommend 3Dental Limerick enough. I’ve got composite bonding here years ago and I’ve had trouble with one tooth in particular that has chipped a couple of times (my own fault) and Fearghal has...”

Niamh Cryan

“I had such an amazing experience at 3Dental Limerick! I had braces when I was younger and in the ~9 years since they came off my teeth had started to slightly move back into a more crooked alignment....”

Ashley Hynes

“I couldn’t recommend 3Dental Galway enough. The staff are so professional and accommodating. Dr. Paul O’Connell was fantastic. I had fixed braces and bonding to my teeth and I couldn’t be happier...”

Evan McMahon

“Would highly recommend Aishling the dental hygienist at 3Dental Galway. Very professional, positive, and down-to-earth person. She makes time to speak you, whilst also been very informative and...”

Marie Nevin

“I can smile again, thanks to Dr. Andrea and her team. I would totally recommend 3Dental Galway. I was treated with the utmost care and professionalism from start to finish.”

Clare McSharry

“I travelled from Sligo to Galway to get 2 teeth implants done by Dr. Andrea Uribarri. The service was excellent during the implant process. I have been back for 1 checkup, and I'm really happy with...”

Nicole Ward

“Highly recommend 3Dental. Just had my braces removed after 1 year and a half and so happy with the results. My orthodontist Tatiana was amazing to deal with, so calming and friendly at every visit....”

EJ Ryan

“Very happy with the excellent professional service from Peter Doherty.”

Brian Cooper

“Didn't think I would be given a review about a dentist, but I have to highly recommend 3Dental about their professional team, especially Dr Peter Doherty, who looked after me with my dental implants,...”

Ciaran Kavanagh

“Where do I start, I was looking for some dental work to be done,I knew it was not going to be any straightforward procedure. I searched the Internet and found 3Dental. I am so glad that I did, I am...”

Owen

“Never bothered by having to go to the dentist again. I had to get whitening, bonding and a crown done over the space of a year and it was a great experience. The team are A1 and Fergal is a great...”

Keith O'Brien

“I would highly recommend 3Dental. This time last year I was in constant pain with infections and my teeth were in a bad way. I came across 3Dental while searching for dental implants. I had...”

Eileen Dempsey

“I have just had my Implant, from Doctor Peter Doherty, and have to say i was treated so well from start to finish, and the end result is amazing. I am so very happy with my new smile, i will attend...”

Viv van der Holst

“Firstly apologies for the delay in writing this review. I have been too busy smiling again :) And chewing food normally. I cannot express enough the gratitude I feel towards Dr Andoni Jones and his...”

Sean Dentur

“I got 6 implants over past 2 years in 3Dental. Very efficient/professional and kind staff. Would highly recommend them.”

Whitney Culleton

“I had an consultation for composite bonding with a female dentist back in December and I left not feeling great about the app so rather than leaving a bad review I reached out to Dr Niall for a...”

Tara Henshaw

“I had composite bonding done with Dr Carmen and gingivectomy with Dr Andoni Jones , they were both brilliant. Thanks so much to them both they were so friendly and so good at their job I'm delighted...”

Caitlin Morrison

“I've been going to 3Dental the last year with Dr Carmen. She's amazing so nice and her work is great Got my composite bonding with her defo recommend always give advice and always there if needs be...”

Jane Russell

“Such a brilliant clinic with fantastic service. Had to have a couple of things done with fillings and bonding so I saw a number of dentists, all of whom were total pros and expert at what they do. A...”

Caroline O'Brien

“I have had lots of treatment and also my 2 daughters here in 3Dental which included root canal wisdom tooth extraction crowns and now implants and All on the same premises. All staff we have met have...”

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