It’s common to want to change your smile, whether that’s to make it brighter, straighter, or more even. Composite bonding is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to improve the look of your teeth, so it’s perfect for people looking for a more cost-effective option than veneers. Your dentist will use a tooth-coloured resin to alter the shape, colour, and profile of your teeth to achieve your desired cosmetic goals.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about composite bonding, such as its lifespan, what affects its durability, how to make it last longer, and whether it’s the right option for your smile.
Before we dive into how long it lasts, you might be wondering what composite bonding actually is. Composite bonding is a non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment where a tooth-coloured resin is applied to your teeth to correct small imperfections.
It’s commonly used for:
Unlike veneers or crowns, there’s no need to remove tooth enamel, so it’s a good option if you want something that’s reversible in the future. It can also usually be completed in a single appointment, making it much more accessible for many of us. Think of it as an instant refresh for your teeth!
Learn more about dental bonding treatment options at our Melbourne clinic.
Composite bonding is one of the most versatile cosmetic dental treatments available, making it perfect for improving the appearance of minor imperfections on your teeth. It’s often used to repair small chips and cracks, close slight gaps between teeth, reshape uneven or worn-down teeth, and cover discolouration that doesn’t respond to whitening treatments. If you have teeth that are too short, irregularly shaped, or slightly crooked, composite bonding can also help create a more symmetrical, polished smile. Perhaps the more apt question is what can’t be fixed with composite bonding! It’s perfect if you want to refresh your look without committing to more invasive options like veneers or orthodontics.
One of the biggest advantages of composite bonding is how simple and non-invasive the process is, especially compared to other cosmetic dental treatments like veneers or crowns. If you’re considering it, it’s natural to want to know exactly what to expect at your appointment. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how composite bonding is done:
At your first consultation, your dentist will assess your teeth, discuss what you’d like to improve, and make sure you’re a good candidate for bonding. They’ll check your overall oral health, as issues like gum disease or untreated decay need to be addressed before any cosmetic work can be done.
Next, your dentist will choose a shade of composite resin that closely matches your natural tooth colour. This step is carefully considered to create a seamless, natural-looking result. If you’re also planning to whiten your teeth, it’s recommended that you do that first, as bonding material won’t lighten with whitening treatments.
Unlike veneers, composite bonding usually requires little to no removal of your natural tooth enamel. The dentist will gently roughen the surface of the tooth to create a better bonding surface. A conditioning liquid is then applied to help the resin adhere properly and securely.
The tooth-coloured resin is then applied in layers to the prepared tooth. Your dentist will carefully mould and sculpt the resin to the desired shape, whether it’s closing a gap, repairing a chip, or evening out an uneven edge. This part is done with expert precision to make sure the bonded area blends naturally with the rest of your teeth.
Once the resin is perfectly shaped, a special curing light hardens it. This only takes a few seconds per layer, and once fully set, the material becomes strong and durable. After curing, your dentist will make any final adjustments to the shape and polish the surface of the bonded area. This makes sure it feels smooth against your tongue and looks glossy and natural. A well-polished bonding treatment should be indistinguishable from the surrounding tooth enamel. Overall, each tooth should take around 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish.
On average, composite bonding can last between four and eight years as long as it's treated properly. This is an impressive amount of time considering they don’t affect your natural teeth’s enamel, so you can reverse the procedure in the future if you want to. However, this is shorter than composite veneers, which last between five and eight years, and considerably less than porcelain veneers, which last between ten and fifteen years.
To make sure your composite bonding lasts for (hopefully) as long as possible, follow our expert advice:
Your dentist can polish your bonding during your check-ups to keep it smooth and remove any minor surface stains. They’ll also be able to recommend it when they think you’ll need it replaced. There’s no guarantee that your composite resin will last the full eight years, but with our above tips, you can give it the best possible chance.
Veneers are another very popular cosmetic dentistry treatment, and they can be made from composite resin, too. However, instead of the resin being laid over the top of your natural tooth, veneers are made from thin shells that are secured over the previously filed-down tooth.
If you’re weighing up your cosmetic dentistry options, you might be wondering whether composite bonding or veneers are the best option for you.
For starters, composite bonding is more affordable than veneers, and it’s easier to complete with just one appointment. On the other hand, veneers often take two to three appointments to complete. So, if you’re looking for a cheaper option that’s more convenient to fit into your busy schedule, composite bonding is a great option.
However, it’s important to note that veneers can last much longer than composite bonding, with their lifespans ranging from 10 to 15 years and 4 to 8 years, respectively. Veneers are also more stain-resistant and can look more natural against composite resin.
One of the most important things to remember is that composite bonding is reversible, as it doesn’t affect your tooth enamel, so you should be able to have it removed if you change your mind in the future. Veneers, however, require your natural teeth to be shaved down to fit the teeth caps, making this an irreversible process. It’s vital that you consider whether you’re happy to stick with the decision to have veneers for life, or if you’d prefer something less permanent.
Learn more about veneer treatment options at our Melbourne clinic.
While composite bonding is a fantastic option for many minor cosmetic fixes, it isn’t indestructible. Keep reading to learn what you need to be aware of before looking after your composite veneers.
Bonding on your front teeth naturally experiences more wear and tear from biting, chewing, and talking. If you’re partial to particularly chewy or tough food, your composite bonding might not last as long as intended. Some dentists will advise you to check your diet after getting composite bonding so you don’t have to get it redone too quickly because of uninformed choices.
Speaking of your diet, composite resin might also last a shorter amount of time if you eat lots of foods prone to staining. Things like coffee, tea, red wine, and curry can all leave marks on your bonding, leaving you with stained teeth. Composite resin is more porous than natural enamel, so it’s important that you consider whether you want to risk eating staining foods, as this might mean having to replace the resin within a few years.
Bad habits can greatly affect the longevity of your composite bonding, such as teeth grinding, chewing pens, and biting your fingernails. If you do any of these bad habits, it can put constant pressure on your teeth and damage both the natural teeth and the composite resin. Similarly, smoking can stain the teeth and weaken the bond, leading to subpar results. Working towards moving away from these bad habits can help you get the most out of your new smile.
Good oral hygiene habits can help extend the life of your composite bonding. Brushing twice daily, flossing, and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups will prevent plaque buildup, which can stain or weaken the resin. It’s a good idea to have regular check-ups with your dentist to check the security of the resin anyway, so we recommend keeping up with these appointments to keep you on track with your oral hygiene routine and check your dental work.
Composite bonding is one of the more affordable cosmetic dental treatments, especially when compared to porcelain veneers or crowns. In Australia, the cost typically ranges from $250 to $600 per tooth, depending on the complexity of your specific case, the number of teeth treated, and your dental clinic’s pricing. Factors like whether your tooth needs reshaping, the extent of damage, or if you’re bonding multiple areas will influence the final amount you have to pay. Your dentist should be able to provide a tailored quote after an initial assessment and talking through your specific smile goals.
If you’re after a quick, affordable, and effective way to enhance your smile, composite bonding is an excellent option. With proper care, your results can last for years, and minor repairs are simple if needed. The key to longevity is good oral hygiene, sensible habits, and regular dental visits. Whether you’re closing a small gap, fixing a chip, or just freshening up your smile, composite bonding offers natural-looking, confidence-boosting results without the commitment of more invasive procedures.
Thinking about bonding? Book a consultation with your dentist - they’ll let you know if it’s the right choice for you and give you an idea of what to expect.
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