What is composite bonding?

Composite bonding, composite veneers or edge bonding are dental techniques used when your dentist applies a tooth-coloured resin to the full frontal surface or the edges (i.e. tips and sides) of the teeth. You can also receive composite bonding and composite veneers as parts of the same treatment plan.

What dental issues can composite bonding treat?

Composite bonding treatment is a really versatile, gentle and conservative dental treatment used to fix chipped teeth, close gaps, change the shape and size of teeth, and alter a tooth’s colour and shade.

Whether bonding is used over traditional veneers depends on what issues you have regarding your defective teeth. This includes what shape, size, shape and position you want in the final result. For example, if you have a few minor chips but are still happy with the shape and colour of your teeth, then composite edge bonding is a highly recommended treatment option.

However, if you’re looking to correct more complex issues such as the shape or size of teeth, alignment, and/or want them looking whiter, then covering the full surfaces of a tooth to build up a composite veneer may be recommended.

Composite bonding is getting more and more popular as a more affordable alternative to porcelain veneers. It’s also a more conservative and less invasive treatment that requires minimal preparation of your natural teeth and removal of tooth structure and enamel.

Are you suitable for composite bonding treatment?

Your suitability for composite bonding treatment is dependent on what results you want to achieve and how healthy your teeth are. These factors can only be assessed via a thorough oral examination in the dental chair.

During this examination, your dentist will assess your teeth, gums and bite. If you have any dental issues, such as tooth decay, cavities or gum disease, these oral conditions should be treated prior to commencing composite bonding treatment. Likewise, if you clench or grind your teeth, resolving these issues may be required before any cosmetic work can be done.

Additionally, if your teeth are misaligned, then you may need to have orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign. If you don’t have your teeth straightened first, then your final results may be compromised in the long term. It’s also a recommended to complete a teeth whitening session before composite bonding or veneer treatment since the colour of the resin cannot be altered once cured.