What happens to my teeth under composite bonding?

Based in Bradford, our team at Pearl Dental regularly carry out composite bonding procedures. One of the most frequent questions we’re asked is – what happens to my teeth under the composite resin?

Composite bonding is a minimally invasive procedure that usually needs little or no removal of natural tooth. Composite bonding is designed to treat minor imperfections such as chips and cracks, and can also be used to reshape your teeth, making them subtly longer, straighter, or more symmetrical. Composite bonding can also treat stubborn stains or discolouration. 

How does composite bonding work? 

Composite bonding is known in dentistry as an additive procedure, which means that little or nothing is taken away from your tooth’s structure; your dentist will usually only slightly roughen or etch your enamel with a dental gel so your composite veneers will adhere to the surface. 

We will mould the resin so that it fits your tooth, and then apply it. Your dentist will then harden the composite resin with a curing light. 

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If you choose to have your composites removed, your underlying tooth is usually left largely as it was. Composite bonding generally lasts between 5 to 7 years. However, you can help it last longer with good oral hygiene. We offer minor touch-ups and repairs for your bonding after it has been applied. 

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Does composite bonding harm tooth enamel? 

The short answer is no. Unlike crowns or veneers, composite bonding requires very little or no enamel to be removed, preserving your natural tooth structure. This means that composite bonding can be easily repaired or replaced, and unlike crowns or ceramic veneers, it can usually be reversed with little effect on your natural teeth.

Rather than harming your tooth enamel, composite bonding can provide a little extra protection if chips and cracks are filled; it is made from the same material as composite dental fillings. However, it cannot prevent tooth decay or inflammation from developing. 

A small number of patients can experience tooth sensitivity in the first few weeks if their enamel was slightly etched. However, this usually passes quickly; if it persists, let us know so we can assess the problem. 

Will composite bonding cause tooth decay? 

Composite bonding itself does not cause tooth decay. However, the safety of the procedure depends on the skill and technique of your dentist. If your bonding is not properly sealed underneath, then bacteria can accumulate underneath and decay can develop. 

If you had composite bonding some time ago, sometimes the sealant used to secure the bonding can deteriorate, allowing bacteria to accumulate underneath. We therefore recommend having your bonding replaced every five to seven years. 

Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups reduce this risk and help protect your teeth. 

Will composite bonding damage my teeth? 

Composite bonding is a minimally invasive procedure that leaves most of your tooth enamel intact. The bonding material is not harmful, and composite bonding is a safe and effective option to fix small chips, cracks and discolouration. 

However, it’s important to remember that composite resin is more prone to staining and wear and tear than natural tooth enamel. If you grind or clench your teeth, your bonding may wear down faster. Additionally, composite bonding is more easily stained than natural tooth enamel, and will need repair or replacement every 5 to 7 years. 

Do my teeth stay the same colour under composite bonding? 

We’re occasionally asked about viral internet claims about dental procedures, and are aware of a recent rumour that states that under composite bonding, your teeth can turn yellow, or ‘trap’ stains on your teeth. 

Your teeth should not become discoloured or stained under well-sealed bonding; in fact, having your natural enamel covered can prevent it becoming stained. However, the composite resin itself can become stained over time, especially if you smoke or consume particularly staining foods on a regular basis. 

In order to make your composite bonding last longer, we recommend avoiding tobacco products and limiting how much you eat food and drink which is particularly staining, such as red wine, turmeric and some berries. Sugary and fizzy drinks can also erode composite bonding; we recommend avoiding these, or only consuming them in moderation.

Over time, your composites can start to become more noticeable, especially if the surface becomes stained and loses polish. In this case, we recommend having your bonding repaired or replaced. 

It is important to note that composite bonding cannot be whitened. If you are planning to have your teeth whitened, we recommend you schedule this before your composite bonding. Once you’ve had teeth whitening treatment, you’ll be able to choose a composite shade that matches your enamel. 

Can a tooth have composite bonding if it’s already decayed? 

It’s possible, but the decay must be completely removed first. When you come to see us at Pearl Dental, we will clean your cavity and then place a filling on top. The composite bonding can often be made from the same material as the filling, in one appointment. 

However, composite bonding is a cosmetic procedure, and is generally not suitable for treating decay. If the decay is extensive, your dentist might recommend a crown or a porcelain veneer, as these are stronger and more long-lasting. 

However, if your tooth is severely decayed or is failing, we may recommend a dental implant. 

How do I know if my tooth is damaged under composite bonding? 

With a good oral hygiene routine, teeth with composite bonding should remain healthy. However, there are some signs that might suggest a problem. These include: 

• Increased sensitivity to temperature which does not pass with time
• Pain when biting or chewing
• A change in the way your teeth feel when biting
• Discolouration or greyness around the edge of the bonding
• Small pieces of bonding chipping away 

If you experience any of these, please come and see us in Bradford so we can assess the problem and provide treatment. 

How do I look after my teeth with composite bonding? 

The good news is that looking after your bonded teeth is exactly the same as looking after all the others. 

As with other healthy teeth, we recommend maintaining an oral care routine including brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and using interdental brushes. 

However, there are a few points to bear in mind to help your composites last longer. 

These include avoiding tobacco products, sugary and fizzy drinks, and particularly staining foods. As composite resin is not as strong as tooth enamel, we recommend taking care when chewing harder foods such as apples and some nuts, and avoiding biting pens or other inanimate objects. 

If you grind your teeth, we recommend a night guard; for more information, ask your dentist. At our Bradford practice, a night bite guard is £275. We also strongly recommend protecting your teeth if you play sports.

How much does composite bonding cost in Bradford? 

Composite bonding starts from £300 per tooth; at Pearl Dental, we also offer a range of flexible payment plans. However, the cost will vary depending on the complexity of your treatment and the number of teeth to be treated. 

Explore the full price list at Pearl Dental in Queensbury.

What happens to teeth underneath composite bonding? 

Very little. Composite bonding is a safe, cost-effective procedure to repair minor chips and cracks in between teeth, treat small gaps in your teeth or make them slightly longer or more even. It leaves most of your natural tooth intact. 

When done by a dental professional, composite bonding can last between 5 and 7 years. If you’re having composite bonding, it’s important to maintain a good oral care routine to prevent bacteria getting underneath; we also recommend having it repaired or replaced if it starts to wear down.