Composite Bonding Putney - Tooth Bonding Wandsworth

An easy, fast and effective way to transform your smile

Composite bonding is the addition of white filling material to copy or improve the cosmetics of your teeth. White filling material has come a long way over the last 20 years to the point now where the addition of composite bonding has become a viable alternative to the placement of porcelain veneers. It involves the removal of little or no tooth structure, which is something we value highly at Ethicare Dental.

If you look carefully at your teeth you will see that the colour graduates throughout the tooth. They are often a bit darker at the neck and more translucent at the tips. The colour is determined by what degree the tooth reflects or absorbs light. We can place composite materials in layers to replace or transform the individual elements of tooth structure, starting with the underlying dentine and then the enamel layer overlying this. By doing this it is possible to very nearly mimic the appearance of the adjacent tooth or, if a tooth is broken, to copy what remains of that tooth. Composite bonding can be used to change the shape and colour of the teeth or even to align the teeth.

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What does the treatment involve?

Firstly, we prepare your teeth for treatment. They are carefully cleaned and dried, before we add a special acidic gel to create a rough surface for the composite material to effectively bond to.

The composite is applied in layers, as we gradually and expertly build up the desired shape. We ensure the composite material is carefully colour matched to blend seamlessly with the rest of your teeth, or used in a new shade on all your teeth to truly transform your smile.

The composite is hardened under a blue light, and sets straightaway. We polish the tooth to give it a beautiful shine, leaving it looking smooth and healthy. Your tooth has full function immediately, and you can return to your normal daily activities as soon as you leave the practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Composite bonding is suitable for almost everyone, and is a popular, fast and affordable treatment. Patients who have worn their teeth through clenching or grinding and who want to improve the appearance of their shortened teeth are often ideal candidates for composite bonding. It adheres well to the underlying tooth structure and can achieve excellent results.
Yes, the great advantage of composite bonding is that it is a very forgiving material. It can be easily added to and repaired, as it bonds to itself as well as to your tooth enamel. For larger areas of damage, we may decide to remove the bonding and replace it, but this all takes place in a single appointment.
To transform the appearance of your smile, porcelain veneers still provide the ultimate in cosmetics and are better at masking very dark tooth structure. However, placing porcelain veneers can be risky, since if the porcelain fractures because of high forces involved with clenching, it cannot be repaired but has to be replaced. Composite bonding is about half the price of veneers, and, combined with all the benefits which go along with maintaining your tooth, is a very good option.
All you need to do to look after your tooth and keep the composite lasting as long as possible is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home. Treat the tooth just like you would a natural one, and make sure you brush and floss twice a day. You should also make sure you visit your dentist for regular check ups, so they can keep an eye on your composite bonding and overall oral health.
Composite bonding material and treatment will not damage your tooth in any way. There is no need to remove a layer of enamel prior to treatment, so the composite can be applied, removed and repaired without affecting the tooth underneath.