How Long Does Composite Bonding Last?

Composite bonding is one of the most aesthetically beautiful and time-tested methods for fixing crooked or damaged teeth. Modern bonding materials are not only long-lasting, but they also match the shade and colour of natural teeth, making them nearly indistinguishable from natural ones. Everything you want to know about dental bonding and how it can give you an amazing smile is covered in this article.

What exactly is the process of Composite Bonding?

Composite Bonding is a dental technique that uses a resin-based, tooth-coloured filling material to repair the shape and appearance of your teeth. The BACD (British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) promotes bonding as a minimally invasive method for repairing seriously damaged teeth and blemished smiles. Unlike veneers and crowns, the dental procedure does not require the removal of any of the original tooth surfaces. A composite resin material is applied in layers to the surface of the tooth, reshaping and correcting problems in one session, making it a convenient choice for many patients. Cracks, chips, and discolouration can all be repaired using bonding procedures, resulting in a natural-looking repair that blends in naturally with the smile. 

So how long does Composite Bonding last?

Composite bonding is not a long-term solution for replacing teeth. The filling material gradually degrades and becomes porous. Over time, the bonded fillings get weaker. The good thing is that bonded filling problems can be fixed if identified early. Your dentist might need to get a new filing if there is significant damage to the existing one.

As long as you refrain from biting hard meals or having any accidents, composite bonding can endure anything from four to eight years. Numerous variables, including the tooth’s location, the degree of dental damage, eating patterns, and the level of oral cleanliness, affect how long the composite lasts. For instance, the front teeth do not often receive as much biting force as the back teeth, which are responsible for breaking food into tiny particles, but both can benefit from cosmetic dental bonding to improve their appearance. As a result, bonded fillings on front teeth tend to last longer than those on back teeth. 

While composite bonding isn’t the most durable restorative treatment available, it has numerous advantages, particularly for your dental health. 

Which is better: Composite Bonding or Veneers?

Composite bonding can be used instead of veneers, but which is the better option? 

Veneers are made in a dental laboratory under regulated conditions, so they have fewer structural flaws and are tougher and more lasting than bonded fillings. However, they are more pricey. Bonding should be enough to repair a small structural or aesthetic defect in a tooth. Composite bonding does not remove any natural tooth structure and is not a permanent treatment. 

Composite Bonding
Advantage	Disadvantage
Because no enamel is removed for bonding to fuse to the original tooth, its effect on the health of the teeth being treated is minimal.	Composite bonding can weaken with time, causing cracks and flaws. Bonding lasts from 4 to 8 years.
Composite restorations are performed in the dental chair, so repairs can be completed in a single session.	Bonding repairs and touch-ups are performed by hand rather than digitally presented on the chair side.
Composite bonding is a flexible procedure that can be used on both front and back teeth to restore damaged biting surfaces, fill cavities, and cure chipping.	It takes time to fix and mend each tooth individually with composite. Appointments might take a long time to acquire the desired effect, whereas veneers require less time in the chair.

Dental Veneers
Advantage	Disadvantage
High-quality dental materials ensure a realistic finish and long-lasting results.	Veneers are permanent because a layer of enamel has to be removed to allow the dental work.
Can be designed digitally and produced with computer precision.	Veneers are more expensive than bonding because of the additional work involved and the cost of the materials.
Smile design technology offers greater consumer control over the finished output.	Veneers take longer to create and are moulded offsite at a dental laboratory, requiring more than one appointment to see the final outcome.

What does composite edge bonding mean?

Composite can be used to lengthen teeth in the front of the smile by building up or down from the tooth’s edge. Composite edge bonding is used to rebuild the structure of teeth that have been gradually worn down or damaged. It particularly useful for minor chips and nicks because the repairs are quick to finish. 

Can composite bonding treatment fix gaps in my smile?

Composite bonding can be used to fill in any ‘black triangles’ between teeth caused by gum recession. Composite is quite adaptable in terms of how it can be layered on the tooth structure. However, for severe gaps caused by decay or accidents, your dentist may prescribe a crown as a stronger and more long-lasting alternative for filling in your smile, especially when tooth bonding may not suffice. 

Is it possible to apply composite bonding on the back of the front teeth?

Composite bonding can be applied to almost any tooth surface. If you have tooth decay on the rear of your front teeth, your dentist will simply remove the affected area and then apply a bonded filling to the tooth. But it also depends on the severity of tooth decay. If the tooth is severely decayed, your dentist may recommend crowns and veneers.

What makes a composite bonding different from a white filling?

White fillings, which use composite to repair tooth structure, are not considered the same procedure. White fillings serve to restore damage caused by a cavity or other forms of dental disease. We use fillings on the rear teeth to restore damaged teeth that will need to be extracted to treat decay. Composite bonding is one of the most effective methods for healing damaged teeth. Bonded fillings can correct a crooked or chipped tooth, as well as remove teeth stains. Unlike unsightly silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings blend in with your natural teeth and provide outstanding aesthetics.

Can severe fluorosis be covered by dental composite bonding?

Fluorosis, according to the British Fluoridation Society, is a condition characterised by early exposure to excessive fluoride levels, primarily through drinking water. As a result, fluorosis causes enamel hypomineralisation, making the teeth appear powdery and stained with brown. Thankfully, there are several solutions to this aesthetic issue, one of which is bonded filings. Your dentist will just remove the damaged piece of the tooth and then use a composite filling to cover the underlying discolouration. Porcelain veneers and crowns are further choices for visually correcting fluorosis tooth discolouration.

Contact us at Blessing Dental Care if you want to know about Composite Bonding!

Contact us at Blessing Dental Care to begin the procedure today. You can schedule an appointment with a member of our dental team online using our booking system here, or by calling 01505 800 383. If you have any concerns regarding our composite bonding treatment and would like to find out more, please use our contact form.