Composite Bonding

Prices for cosmetic procedures like composite bonding will depend on the materials used and how many teeth are being treated. At Ruh Dental, we only use top-quality materials, and prices start from £410 for one tooth, with financing options starting at £6 per month.

The composites themselves are done in one appointment. We will always book a consultation appointment first. Most people will have a review appointment after to ensure they are completely happy.

The great majority of all cases are completed pain-free and without the need for local anaesthetic.

In most cases composite is applied with no obvious drilling to the natural tooth. For cases that require tooth adjustment, you will be advised beforehand in the consultation appointment.

As with most cosmetic dental procedures they will eventually need replacing. Typically we see good results of up to 5 years for composite veneers and 7 years for edge bonding, dependent upon care.

There is no minimum recommendation for this. In order to gain optimal aesthetic results most individuals require approximately 8-10 composite restorations. This allows for a more uniform and symmetrical smile.

Composite bonding is a single session treatment option which is great to correct smaller imperfections, chips, cracks and minor spacing between the teeth.

Veneers on the other hand are lab made ultra thin sheets of ceramic material which are shaped to fit onto the teeth. They usually require some removal of natural tooth structure to create enough space for the veneer to attach to the tooth. They are normally recommended for larger imperfections of the teeth and as they are lab made, are more costly than composite bonding.

We would always recommend straightening before the bonding as it helps. Slight minor misalignment can be masked with composite. However it is always advisable to straighten with braces or invisalign first.

The tooth surface is thoroughly cleaned and then prepared with a gel that roughens the surface microscopically. The putty like composite resin material is then applied using special instruments and brushes to sculpt to the desired shape, often in several layers. Using a special light, the material is then hardened. Further layers can then be added accordingly. The procedure is then completed with smoothing of the tooth surface and polishing.

For many people, composite bonding is an excellent investment. It offers a fast, affordable way to improve the shape, brightness and symmetry of your teeth without the commitment or cost of veneers or crowns. Because it’s minimally invasive and usually completed in a single visit, patients often find it gives them impressive results at a lower price point. If you’re looking for a subtle but transformative upgrade that protects your natural tooth structure, bonding is often well worth it.

The composite material itself cannot decay, but the tooth underneath still can. Decay is usually the result of poor oral hygiene, worn bonding edges or gaps where bacteria can accumulate if the initial work was not done precisely. This is why choosing an experienced cosmetic dentist and maintaining regular check-ups is so important. When bonding is carefully shaped and sealed, the risk of decay is greatly reduced.

Composite bonding does come with a few limitations. While it can last five to ten years, some patients eventually need touch ups, so it is not as long-lasting as porcelain veneers. Bonding can stain more easily if you frequently drink coffee, tea or red wine, and it can also chip if you bite your nails or chew on hard objects. For larger cosmetic procedures or patients wanting maximum durability, porcelain veneers may be more suitable. During your consultation, our dentists can explain honestly whether composite bonding is the best option for you.

You can usually eat as soon as the appointment is finished, although we recommend avoiding hard or very chewy foods for the first day. This helps protect the fresh bonding and reduces the chance of early chipping. After that initial period, you can eat normally.