Safety
Does composite bonding damage your teeth?
No, not in the way crowns or most porcelain veneers do. The dentist lightly roughens the enamel so the composite grips, and usually removes little or no tooth. That's why bonding can usually be polished off later. The real risks are chips, stain and sore gums if the edges are bulky or hard to clean.
What's actually done to the tooth
The surface is cleaned, then roughened or etched with a mild gel for about half a minute so the bonding agent can grip. The composite goes on top in layers. No injection, no drilling into the tooth in a standard case. Compare that with a crown, where the tooth is cut down all round, or a porcelain veneer, which usually needs a thin layer of enamel taken off the front.
The real risks
- Chips. The most common problem, mostly on biting edges. Repaired in a visit.
- Stain. Composite picks up stain over the years. A polish lifts most of it.
- Bulky edges at the gum. Composite that overhangs the gum is hard to clean and can make gums sore. A careful dentist keeps the margins smooth.
- Decay at the edges if plaque sits there. Brushing, flossing and check-ups prevent it.
When bonding isn't right
- Untreated decay or gum disease: those come first.
- Heavy grinding without a night guard.
- Teeth that need moving rather than reshaping: aligners or braces first.
Only a registered dentist
In Ireland it is an offence for anyone who isn't a registered dentist to practise dentistry (Dentists Act 1985, section 51). That includes bonding. Check a dentist on the register before you book.
Read next: Bonding vs porcelain veneers · How long bonding lasts · Aftercare · Check a dentist is registered
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Questions
Safety questions
Does composite bonding damage your teeth?
Not in the way crowns or most porcelain veneers do. The enamel is roughened so the composite grips, and little or no tooth is removed. The main risks are chips, stain and gum irritation if edges are bulky or hard to clean.
Is composite bonding reversible?
Largely, yes. Because little or no enamel is removed, the composite can usually be polished off and the tooth left close to how it was. Your dentist tells you exactly what will be done to each tooth.
Does bonding cause decay?
Not by itself. Decay can start at the edges of any filling or bonding if plaque sits there, so brushing, flossing and six-monthly check-ups matter.
Can bonding make teeth sensitive?
Some people notice mild sensitivity for a few days. It usually settles. If it doesn't, ring the practice.
Get a free quote for your smile
Tell us what you'd like done. One dental practice in your part of Dublin rings you with a price. Free, and nothing is booked unless you say yes.