Dental Bonding

With bonding, composite is applied and shaped directly on the tooth in the mouth; in most cases it is completed in a single appointment and needs very little removal of tooth tissue. A porcelain veneer is a thin ceramic shell made in a laboratory, and its colour changes less over time. Which one is suitable is assessed at the examination.

In most cases local anaesthesia is not needed, because very little or no tooth tissue is removed. Where it is needed, your dentist can give a local anaesthetic.

It varies from person to person, depending on oral hygiene, habits such as diet and clenching, and the area treated. If needed, polishing or repairs can be done at regular check-ups.

Composite may pick up colour over time from tea, coffee and smoking. Limiting these and attending regular check-ups helps, and the surface can be polished again when needed.

As with natural teeth, regular brushing, flossing or interdental brushes and periodic check-ups are recommended. Avoid habits such as nail biting, chewing pens or biting hard objects with your front teeth.

No. For teeth with extensive loss of structure, or with heavy clenching and grinding, options such as a crown or a veneer may be more suitable. Decay and gum disease also need to be treated first, and suitability is assessed at the examination.