Procedure for Composite Bonding

Introduction

Composite bonding is a minimally invasive cosmetic dental treatment that uses tooth-coloured resin to improve the shape, colour, or symmetry of teeth. Below is a step-by-step guide on how the procedure usually works, what to expect, and how we customise it to your smile.

Step 1: Initial Assessment & Planning

We start with a consultation where your dentist examines your teeth, discusses your goals (shape, colour, gaps, repairs) and reviews your dental history.
We assess oral health, check for decay or structural issues, and decide whether bonding is suitable.
In many cases, we prepare a trial smile: using a wax or resin mock-up on a cast model so you can preview how the changes will look before any permanent work begins.
If you plan to whiten your teeth, it’s often done before bonding to ensure all bonded areas match your final shade.

Step 2: Shade Selection & Preparation

Once the plan is settled, we select one or more composite resin shades that best match or enhance your natural teeth.
The surface of the tooth is cleaned, dried, and isolated (often with rubber dam or cotton rolls) to prevent moisture interference.
A mild etching agent is applied to the enamel to promote adhesion (this makes microscopic texture for the resin to grip).
A bonding agent (adhesive) is applied and cured with a special light.

3. Biological Response & Bone Adaptation

The composite resin is layered onto the tooth in small increments.
Your dentist sculpts and shapes each layer to create the desired contour, using hand instruments and brushes.
During layering, the resin is hardened (“cured”) with a special light to set each stage before adding more.
Incremental layering helps control shape, translucency, and strength.

Step 4: Sculpting, Polishing & Finish

After final layering, the resin is trimmed, shaped, and smoothed to match your tooth’s surface and adjacent teeth.
We carefully blend borders, refine edges, and adjust the surface texture for a natural appearance.
A series of polishing discs, brushes and pastes are used to bring the restoration to a glossy, enamel-like finish.
You may be asked to gently bite or test your bite so that any high points can be adjusted.

Step 5: Review & Adjustment

We’ll review the result with you, checking how the bonded teeth look and feel in relation to your smile and how they work when you bite or speak.
Minor adjustments can be made immediately: smoothing, refining shape, or correcting slight unevenness.
You may be asked to return for a follow-up check after a week or two to ensure the bonding has settled well and there’s no sensitivity or issue.

What Affects the Process & Timing

Number of teeth treated — more teeth require more time
Complexity of changes (small chips vs full contour redesign)
Whether a trial mock-up is used
Need to remove existing restorations or old resin beforehand
Shade matching and layering detail required
Your comfort and cooperation during the process

Most bonding treatments are completed in one visit, though more involved makeovers may require multiple sessions.

Post-Procedure Expectations

Mild sensitivity or slight roughness immediately after, which usually resolves quickly
The bonded surfaces may feel a bit bulky initially but soften as you adjust
Avoid stain-causing foods and habits (coffee, wine, smoking) for a few days
Maintain excellent oral hygiene and regular check-ups to extend longevity

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