Cosmetic
What is composite bonding, and how long does it last?
Composite bonding is tooth-coloured resin sculpted onto the tooth to mend a chip, close a small gap or tidy shape and colour. It's usually a one-visit fix with little or no drilling, and typically lasts three to ten years.
How bonding works, and why we love it
Composite bonding uses a tooth-coloured resin that we sculpt straight onto the tooth by hand, then set firm with a curing light. It's wonderfully versatile — perfect for mending a chip, closing a small gap between the front teeth, or tidying up the shape and colour of a tooth that's letting the rest of your smile down.
What makes it such a favourite of ours is how gentle it is. Bonding is usually a single-visit job, and it often needs little or no enamel removed at all. That fits our whole philosophy: get the result you want while keeping as much of your natural tooth whole as we possibly can.
How long it lasts and how to look after it
With good care, bonding typically holds up for somewhere between three and ten years before it needs a touch-up, depending on which tooth it's on and how hard that tooth works. It's a little softer than porcelain, so it can stain or chip over time — but the flip side is that it's easy and quick for us to repair.
Treat it kindly and it'll go the distance: don't use your teeth as tools, ease off biting your nails or crunching ice, and keep up your brushing, flossing and check-ups. Cutting back on staining culprits like coffee and red wine helps it stay bright too.
Common questions
Does composite bonding damage the tooth?
Usually not — bonding often needs little or no enamel removed, which is why we like it. That makes it one of the most conservative ways to improve a chipped or gappy tooth.
How long does composite bonding last?
Typically three to ten years, depending on the tooth and your habits. It can chip or stain over time, but it's quick for us to repair or refresh when needed.