Composite bonding is a cost-effective, easy way to achieve a beautiful smile by fixing small chips, cracks and gaps in your teeth. However, it isn’t permanent, and our patients in Preston sometimes ask how many times it’s OK to replace it if it wears down.
Unlike veneers or crowns, composite bonding is a non-invasive treatment which does not involve removing any enamel from your teeth. This means that if you have good oral hygiene, you should be able to continue replacing your composites every 5 to 7 years or so without issue.
Replacing your composite bonding
Composite bonding can chip, stain or erode over time, and even if you look after your teeth and gums well, it will normally need replacing after 5 or 7 years. It’s a purely cosmetic treatment, so the fact that your composites need to be replaced does not mean that your tooth or enamel has been damaged, and replacing them will not cause any pain.
If you choose to have your composite bonding replaced, it’s usually a simpler procedure than the application you had initially as it does not involve any preparation or roughening of the tooth’s surface. No enamel is removed, so it won’t harm the tooth itself.
During your appointment, we’ll remove the remaining composite resin without removing any of your tooth’s natural enamel, then apply the replacement bonding. This will often improve the appearance and colour of your tooth while ensuring it remains unharmed.
How many times can you replace composite bonding?
The good news is that there is no limit on how many times composite bonding can be replaced. However, before we do so, our team at Holly Dental in Preston will need to examine the health of your tooth and your mouth overall. If the underlying tooth structure is healthy, we should be able to continue replacing your bonding indefinitely.
When you come and see us in Preston, we’ll look at:
- Your general dental health
- Any cracks or decay in your tooth
- Whether you grind your teeth (bruxism)
- How thick your composite bonding currently is
- Whether there is enough enamel to replace the bonding
Composite bonding does not last forever, but can last up to 7 years or longer if you look after your teeth well with brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups. You can also get it retouched or replaced to improve your tooth’s appearance, even if it hasn’t failed. On the other hand, if you choose not to have it reapplied, this is also possible, as bonding does not permanently alter your teeth.
However, if you don’t have enough tooth enamel, this can limit the options for repairing or reapplying your composite veneers and affect future cosmetic work. Each time you have your composites replaced, our expert dental team will aim to preserve as much enamel as we can.
Advantages of replacement composite bonding in Preston
At Holly Dental, our team will always put your health first. Compared with other techniques such as porcelain veneers, composite bonding is a conservative, non-invasive procedure, and does not harm tooth enamel. We use modern techniques to remove old composite resin at the end of its lifespan and apply your new bonding.
If you choose to replace your composites, the benefits include:
- Composite bonding can be reversed
- Little or no change to your natural tooth enamel
- Usually no need for drilling
- Your natural bite force is maintained
- Bonding can be replaced as many times as necessary
Book your composite bonding appointment
How to look after your composite bonding
Although composite bonding can be replaced, you can make it last longer and avoid unnecessary dental appointments by following these steps.
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Keep up a good oral care routine
If you brush and floss your teeth daily, this will protect your composite bonding from erosion and staining. It will also protect your enamel so there is enough when you need to replace your composite veneers in future.
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Go to the dentist regularly
Going to the dentist for regular checkups helps us spot any issues, meaning that your composite bonding can be replaced as necessary. We will also be able to assess the overall health of your teeth and gums, and provide you with useful dental advice.
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Prevent tooth grinding with a night guard
If you grind your teeth often, this wears down the enamel, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and eventually decay. It also means that composite bonding is harder to replace. We offer night guards from £150, which prevent this while you sleep.
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Avoid staining food and drink
Some food and drinks can stain your teeth, especially if you consume them in large amounts. You may want to watch out for beetroot, red wine, some berries and turmeric. If you regularly drink sugary or very fizzy drinks, over time, these can erode both enamel and composite resins.
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Avoid cigarettes and tobacco products
We strongly suggest giving up smoking. Over time, cigarette smoke can stain composite bonding and natural tooth enamel. Nicotine can also impede the blood flow to your gums, making inflammation and infection more likely.
Repairs to composite bonding
Some patients may wish to have composite bonding retouched or repaired rather than completely replaced. In this case, we’ll simply add more resin to your composites, which is a less costly and invasive procedure. Small repairs can keep your bonding in good condition, and help delay full replacement for several years.
You might wish to have your composite bonding repaired in these situations:
- Small chips or cracks on the side of your teeth
- Minor staining
- Minor wear and tear
- Slight changes to shape or alignment
When should composite bonding not be replaced?
Our professional dental team will always put your health first. In a few rare instances, we may recommend that your composite bonding is not suitable to be replaced and offer an alternative treatment.
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Severe loss of enamel
Losing a lot of enamel will affect your options for composite bonding and other cosmetic procedures, as well as risking decay. In this case, we’re unlikely to recommend composite bonding.
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Cracks and chips affecting underlying tooth structure
Composite bonding is a cosmetic procedure and therefore cannot treat cracks or chips, which damage your tooth’s overall structure. If you have a major crack or chip in your tooth, it could need to be treated with a filling, especially if it starts hurting or becomes infected.
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Severe decay
If your tooth is decayed, it will need to be treated with a filling or crown rather than with composite bonding.
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Severe bite and alignment issues
Composite bonding can be used to treat very minor gaps between your teeth. However, for major orthodontic issues, we recommend Invisalign or fixed braces. We offer Invisalign at Holly Dental and can provide a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace composite bonding?
How much it costs to get your composite bonding replaced will depend on the complexity of the treatment. At our clinic in Preston, composite fillings start at £90. You can view a full list of our dental costs here, or get in touch for more information.
Would replacing composite bonding damage my teeth?
As composite bonding is a non-invasive procedure, it should not have any effect on your teeth or enamel, unlike other treatments such as porcelain veneers. However, you do need enough enamel for the procedure to be performed, so if it has significantly eroded we might recommend an alternative.
Does beetroot stain composite bonding?
Yes, unlike your natural teeth beetroot can stain composite resin. This is why we recommend not consuming it for the first few weeks after you’ve had your composite veneers, and after that only eating it in moderation. However, the good news is if your bonding has been stained by beetroot or another food, we can easily replace it.
Who should not get composite bonding?
Anyone can get composite bonding, but as it is a purely cosmetic treatment we do not recommend it in cases where the tooth is decayed or broken; in this case, we may recommend a filling, crown or implant.
I’m having teeth whitening treatment – can I get my composite bonding replaced?
We recommend you start teeth whitening treatment before your bonding, as composite resin cannot be whitened. One benefit to having composite bonding done after teeth whitening is that you can then choose a new, brighter shade for your new composite veneers.
