AESTHETIC DENTISTRY
Composite Bonding
In a single session, in most cases without cutting and reversible
Provided at our clinic in Altunizade, Üsküdar (Istanbul).
IN SHORT
Composite bonding is the application and shaping of a tooth-coloured composite material directly onto the tooth surface. The procedure is completed in a single session, without a laboratory stage. In most cases no tooth substance is removed; for this reason it is a reversible procedure. It is used for small fractures, edge wear, gaps between teeth and shape corrections. It is less durable than a porcelain veneer and can discolour over time.
What is bonding?
Bonding is the process of chemically bonding a tooth-coloured composite resin material to the tooth and shaping it by hand. The material belongs to the same group as the one used to make fillings; the difference is that it is used for an aesthetic purpose and on the visible surface.
The procedure is completed in a single session. No impression is taken, there is no laboratory stage and no temporary application is needed. The patient leaves the clinic the same day, having seen the result.
Because the material is shaped directly in the mouth, this is called the “direct” method. Porcelain veneers and inlays/onlays are prepared in a laboratory; these are called the “indirect” method.
In which cases is it applied?
In small fractures and wear at the incisal edge
In closing the gaps between teeth (diastema)
In small shape and size corrections
In masking limited discolouration
In covering root surfaces exposed as a result of gum recession
In trying the result temporarily before moving on to a permanent treatment
In which cases is it not suitable?
In extensive substance loss. Composite relies on the tooth tissue around it; if this tissue is insufficient, it fractures or falls out.
In a severe teeth-clenching habit. Composite fractures more easily than porcelain. The use of a night guard is needed.
In persistent and intense discolouration (such as tetracycline). Composite does not transmit light as well as porcelain; thickness is needed to cover a dark background and the result can look disproportionate.
When an extensive change is wanted on many teeth. In these cases a porcelain veneer gives a more predictable result.
If there is active decay or gum disease. These are treated first.
In bites such as an edge-to-edge closure where a high force falls on the incisal edge.
Bonding or a porcelain veneer?
Both are used in front-region aesthetics. The difference lies in the material and where it is made.
Bonding is finished in a single session, in most cases removes no tooth substance, and is reversible and repairable. A porcelain veneer is more durable, more resistant to staining and transmits light closer to that of a natural tooth; however, in most cases tooth substance is removed and the procedure is irreversible.
The correct approach is to start from the least invasive method that solves the problem. Making a porcelain veneer for a small fracture or a single gap turns a solvable problem into an irreversible procedure.
The application process
Examination and planning
Gum health, the bite and the existing tooth tissue are assessed.
Colour selection
A shade guide is used to match the neighbouring teeth.
Surface preparation
The tooth surface is cleaned and etched with acid so that the composite can bond. In most cases the tooth is not cut.
Isolation
The area is insulated from saliva. For the composite to bond to the tooth, the surface has to be dry; if this step is skipped, the bonding does not hold.
Application
The composite is placed layer by layer and each layer is hardened with light.
Shaping and polishing
Good polishing of the surface is decisive both for a natural appearance and for resistance to staining.
Bite check
The bite is checked so that the restoration is not left too high.
Lifespan and care
Composite holds stains more easily than porcelain. Tea, coffee, red wine and smoking lead to discolouration over time. This discolouration is superficial; it can be removed to a degree by polishing. Composite surfaces can take on a matt appearance over time; polishing at certain intervals is recommended.
The usage period varies depending on the size of the bonding, its position, the bite, dietary habits and any teeth-clenching habit. A definite duration cannot be guaranteed. It needs to be renewed at shorter intervals than a porcelain veneer.
In return for this: bonding is repairable. A fractured part can be repaired by adding to it, without renewing the whole. This is not possible with a porcelain veneer.
Risks
Fracture or loss. Especially at the incisal edge and in patients with a teeth-clenching habit.
Discolouration over time, especially at the boundary between the bonding and the tooth.
Matting of the surface.
Marginal leakage and the development of decay at the boundary.
In cases where thickness is added, the tooth looking disproportionate.
Comparison of the methods
Bonding, porcelain veneers and inlays/onlays are suitable for different places of fabrication and different regions of use. The table below compares the three methods by their measurable properties.
Compare the options
| Bonding (direct) | Porcelain veneer (indirect) | Inlay / Onlay (indirect) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it is made | In the mouth, in a single session. | In a laboratory; two sessions. | In a laboratory; two sessions. |
| Region | Front region, visible surface. | Front region, visible surface. | Back region, chewing surface. |
| Tooth cutting | In most cases none. | In most cases yes. | As much as the cavity requires. |
| Reversibility | Possible. | Not possible if cutting was done. | Not possible. |
| Durability | Lower. | Higher. | Higher. |
| Staining | Can discolour over time. | Resistant. | Resistant. |
| Repair | Can be repaired by adding to it. | Usually renewed. | Usually renewed. |
Which option is suitable is decided together after an intraoral examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases it is not. The tooth surface is cleaned and etched with acid so that the composite can bond; this is not removing tooth substance. For this reason bonding is in most cases a reversible procedure.
It varies depending on the size of the bonding, its position, the bite and any teeth-clenching habit. A definite duration cannot be guaranteed. It needs to be renewed at shorter intervals than a porcelain veneer; in return, a fractured part can be repaired by adding to it, without renewing the whole.
Composite holds stains more easily than porcelain. Tea, coffee, red wine and smoking lead to discolouration over time. This discolouration is usually superficial and can be removed to a degree by polishing.
It depends on the size of the problem. For a small fracture, a single gap or a limited shape correction, bonding is sufficient and removes no tooth substance. If an extensive change is wanted on many teeth, or if there is persistent intense discolouration, a porcelain veneer gives a more predictable result. Making a veneer for a small problem turns a solvable problem into an irreversible procedure.
In most cases the fractured part can be repaired by adding to it, without renewing the whole. This is the most important practical advantage of bonding over a porcelain veneer.
Composite fractures more easily than porcelain. In a teeth-clenching habit, bonding is not entirely ruled out but the use of a night guard is needed. It may not be suitable in bites where a high force falls on the incisal edge.
Related treatments
The content on this site is for information only and does not replace a clinical examination. The suitability, duration and scope of treatment are determined after a clinical assessment.
This content was prepared by Dt. Mevlüt Yazıcı.
Request an appointment.
Fill in the form to request an appointment and we'll get back to you shortly. You can also call us directly or message us on WhatsApp.
Altes Diş Kliniği
Altunizade, Üsküdar, İstanbul
- PHONE+90 533 474 43 94
- EMAIL[email protected]
- ADDRESSAlperen İş Merkezi, Valide-i Atik Mahallesi, Altunizade, Nuhkuyusu Cd D:191/B, 34664 Üsküdar/İstanbul
- WORKING HOURSWeekdays 10:00–19:00 · Saturday 10:00–16:00 · Sunday closed