Bonding for Teeth

How Long Does Composite Bonding Take?

Composite bonding is fast, low cost and minimally invasive, making it a popular choice for issues such as discolouration and chips. Contact Yorkshire Dental Suite today for a consultation.

When having composite bonding, the amount of time spent in the dentist’s chair will depend on the number of teeth being treated and the condition of your oral health. Compared to other cosmetic dental treatments, such as porcelain veneers, the treatment duration is much quicker.

What is composite bonding?

Also known as dental bonding, this popular procedure disguises common issues such as discolouration, chips, cracks and small gaps using a hard-wearing resin. The treatment is minimally invasive, meaning no enamel is shaved down, and lasts up to eight years with care.

Composite bonding process

So, how long does composite bonding take to transform my smile? As mentioned earlier, the answer to this changes based on multiple factors. To give you a clearer idea, we have broken down the process step by step.

Consultation

The process starts with a consultation that typically lasts around 45 minutes. Your dentist will talk you through your smile goals, while conducting a thorough oral health examination to check you are eligible for treatment.

Remedial work

Certain issues can delay treatment. If any of the following are identified by your dentist during your initial consultation, it will need to be fixed prior to your composite bonding transformation.

Did you know? Some of Yorkshire Dental Suite’s composite bonding packages cover hygiene and up to eight fillings with a value of £2,185. Discuss this with your dentist during your initial consultation to find out more.

Oral health issue

Treatment

How long does it take?

Gum disease

Hygiene appointments

30 – 60 minutes depending on the treatment

Very misaligned teeth and/or bite

Teeth straightening

4 – 12+ months

Tooth decay

Fillings or crowns

20 – 60 minutes (filling), up to 1 month (crown)

Whilst optional, we recommend having teeth whitening before composite bonding, especially if you are only treating a select number of teeth. Taking 2 – 4 weeks, this step helps to ensure a perfect colour match between your bonding and natural teeth.

Composite bonding procedure

The procedure is carried out in just one appointment. A single tooth takes around 1 hour, while a full arch of teeth takes up to 3. If you want a full mouth transformation, you can expect to be in the clinic for approximately 4 hours. This is what your treatment day usually looks like:

  1. The tooth is washed
  2. Your dentist then applies the resin to the tooth in thin layers
  3. A UV light is shone onto the tooth, curing the resin in place
  4. The resin is polished and shaped to the desired aesthetic
  5. A final bite check is carried out
  6. You leave the practice with your new smile

What are the benefits of composite bonding?

One of the biggest benefits of this treatment is its speed. With a full mouth taking just hours to complete, composite bonding is one of the quickest ways to get beautiful straight white teeth. Additionally, in comparison to many other dental treatments, the price tag of £395 per tooth is low cost.

Another benefit is that dental bonding doesn’t alter the tooth structure. There’s no drilling or injections required, meaning that even the most nervous or phobic patients can receive the treatment they need. Finally, if well cared for, your new smile may last up to 8 years before needing to be removed or replaced.

Conclusion:

Ready to kickstart your journey to a more beautiful and confident smile? Book a composite bonding consultation with Yorkshire Dental Suite today. With same and next-day appointments, nine clinic locations and a team of expert cosmetic dentists, your new smile could happen sooner than you think.