Composite bonding gone wrong? Your options

Unhappy with your composite bonding? Composite can usually be polished, adjusted, partly removed or redone without starting again from scratch. At Toothi in Edgware, the bonding consultation is free and includes photos and a same-day written quote, so you know your options before you decide anything. If your bonding was done elsewhere, you’re very welcome.

Start by talking to the dentist who placed it, if you feel able to. Many concerns, such as a rough edge, a slightly long tooth or a shade that looks off in certain light, can be refined at a review appointment. If you’d rather have an independent view, a second-opinion assessment is a low-pressure place to start.

Give new bonding a few days, too. Teeth look different while you get used to the new shape, and natural teeth can change colour slightly after being kept dry during treatment. If something still feels wrong after that, get it checked.

Most complaints fall into a handful of groups, and most can be improved. Bonding is partly an art, so it’s normal for people to have their own idea of the right shape and shade.

• ✓  Too bulky or too long. Teeth feel thick, change how you speak or look longer than you wanted.
• ✓  Shade mismatch. The bonding looks whiter, greyer or more opaque than your natural teeth. See our guide to composite bonding shades.
• ✓  Staining or dullness. The surface has picked up stains from coffee, tea or smoking, or lost its shine.
• ✓  Chips and rough edges. Small pieces have broken away, or edges catch your lip or tongue.
• ✓  Gum irritation. Gums around the bonding are red, puffy or bleed when you brush.
• ✓  A visible line. You can see where the composite meets the tooth.

The point of the assessment is to find out what’s causing the problem, so the fix can be as small as possible. We look at the bonding, the teeth underneath and your gums, and ask what you want changed.

Usually, yes. Composite can be added to, reshaped or carefully removed, which is one of its advantages. What we suggest depends on what’s wrong and how sound the bonding is.

• ✓  Polish and refine. Smoothing edges, removing surface stain and restoring shine.
• ✓  Reshape. Reducing bulk or length, or adjusting outlines so teeth look more natural.
• ✓  Repair. Adding fresh composite to a chipped or worn area. See composite bonding repair.
• ✓  Remove and redo. Carefully taking the old composite off and placing new bonding, often after whitening so the shade can be matched to your brighter teeth.
• ✓  A different treatment. Occasionally, straightening with Invisalign or a porcelain veneer is a better long-term answer. See composite bonding vs veneers.

Smaller adjustments and repairs are quoted at your assessment, since it depends how much needs doing. If new bonding is placed, our published bonding prices apply, and every bonding price includes the consultation, shade match, treatment and a review appointment.

Prices are fixed and taken from our fees page. More detail in composite bonding cost.

Good bonding comes from planning, not speed. Wherever you go, these steps help.

• ✓  Whiten first. Composite doesn’t whiten, so get your shade sorted before the bonding is matched.
• ✓  Agree the shape. Look at photos and discuss length, edges and how natural you want the result to look.
• ✓  Check gum health. Healthy gums give the composite a clean margin to finish against.
• ✓  Keep your review. That’s the time to fine-tune anything that doesn’t feel right.
• ✓  Look after it. Regular hygiene visits and polishing help bonding look its best for longer. Read how long composite bonding lasts.