Composite bonding repair, removal and stain removal

Chipped, stained or worn composite bonding can usually be repaired by adding fresh composite or polishing the surface, without replacing the whole tooth. At Toothi in Edgware, repairs are quoted at a free bonding assessment, and if new bonding is needed our published prices start from £195 per tooth. Patients who had their bonding done elsewhere are welcome.

Yes. Unlike porcelain, composite can be added to. A small chip or worn edge can often be roughened, primed and rebuilt in the same visit, with the new composite blended into the old.

Whether a repair or a full redo is better depends on how much of the bonding is sound. If the composite is heavily stained throughout, chipping in several places or no longer matches your teeth, replacing it may give a better and longer-lasting result.

Most repairs are quick, and many don’t need an injection. It might be a polish. It might mean replacing the bonding on a tooth.

• ✓  Polish. Smoothing rough edges and restoring surface shine.
• ✓  Spot repair. Adding composite to a chipped or worn area and shaping it to match.
• ✓  Re-surface. Removing a stained outer layer and adding a fresh layer on top.
• ✓  Replace. Removing the old composite and placing new bonding, often after whitening so the shade can be matched.

If a chip has exposed or damaged the tooth underneath, that’s treated first. See our guide to chipped tooth repair.

Surface stains can often be polished away. Composite is slightly more porous than enamel, so coffee, tea, red wine and smoking can leave marks, especially at the edges where bonding meets the tooth.

A polish at a hygiene visit shifts most of it. Whitening products don’t lighten composite, though. If the bonding itself has darkened, or you’ve whitened your natural teeth since, re-surfacing or replacing the bonding is usually the answer. Read more on composite bonding shades.

Yes. A dentist can carefully remove composite using fine polishing instruments, aiming to take off the bonding while preserving the enamel underneath. It should never be picked or filed off at home.

Because bonding is often placed with little or no preparation, many teeth return close to their original shape once it’s removed. Some people go back to their natural teeth. Others swap the bonding for straightening, new bonding or a porcelain veneer. If you’re unhappy with your result, see composite bonding gone wrong.

We quote repairs, polishing and removal at your assessment, since it depends how much needs doing. If new bonding is placed, our published bonding prices apply, and each 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.

Bonding can last several years with care. Most of that care is unexciting.

• ✓  Regular hygiene visits. Professional cleaning and polishing remove surface stain.
• ✓  Mind stain-causing drinks. Rinse with water after coffee, tea or red wine.
• ✓  Avoid biting hard objects. Nails, pens and ice can chip composite edges.
• ✓  Protect at night. If you grind, a nightguard helps protect the bonding.

Read how long composite bonding lasts, or compare options in composite bonding vs veneers.