Composite bonding

Composite bonding uses tooth-coloured resin, the same family of material as a white filling, to change the shape of a tooth. The dentist applies it in thin layers directly to the tooth, shapes it by hand, hardens each layer with a curing light and polishes the result. Because nothing is made in a lab, it can be done in a single appointment.

Who it’s for

Bonding works well for small cosmetic changes on otherwise healthy teeth:

• small gaps between the front teeth
• chipped or uneven edges
• slightly short or worn teeth
• small dark spots or marks that whitening doesn’t remove

It is less suited to large changes in colour or shape across many teeth, to teeth that are heavily filled, or to people who grind hard. Larger gaps, or teeth that also have decay or old fillings, are usually better treated with porcelain veneers, and more damaged teeth with crowns.

How it’s done

You start with a free examination and, where needed, an X-ray, so that decay or gum problems are found before anything cosmetic is done. The shade is matched to your teeth, ideally after any whitening.

The tooth surface is cleaned and roughened with a mild gel, a bonding agent is applied, and the composite is built up layer by layer. In most cases nothing is drilled and no anaesthetic is needed. Each tooth takes about 30 to 60 minutes. You see the result in the mirror the same day and can ask for adjustments before you leave.

Before you travel

Bonding fits a short trip: one or two days in Antalya. If you want to whiten as well, allow a day for whitening first, since the composite shade is matched to your new colour. Send daylight photos of your smile so we can tell you whether bonding is likely to be enough or veneers would serve you better.

Afterwards

You can eat normally once you leave, but for the first 48 hours avoid strongly coloured food and drink, such as coffee, red wine, curry and beetroot, while the surface settles. Don’t bite fingernails, pens or ice with bonded edges. Keep regular check-ups and have the bonding polished when your teeth are cleaned.

Risks and alternatives

Composite is softer than enamel or porcelain. Over time it can stain, lose its shine or chip at the edges. Small chips are repaired in a few minutes and the surface can be repolished. Because little or no enamel is removed, bonding is the most reversible of the cosmetic options.

Alternatives are whitening alone, porcelain or E.max veneers for larger or longer-lasting changes, and orthodontics if the gaps come from teeth that have moved.