Clear aligners or fixed braces: how to choose?
Both can move teeth, but they are not lived with in the same way. Compare them, then prepare the question that matters: which one suits your mouth?
Read the articleComposite bonding in Marrakech: understand it, compare it, prepare your consultation
A small tooth, a chipped edge, a small gap: composite bonding may be one of the options. Here is how it works, what it does not do and how to prepare your appointment.
Published by Dr Hafça Moqadem, Dental surgeon in Marrakech3 min read · Interactive article
Article contents
In brief
- Composite bonding means shaping a tooth-coloured resin directly onto the tooth, then polishing it.
- It can be considered for some problems of shape, colour or small gaps; it does not replace teeth whitening, orthodontics or every kind of porcelain veneer.
- The right choice depends on the condition of each tooth: the examination tells you, not a photo.
Composite bonding: what are we talking about?
“Bonding” is the English word, widely used online, for attaching composite resin to a tooth. At the clinic we also speak of composite veneers: a tooth-coloured resin, shaped and then polished.
It can be considered to reshape a tooth, repair an edge or close a small gap. The project is studied before starting: shade, outline, how the teeth meet when you chew and your expectations all guide the choice between composite, porcelain or another solution.
A short guide
What would you like to change?
Three questions, one option to discuss. Nothing is sent or saved.
Answer the questions to see the points to discuss with the dentist.
Composite bonding is an option to discuss
It is often considered for one or two teeth: shape, edge, small gap. At the examination, the dentist checks the condition of the tooth, your bite and your habits (grinding, coffee, tobacco) before suggesting it.
The composite veneers page
Porcelain veneers are worth comparing
For several visible teeth or an overall project, porcelain is often compared with composite. It generally involves more preparation of the tooth, which is explained before any decision.
The dental veneers page
Start with the shade, through teeth whitening
If only the colour bothers you, whitening of natural teeth can be discussed first. It does not change the shape, and it does not whiten existing restorations.
The teeth whitening page
Tooth position is a matter for orthodontics
When teeth overlap or are misplaced, orthodontic treatment can be compared before touching up the appearance.
The orthodontics page
An assessment to ask the right questions
You do not have a precise idea yet: that is normal. Smile design lets you visualise the project before deciding.
Smile designThis guide helps you prepare the discussion. Only an examination can tell what suits your mouth.
Compare
Composite, porcelain, whitening: the differences
Three solutions for three different goals. Tick the ones you want to compare.
| Item | Composite (bonding) | Porcelain veneers | Teeth whitening |
|---|---|---|---|
| What changes | Shape, edge, small gap, shade of some teeth. | Shape, shade and appearance of one or several visible teeth. | The shade of natural teeth, nothing else. |
| Preparation of the tooth | Often limited, depending on the tooth: it is explained before starting. | Usually greater, and not reversible depending on the preparation. | No preparation. |
| Visits | Done in the chair, the shape is built directly on the tooth. | Several visits, with laboratory work and a try-in. | According to the protocol suggested by the clinic. |
| Touch-ups and follow-up | Check-ups, polishing, repair possible. | Regular check-ups. | Does not change the shade of existing restorations. |
The same comparison as a chart (general guides, to be confirmed at the examination)
Qualitative scale: Low · Moderate · High · Very high. These are not measurements: every clinical situation is different.
Step by step
What happens during a visit
The usual steps. Their order and length are adapted to your situation.
-
Your request and the examinationAt the clinic
You describe what bothers you. The dentist examines the tooth, gums and bite, and checks that no filling or other treatment is needed before the cosmetic work.
-
Choosing the shade and shapeAt the clinic
The shade and outline are discussed with you, in relation to your other teeth.
-
Isolating the toothAt the clinic
The tooth is kept free of saliva: a clean, dry surface is essential for the resin to bond properly.
-
Bonding and shapingAt the clinic
The resin is applied in layers, shaped according to the plan, then hardened with a light.
-
Finishing and polishingAt the clinic
The shape is refined, the surface polished and the bite checked so that the tooth feels comfortable.
-
Aftercare adviceAt home
Brushing, habits to avoid and the schedule of check-ups are explained to you.
Common myths
What people often say about bonding
“Bonding is permanent.”False
A composite restoration is checked, polished and can be touched up or redone. How long it lasts depends on the tooth, habits and care: no length of time can be promised.
“Bonding always damages the tooth.”Nuanced
The preparation is often more limited than with porcelain veneers, but it depends on each tooth. It is explained to you before starting.
“Bonding replaces whitening.”False
Composite does not whiten teeth. If whitening is planned, it is done first, so that the composite shade is then chosen to match your teeth.
“Bonding suits everyone.”False
Heavy grinding, a disordered bite or a badly damaged tooth may point to another solution. The examination makes the call.
To tick
Preparing my consultation
Tick the questions you want to ask, then copy the list or print it. Your choices stay on this page: they are neither saved nor sent.
To tick
Looking after composite day to day
Your questions about composite bonding
Is bonding the same as composite veneers?
The word “bonding” means attaching composite resin to the tooth. Composite veneers are one use of it: the resin covers the visible surface of the tooth to change its appearance.
Is it painful?
Depending on the extent of the work and the tooth, a local anaesthetic may be offered. Talk about it before the visit: the procedure and your comfort are explained in advance.
How long does composite last?
No fixed length of time can be given. It depends on the tooth, the bite, habits and care. Composite can be checked and touched up.
I grind my teeth: is that a problem?
Grinding puts significant force on teeth and restorations. It is discussed before the project, and a night guard may be suggested.
How much does it cost?
The clinic does not publish fees online: the cost depends on each situation. A detailed written quote is given after the examination, before any decision.
Book an appointment
Let us talk about your smile project.
Call the clinic, write to us on WhatsApp, or choose a day and a time yourself: your request reaches the clinic's WhatsApp and they will confirm the appointment.
2nd floor, No. 180 Madani Plaza, Boulevard Abdelkrim Al Khattabi, Guéliz, Marrakech
