What Is Dental Bonding?

Dr. Niall Vallely Explains Composite Bonding

What Is Dental Bonding?

What Is Dental Bonding?

Dr. Niall Vallely Explains Composite Bonding

Dental bonding is an easy and effective way to make small adjustments to teeth using a specially formulated composite material. 

The dental bonding is added to the tooth to help restore small chips, fractures and cracks, as well as improving the cosmetic appearance of discoloured, shortened or misshapen teeth.

Dental bonding is appropriate for any patient. Any little imperfection can be improved upon with dental bonding. It is a pain free treatment and requires no anaesthetic or drilling. 

It's particularly great because we don't remove any tooth structure. To bond, we add directly onto the tooth. We offer both composite and edge bonding treatments (explained below). 

The Cost Of Dental Bonding

The Cost Of Dental Bonding

The Cost Of Dental Bonding

We offer two different types of bonding: edge bonding and composite bonding. The prices are as follows:

  • Edge bonding is €175 per tooth
  • Composite bonding is between €275-€300 per tooth (depending on the severity of the case)

We offer payment plans on treatments over €1,000. The balance is to be paid over 12 months and €150 minimum monthly payment is required. We also offer finance plans in partnership with humm.

More information can be found on our pricing page.

Bonding Directly Onto The Tooth

Bonding Directly Onto The Tooth

Bonding Directly Onto The Tooth

Composite bonding is particularly good as we don’t remove any tooth structure. To bond, we add directly onto the tooth.

Restoration will last 5-6 years before it needs to be polished up or repaired in some way. 

It’s a completely pain free procedure. No anaesthetic is required and no drilling is required.

We just polish the teeth and then gently add on the resin material. Finally, we then give the teeth a very high grade polish.

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Composite Versus Edge Bonding

Dr. Niall Vallely Explains Edge Bonding

Composite Versus Edge Bonding

Composite Versus Edge Bonding

Dr. Niall Vallely Explains Edge Bonding

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding cover the entire tooth while edge bonding is placed along the edges of the tooth or in cracks and chips.

Edge Bonding

With edge bonding, a portion of your natural tooth remains visible. We use edge bonding to repair teeth damaged by wear or impact and improve the smile's overall aesthetics.

Book Your Free Consultation

Benefits of Dental Cosmetic Bonding

Improve The Appearance Of Your Smile!

Quick And Easy Treatment

Avoid Any Tooth Sensitivity

We Have Clinics In Dublin (Red Cow), Dublin 2 (Aungier Street), Limerick & Galway

Long Lasting - A Dental Bond Can Last Up To 10 Years

Retain The Health And Natural Structure Of Your Tooth

Can Usually Be Completed In One Appointment

Visit Our Smile Gallery To See Our Dental Bonding Before And Afters!

The Process

  • Initial Examination
  • Preparing The Dental Bond
  • Ensuring A Good Fit
  • Composite Is Cleaned And Polished
  • Keep The Treated Tooth Clean
  • More Information & Aftercare
Initial Examination
Initial Examination
Initial Examination

Initial Examination

Dental bonding treatment begins with an initial examination of your teeth where any potential problems will be identified and discussed with you before work is started.

Preparing The Dental Bond
Preparing The Dental Bond

Preparing The Dental Bond

Your dentist will then prepare the dental bonding composite by colour matching it with the surrounding teeth.

Ensuring A Good Fit
Ensuring A Good Fit

Ensuring A Good Fit

Once the composite is matched, your dentist will apply the putty-like composite to the tooth, ensuring a good and secure fit before moulding and sculpting it to the correct size and shape to match the surrounding teeth.

The image in this panel is of our very own Sean Phipps who recently had composite bonding treatment.

 

Composite Is Cleaned And Polished
Composite Is Cleaned And Polished
Composite Is Cleaned And Polished

Composite Is Cleaned And Polished

When the composite is matched, a bright light is used to harden the composite which is then polished and inspected.

Keep The Treated Tooth Clean
Keep The Treated Tooth Clean
Keep The Treated Tooth Clean

Keep The Treated Tooth Clean

Finally, your dentist will then give you advice on how to keep the treated tooth clean, clear from stains, and may ask for future appointments to ensure a permanent fix.

The entire dental bonding treatment is completed in one appointment and can take up to an hour depending on the amount of work required.

The entire procedure is quick, easy, effective and painless.

More Information & Aftercare
More Information & Aftercare
More Information & Aftercare

More Information & Aftercare

Composite bonding is a hugely popular treatment here at 3Dental because of both it's abillity to transform a smile and it's affordability. 

Check out our testimonials and our smile gallery to see for yourself!

We have more information available on this great treatment in the following blog posts:

Also, check out our composite bonding aftercare instructions to get the most out of your smile following your treatment.

What Our Patients Say

I've had composite bonding done and I'm delighted with the results!

It's like an enhanced version for your teeth - so I'm really, really thrilled!

Rosie Connolly (Composite Bonding)
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Rosie connolly influencer composite veneers testimonial 3Dental Watch Video

What Our Patients Say

I can't stop smiling! I can't stop taking pictures!

I feel absolutely amazing. You can keep your natural teeth and get this amazing look (dental bonding). It's such a confidence boost!

Lee O'Reilly (Composite Bonding)
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lee composite bonding testimonial Watch Video

What Our Patients Say

I Couldn't Be Any Happier! My Experience With 3Dental Has Been Absolutely Fantastic!

It's still a natural smile, just... perfected! I am delighted! I finally have my perfect smile!

Karen Byrne (Smile Makeover)
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Composite bonding - Karen Byrne testimonial Watch Video

What Our Patients Say

I Had Some Chips And My Bottom Teeth Were Slightly Crooked. I'm So Happy Now, I can't Stop Smiling!

I would 100% recommend coming in to 3Dental. They know how to steer you in the right direction for what you need.

Aoibhinn Murphy (Edge Bonding)
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edge bonding - aoibhinn murphy - 3dental Watch Video

What Our Patients Say

I'm Already Feeling More Confident! Overall, It Was Literally A 10/10 Experience!

It was incredible. Absolutely no pain. It's the best investment into yourself. You don't realise how much it will change your life!

Ciara Rossi (Composite Bonding)
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Composite bonding - Ciara Rossi - Testimonial - 3dental Watch Video

What Our Patients Say

I knew it would be worth waiting for!

With my new composite bonding, my teeth feel like glass, they are so shiny, they feel completely different. The work is second to none - I'm just over the moon with them!

Kristina Lauren (Composite Bonding)
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Composite Veneers - Cosmetic Dentistry - Kristina Lauren - 3Dental Watch Video
Rosie connolly influencer composite veneers testimonial 3Dental
lee composite bonding testimonial
Composite bonding - Karen Byrne testimonial
edge bonding - aoibhinn murphy - 3dental
Composite bonding - Ciara Rossi - Testimonial - 3dental
Composite Veneers - Cosmetic Dentistry - Kristina Lauren - 3Dental

What Our Patients Say

I Couldn't Be Any Happier! My Experience With 3Dental Has Been Absolutely Fantastic!

It's still a natural smile, just... perfected! I am delighted! I finally have my perfect smile!

Karen Byrne (Smile Makeover)
Watch Now
Composite bonding - Karen Byrne testimonial Watch Video
Composite bonding - Karen Byrne testimonial

Ready for the Next Step? Book Your Free Consultation

Our team of experienced cosmetic dentists are waiting to hear from you. Book your free consultation today.

Enquire Now View Pricing Options

Visit Our Clinics In Dublin (Red Cow Or Aungier Street), Limerick Or Galway

13-16 Redmond's Hill, Aungier Street, Dublin 2, D02 RP46

The Red Cow Complex, Naas Rd, Fox-And-Geese, Dublin, D22 KV24

Old Quarter House, Little Ellen St, Limerick, V94 D72V

28, Briarhill Business Park, Galway, H91 C9DR

Commonly Asked Questions

What is dental bonding made out of?

Dental bonding is made out of a tough but beautiful tooth coloured resin which is bonded to your teeth.

Can bonding change the colour of my teeth?

Bonding can enhance the existing colour of your teeth. The bonding process is often done along with teeth whitening.

How long does bonding last?

If your bonding is well looked after and maintained it can last many years. Five years is an average guideline.

What alternatives do I have to bonding?

Porcelain veneers, veneers in a day, 6 month braces and Invisalign are just a few alternatives you would have to bonding.

Your cosmetic dentist will advise which is best for you.

How much does dental bonding cost?

Dental bonding costs between €175 to €300 per tooth depending on the type of bonding required.

Incisal edge bonding is €175 per tooth.

Composite bonding €275-€300 per tooth.

Full details can be found on our pricing page.

Is bonding bad for your teeth?

No. Composite bonding is a non invasive procedure, so it is pain free and perfectly safe for your teeth.

Can you whiten teeth bonding?

No. Composite bonding can't be whitened.

So if your planning to get teeth whitening, you'll need to do it before getting your bondings or veneers.

Does my insurance cover dental bonding?

That depends on each insurance policy. Cosmetic treatments usually are not covered, unless it's something necessary.

The patient needs to book a consultation with the dentist to get a quotation. The quotation will then need to be sent to the insurance company, with pictures and x-rays where necessary in order to see if the treatment is covered.

Check out our post on how dental insurance works at 3Dental.

What's the difference between edge bonding and composite bonding?

Composite bonding cover the entire tooth while edge bonding is placed along the edges of the tooth or in cracks and chips.

It is still possible to brighten the shade of your teeth using edge bonding but not to the extreme that is achievable with full tooth bonding and composite bonding. 

What are the main features that can be improved with edge bonding?

  • Repairing cracks and chips
  • Elongating shorter teeth
  • Increasing tooth size for a fuller smile
  • Evening out an uneven smile
  • Moderate shade brightening
  • Refurbish previous bonding

Is dental bonding reversible?

In most dental bonding cases, there is no preparation of the teeth required. Because we do not remove any tooth structure, your natural teeth are fully intact underneath your bonding.

It is possible to remove your bonding or make changes to the look of your teeth, including reversing the procedure and returning your teeth to their natural state.

Any treatments that require the preparation of the teeth will be thoroughly explained by your dentist during the consultation.

Can dental bonding fix gaps in my teeth?

Yes, in most cases, we can use dental composite bonding to fill gaps in your teeth.

As every case is different, you will need a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. Your dentist can determine if bonding is the best treatment to achieve the desired results at that appointment.

Can dental bonding be redone?

Yes, we can redo dental bonding. Many patients who have had their bonding treatment elsewhere, sometimes overseas, are not happy with the result.

In some cases, the patient does not like the overall look. In others, their teeth were not thoroughly polished and left with a rough surface.

There are other cases where the bonding has left the patient with issues with their bite, leading to discomfort or chipping of the teeth.

With dental bonding, we can:

  1. Re-polish the bonding
  2. Change the shape or size of the teeth
  3. Change the shade of the teeth
  4. Correct bite issues
  5. Remove the bonding and return the teeth to the natural state or start again.

If you are unhappy with your composite bonding, you can come to speak with one of the cosmetic dentists at 3Dental. After an examination, they will be able to recommend a course of action.

I have receding gums. Can I get dental bonding?

It depends on how severe your case is. Some patients with receding gums will be able to get composite bonding. The patient will need to see a dentist about their receding gums and treat them in all cases.

Can dental bonding repair my chipped teeth?

Definitely, dental bonding can match the shade and colour of your teeth and create an unnoticeable replacement for the chipped portion of the tooth. We often use incisal edge bonding to straighten the smile line, repair chips or build-up areas where the teeth are worn.

Can dental bonding straighten teeth?

We can use dental bonding to straighten the teeth in some cases. In others, orthodontic treatment may be required, especially if problems with the bite need to be corrected.

When talking about straightening teeth, this could refer to crooked teeth (angled), teeth that are twisted out of alignment or teeth at different levels to each other (the smile line).

Composite bonding can be used to correct all of these issues. A consultation with a dentist is the first step. Your dentist can tell you if bonding is appropriate for your case and the best course of treatment for you to get the best result.

I am pregnant. Can I get dental bonding?

We do not perform composite bonding on people who are pregnant. The etching gel we use to treat the teeth before the bonding procedure is not recommended during pregnancy.

Are there any risks associated with dental bonding?

No, dental bonding is a safe and non-invasive treatment that does not alter the patients existing tooth structure.

My teeth have been ruined with dental bonding. Can you help?

Hopefully, the situation is not as bad as you think. You can come in for a consultation with one of our dentists.

They will put a plan together for you and help you choose a treatment that will give you a smile that will make you happy.

Which is better - composite or edge bonding?

In some cases, edge bonding is not the best option to increase brightness by several shades or correct the appearance of misaligned teeth.

After assessing your case and listening to what you want to achieve (during your free consultation), your dentist will recommend the best option for you to realise your goal for your smile.

Can I get dental bonding near me?

Yes! We provide dental cosmetic bonding in each of our clinics - Dublin (Red Cow), Dublin 2 (Aungier Street), Limerick and Galway.

Book your free consultation today! We look forward to welcoming you in person soon :)

Can bonding be done alongside Invisalign?

Yes. Getting Invisalign first and bonding afterwards offers several advantages.

Invisalign helps to correct the alignment and bite issues, while bonding focuses on cosmetic improvements.

By combining these two treatments, patients can achieve both a straighter and brighter smile!

What are the risks of bonding DIY or home treatment kits?

The risks of home bonding treatment kits are as follows:

  • Improper application may affect your bite and lead to tooth loss
  • You may have an allergic reaction or sensitivity to the bonding materials
  • Incorrect use could lead to damage to your tooth enamel or surrounding gum tissue

It is always advisable to seek professional dental care for bonding treatments.

What are the advantages or disadvantages of dental bonding versus veneers?

Composite veneers are a form of dental bonding that covers the entire tooth, whereas the bonding can be used to fill cracks and chips. 

Porcelain veneers are a different treatment altogether, where a thin porcelain shell is permanently fixed to the tooth's front surface. 

Both treatments can really transform your smile! Bonding should last 5-7 years, whereas porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years or more. 

Ultimately, the choice between bonding and veneers depends on your goals, as well as the advice and expertise of your dentist.

What does the term "teeth sculpting” mean?

Teeth sculpting means dental (or composite) bonding.

It is just another term that is sometimes used.

What does the term "teeth contouring" mean?

Teeth contouring refers to reshaping the enamel of your tooth.

This is done by removing small amounts of tooth structure to improve the appearance of your smile. 

Recent Reviews

Tom Buchanan

“I recently had a teeth whitening treatment along with some composite bonding and am absolutely delighted with the results, Dr Joanna done a fantastic job and I couldn’t recommend her enough, I only...”

Courtney Smith

“Dr Carla Navane and Dental Nurse Daria took care of me. I had 4 edge bonding and 2 composite bonding on my top teeth, I couldn’t be happier with the results. I had a couple of imperfections that...”

Kieran Spillane

“Can’t recommend 3Dental Limerick enough. I’ve got composite bonding here years ago and I’ve had trouble with one tooth in particular that has chipped a couple of times (my own fault) and Fearghal has...”

Niamh Cryan

“I had such an amazing experience at 3Dental Limerick! I had braces when I was younger and in the ~9 years since they came off my teeth had started to slightly move back into a more crooked alignment....”

Ashley Hynes

“I couldn’t recommend 3Dental Galway enough. The staff are so professional and accommodating. Dr. Paul O’Connell was fantastic. I had fixed braces and bonding to my teeth and I couldn’t be happier...”

Whitney Culleton

“I had an consultation for composite bonding with a female dentist back in December and I left not feeling great about the app so rather than leaving a bad review I reached out to Dr Niall for a...”

Tara Henshaw

“I had composite bonding done with Dr Carmen and gingivectomy with Dr Andoni Jones , they were both brilliant. Thanks so much to them both they were so friendly and so good at their job I'm delighted...”

Caitlin Morrison

“I've been going to 3Dental the last year with Dr Carmen. She's amazing so nice and her work is great Got my composite bonding with her defo recommend always give advice and always there if needs be...”

Jane Russell

“Such a brilliant clinic with fantastic service. Had to have a couple of things done with fillings and bonding so I saw a number of dentists, all of whom were total pros and expert at what they do. A...”

Caroline O'Brien

“I have had lots of treatment and also my 2 daughters here in 3Dental which included root canal wisdom tooth extraction crowns and now implants and All on the same premises. All staff we have met have...”

Zoe Bates

“I had 8 edge composite bondings on the top done and I'm super happy with my results. After braces my teeth were straight but all different sizes/shapes on the edge so bonding was the perfect...”

Emma Keating

“I had composite bonding done here by Dr Carmen. She was very patient and made sure I was completely happy with the final result before I left, she even offered to fix anything I was unhappy with...”

Hayley Nolan

“I just could not be any happier with my results from Dr Niall Vallely in 3Dental. I was so so unhappy with my teeth for years would never smile in pictures and finally opted for composite bonding....”

Rachel Whelan

“Just had composite bonding done by Dr. Carmen and I couldn’t be any happier with the final look. I can’t stop smiling she is amazing and so professional. I would 100 percent recommend.”

Mandy Derwin

“For the 1st time in my life, I can give a positive review of a dental experience. Dr. Ignacio Barbon was very patient with this extremely anxious patient and made me feel very at ease and calm...”

Therese Carrigan

“Right from my initial visit to 3Dental I felt I was in safe and very competent hands. At the first visit, I was introduced to the nurses who would assist as well as having the whole process...”

Sarah Claire Cormican

“A massive thank you to Fearghal & all of the team who were always such a pleasure to deal with & made my experience with braces a positive one! Such great value, excellent customer service &...”