Can you go back to normal teeth after composite bonding?

Composite bonding is extremely popular as a way to treat minor cracks and chips, or small gaps between your teeth. However, composite bonding is not permanent, and will need replacement every 5 to 10 years. At our practices in East Grinstead, Crawley and Rochester, patients sometimes ask whether it’s possible to go back to normal teeth after having composite bonding. 

The short answer is ‘yes’. Composite bonding is a non-invasive treatment, so unlike other options such as porcelain veneers, you can choose not to have your composites replaced once they get to the end of their lifespan. However, composite bonding is a cost-effective and safe way to enhance the appearance of your teeth, and many of our patients have their composite veneers replaced with us at Enhance Smiles. 

If you do want to go back to your natural teeth, there are a few things to keep in mind. Let’s break it down. 

Why reverse your composite bonding? 

There are a range of situations where you might decide to reverse your composite bonding. These could include: 

• Staining and discolouration 

Composite bonding is porous and not as stain resistant as natural enamel, absorbing pigments. It can usually be retouched with polishing, but many patients prefer to return to their natural shade. 

• Wear and tear

The resin used for composite bonding is softer and not as hard-wearing as natural tooth enamel or porcelain. Over time, it can wear down, become rougher or chip. 

• Upgrading to porcelain 

Some patients might choose to have a dental crown or porcelain veneer, which have the advantages of lasting longer and being stain-resistant. 

• Aesthetic preferences 

Over time, some patients might find that they dislike the appearance and feel of their bonded teeth and wish to return to a more natural smile. 

• Dental procedures

In some cases, you may need to have your bonding removed for another dental procedure, for example if you are having professional teeth-whitening, or some orthodontic treatments. 

What happens when composite bonding is removed?

During the composite bonding procedure, resin is added to your teeth to close gaps, repair minor chips or cracks, or improve the shape. Your natural tooth underneath is unharmed, with the only difference being whether it was shaped before your composite was applied, or left as it is. 

Composite bonding can usually be polished off or removed very carefully, and after your composite bonding is removed, your teeth should look very similar, or the same, as how they looked before the procedure. However, if your dentist lightly shaped or contoured your tooth before the bonding, this cannot be undone, so the shape may be very slightly different to the original. 

You’ll often notice: 

• Smoother edges 
• Small proportion adjustments 
• Slightly altered shape

Bear in mind that if you choose to have your composite bonding removed, the original reason for having it done may become noticeable again. This can include small chips or cracks, uneven edges, gaps, wear and tear or staining. 

However, having your composite bonding removed will not damage the underlying structure of your teeth, and if you decide that you would like it replaced at any point, you can always come back and see our friendly team in East Grinstead, Crawley and Rochester. 

Can composite bonding harm your natural enamel? 

Composite bonding should not damage your natural enamel. While we are aware of some techniques focusing more on aggressive reshaping of the tooth, which can cause enamel to be removed, at Enhance Smiles, we use an etching technique which avoids removing healthy enamel and helps the composite resins stay in place. This does not weaken the tooth itself, as our focus is on adding the composite veneers, not reshaping or removing enamel. 

If you do not have enough enamel, this can affect your eligibility for future treatments such as additional composite bonding or porcelain veneers, so our dental team will always preserve as much as possible. 

When you can return to your natural smile 

If you’ve had composite bonding and want it removed, it’s usually possible to go back to your natural smile. Your tooth enamel will be largely intact if: 

• No enamel was reshaped or shaved off 
• Bonding was just used to add material 
• Your tooth structure was otherwise healthy 
• The bonding was just used to cover minor cosmetic imperfections

In these cases, your tooth shape will be very close or exactly the same as when you had the bonding applied. 

There are cases where your teeth may not look exactly the same as they did before you had the bonding applied, although it’s important to remember the differences will still be very subtle. These include: 

• Shortened or smoothed edges
• Teeth which were reshaped or contoured for cosmetic proportional changes
• Teeth with heavy structural damage or wear and tear 
• Alterations over a large surface area 

Some patients worry that their teeth will be weakened or simply look worse than before if they choose to have composite bonding removed. But if you do go ahead with the procedure, your tooth will not be ‘ruined’, as removal of composite bonding does not damage the tooth, and any changes are unlikely to be noticed by others. As it is reversible, you will usually be able to have more bonding if you decide to in the future. 

Do you have to remove composite bonding at all? 

If your composite bonding is coming to the end of its lifespan or you are having another dental procedure, it is not always necessary to have it fully removed. At Enhance Smiles, as well as providing composite bonding, we can also repair and refresh it. We also polish your teeth to restore the surface gloss, treating small imperfections in your composites so that they do not have to be fully taken off. 

Composite bonding in East Grinstead, Crawley and Rochester 

Before getting composite bonding it’s worth weighing all the options carefully. During your consultation, we’ll discuss any concerns you have, with clear explanations of the procedure. At Enhance Smiles, we prioritise non-invasive treatment and will preserve healthy enamel, so your options will remain flexible in the future. 

Book a consultation here

FAQs

What happens to teeth under composite bonding? 

The tooth should remain unchanged. When you come and see us for composite bonding in East Grinstead or Crawley, we will leave your natural enamel in place, so that if you need your composites removed or reapplied, you will have enough enamel for the procedure. 

Will my teeth look bad if I get my composite bonding removed? 

Your teeth should look similar to how they did before you had composite veneers applied. If you had any reshaping or contouring done you may find they look slightly different, but this is usually subtle and not noticeable by others. 

Is composite bonding safer than veneers for teeth? 

Composite bonding is a flexible option for many of our patients as it is removable and preserves your natural enamel. It is also more cost-effective. However, veneers last longer and are less easy to stain or chip. 

I had composite bonding removed years ago. Can it be reapplied? 

Yes, it can be reapplied, provided you have enough enamel for the procedure and your teeth are otherwise healthy. During your consultation, our professional dental team will examine your teeth and gums, and help you make the right decision. 

How much does composite bonding cost in Rochester? 

Composite bonding prices can range from £90 to £400 per tooth. When you book your appointment, we will give you a full breakdown of costs and timelines for your treatment.