Like everything – this depends on how well you look after it! Usually we say anything between 3-7 years but is dependent on a number of things, e.g. if you grind your teeth, bite your nails or a diet of hard food can lead to chipping. Composite bonding usually involves a yearly maintenance appointment for polishing and repair of any minor chipping.

In general, even if you don’t have composite bonding, if it’s not food or drink then it probably shouldn’t go in your mouth. Avoid using your teeth to tear open crisp packets and containers. Nail biting should be avoided, habits like pen chewing should be stopped, hard things in your diet like nuts and bones can cause increased wear of teeth and composite.

Heavily staining food and drinks can stain the composite, just like your natural tooth, and you may need more frequent appointments with the hygienist for polishing – tea, coffee, red wine, turmeric and curry. Just imagine anything you would want to avoid spilling down a white shirt!

They are very similar, but a composite veneer will cover the whole of the tooth surface whereas bonding may be on the edges and partially over front surface.

It is very beneficial to have well aligned teeth before composite bonding. If they are not straight, then the composite will be thick in some areas and thin in others and you will not have your optimum functionality and aesthetics.