The Science Behind Composite Bonding
For anyone curious about the science behind composite bonding, a form of adhesive dentistry, this page introduces three pages: what dental composite is made of, how it bonds to enamel, and how it is polished. In a 2015 meta-analysis of 21 front-tooth composite trials, mostly begun before 2001, fillings rebuilding a lost corner or edge had bulk fractures significantly more often with microfilled composites than with hybrid and macrofilled ones.
5.0 from 550+ Google reviews
Open 8am to 8pm, seven days
Free parking at the door
CQC & GDC registered
No referral needed
Clinically reviewed by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, dentist · GDC 301711
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It does not replace an examination or treatment by a dentist.
This page is reviewed by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, the practice's principal dentist and a General Dental Practitioner (GDC 301711). His qualifications are BDS, BSc (Hons), MSc (Leeds), PG Dip Implant Dentistry and PG Cert Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry.
What does the composite bonding science section cover?
This section covers what resin composite is made of, how it sets by polymerisation and bonds to a tooth, and how its surface is polished. It does not explain the treatment, its steps, who it suits, aftercare or costs.
Which pages does the composite bonding science section hold?
This composite bonding science section holds three pages.
The material and its fillers
In a 2015 meta-analysis of 21 front-tooth composite trials, mostly begun before 2001, fillings rebuilding a lost corner or edge had bulk fractures significantly more often with microfilled composites than with hybrid and macrofilled ones. Read more about fillers and why some composites look better.
Adhesion to enamel
A 2016 systematic review of 10 adult trials with 1- to 5-year follow-up concluded that etching enamel edges before a self-etch adhesive might improve how composite fillings perform for non-decay wear at the gum line, though longer-term research is needed. See etching, primers and adhesion.
The polished surface
A 2023 systematic review of 11 studies found insufficient evidence to tell whether the pairing of composite and polisher affects how rough a direct composite surface ends up, and called for more research. Surface finish has its own page on polishing and gloss retention.
To ask about composite bonding, book online or call 0114 288 2121.
Which pages cover topics next to the science of composite bonding?
Topics next to the science of composite bonding have their own pages, so this section stays with the material.
How enamel and dentine are arranged is explained on the page about how a tooth is built.
The guide to composite bonding follows the treatment from planning and placement to aftercare.
Staining, a maintenance question, has its own page on how bonding behaves with coffee and wine, and a chip or break is covered under what to do when bonding chips or breaks.
Bonding treatments at the practice are introduced on the main page about composite bonding at Deepcar Dental Care.
Frequently asked questions
Is decay a common reason front-tooth composite fillings are replaced?
Not in most studies, according to a 2015 meta-analysis of 21 clinical trials of front-tooth composite fillings, mostly begun before 2001. Decay next to the fillings was infrequent in most trials and accounted for only about 2.5% of replaced fillings after 10 years.
Can mouthwash stain composite?
Most studies in a 2021 systematic review found that mouthwashes did not cause a clinically unacceptable colour change in composite. The review covered 15 laboratory studies that soaked composite samples in mouthwash. In 10 of them, the colour change from every mouthwash tested stayed within a clinically acceptable limit.
Do front-tooth composite studies report similar results?
Not closely, according to a 2019 systematic review of 24 studies of front-tooth composite. It found large differences in performance between studies, which it called typical of reviews of clinical studies, but identified the treatment setting and the number of operators among influential factors.
Book a consultation.
Online in under a minute, or call and speak to a real person.
You can call Deepcar Dental Care on 0114 288 2121, message the practice on WhatsApp on +44 7438 552581, or email [email protected].
334 Manchester Road
Deepcar, Sheffield S36 2RH
0114 288 2121
Contact us
Opening hours
Open 8am to 8pm, seven days
Free parking at the door