Aftercare Instructions for Composite Bonding

Overview

Below are some important instructions and information regarding your recent composite bonding treatment.

Key Points To Remember

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  Expect some tenderness / soreness for up to 48 hours.
  

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  Keep up normal oral hygiene, but use gentle salt-water rinses (room temperature) instead of mouthwash for the first few days if needed.

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  Give yourself time to adjust emotionally to your new smile.

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  Ensure you attend your cosmetic review appointment.

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  If prescribed, wear your night guard / retainer as advised.

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  Avoid staining food and drinks, especially between treatment and your cosmetic review.

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  Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.

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  Composites can chip and fracture - they can often be repaired, but additional charges may apply.

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  Ensure you attend future routine consultations and hygiene appointments.

If you have any questions regarding your treatment, please do not hesitate to contact us.

What to expect after treatment

Composite treatment can be quite lengthly, so feeling tired is expected. Your mouth has been open for a longer time than normal so it may feel a little tender and sore for 48 hours.

Please make sure you continue with your routine oral health care; however salt rinses with room temperature water could be a more gentle alternative to mouth wash for the first few days.

It is always an emotional journey as well as a physical one to have smile makeover. Give yourself time to adjust to your new appearance as this can often be a big change; especially the following morning when you first look in the mirror.

What to consider over the following weeks

You will have your cosmetic review generally 1-2 weeks following your treatment. Please ensure this is attended as it is important to check all is well both with the composites and that you are happy! You may also have a ʻnight guardʼ to collect which must be worn at night time to helpreduce the risk of composite fracture.

As a general rule, strong coloured foods and drinks should be avoided where possible to avoid staining of your composite.

In the week before your review please try and refrain from the following items to reduce staining immediately after treatment.

- Strong coloured liquids such as black coffee, red wine and fizzy drinks
- Highly pigmented foods such as curry, beetroot and turmeric.
- Hard foods such as apples, crusty bread or similar.

Smoking is always advised against. Alcohol can also cause the composite to become more vulnerable to staining.

This is because the resin can be slightly more porous or vulnerable just after placement. Even though the material sets during your appointment, it continues to settle or ʻpolymeriseʼ in the days that follow.

Further tips

Ensure excellent oral hygiene, with brushing thoroughly twice a day and using your in-between cleaning aids such as floss or interdental brushes.

Where prescribed, wear your night soft guard or orthodontic retainer to help reduce the risk of fracture, or the movement of your teeth.

Continue to attend your routine dental exams and hygiene appointments.

Be aware that composites have a limit to their strength. Composite can be repaired, although please ensure you advise the practice of the issue so the correct appointment can be made for you. Charges for repairs and further treatment will apply.