Composite bonding glossary

15 dental bonding terms explained

Incisal Edge Bonding

Adding tooth-coloured composite resin only to the biting edge of the front teeth to repair chips, lengthen worn edges or level uneven corners.

Full-Surface Composite Veneer

Layering composite resin across the whole visible front surface of a tooth to change its shade, contour and alignment in a single visit.

Diastema Closure

Building out the inner edges of two adjacent teeth with composite resin so a gap between the front teeth closes symmetrically.

Nano-Hybrid Composite Resin

Modern dental resin containing sub-micron glass and ceramic filler particles that polish to a natural enamel-like lustre and resist wear.

Acid Etch (Phosphoric Acid Conditioning)

A mild conditioning gel applied for 15 to 30 seconds to clean enamel and create microscopic pores so the bonding resin locks on securely.

Dental Bonding Agent (Adhesive Resin)

The clear light-cured liquid primer painted onto conditioned enamel before the sculpted composite layers are placed.

VITA Classical & Bleach Shade Guide

The standardised porcelain and resin tooth-colour tabs (such as A1, B1 and bleach shades BL1 to BL4) used to match bonding to your smile.

Pre-Bonding Tooth Whitening

Dentist-supervised hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide tray whitening completed at least 10 to 14 days before composite bonding.

Multi-Layer Freehand Stratification

Combining a slightly more opaque dentine shade inside the tooth with a translucent enamel shade on the biting edge for lifelike depth.

Injection Moulding Technique

Using a clear silicone stent made from a digital wax-up to inject flowable composite onto each tooth to a pre-planned shape.

Occlusal (Bite) Check with Articulating Paper

Checking how your lower teeth slide against the new upper bonding using thin coloured ribbon so no high spot can chip an edge.

Finishing Discs & Diamond Polishing Paste

Fine flexible discs, rubber cups and diamond paste used at the end of the visit to give composite the smooth shine of natural enamel.

Bruxism Night Guard (Occlusal Splint)

A custom-fitted clear acrylic guard worn over the upper or lower teeth at night to protect bonded edges from clenching and grinding.

Revenue Form Med 2 (Non-Routine Dental Relief)

The Irish Revenue certificate signed by your dentist that allows you to claim 20% income tax relief on qualifying non-routine dental work.

Dental Council of Ireland Register

The statutory register established under the Dentists Act 1985 listing every dentist legally entitled to practise dentistry in Ireland.