Composite bonding is a very conservative procedure often require little or no tooth removal before its application which is why it has grown in popularity massively over the last few years especially in younger people.
The traditional smile makeover was often performed with porcelain veneers which required enamel preparation often aggressively which resulted in many issues including sensitivity and pain. The beauty of composite bonding is the fact that the enamel is preserved resulting in minimal or no sensitivity issues when performed correctly.
As composite is often applied directly in the mouth the results can vary massively as it is highly dependant on the skill of the treating dentist which means ten different dentists will obtain ten different results! We would always advise looking at the dentist's portfolio of cases including long term follow up as the success is in the longevity. Many cases will look ok in six months but in 2-3 years the story can often be very different.
Although composite bonding procedures are very conservative there are issues people need to be aware of. Application of composite is like a fine art and very meticulous. If the composite fails to adhere to the underlying enamel this can result in leakage and subsequent discolouration often seen as black/brown staining around the margins.
Other issues can be related to hygiene issues where patients are unable to clean in-between the composites as there are overhangs and/or bad contact points where it is not possible to floss or use an interdental brush. This can start to cause irreversible gum problems if not addressed early enough, often associated with bleeding gums, bad breath and loss of supporting bone around the teeth.
Poorly applied composite usually results in poor aesthetics often necessitating removal of all the composite and starting again. Unfortunately removing composite is not always straightforward and the underlying enamel can be damaged especially if bonded well so it is not considered to be a totally reversible procedure.
Choose the treating dentist carefully and make sure they are very experienced with composite bonding ensuring you get a great result with minimal issues which lasts many years.