Cosmetic dentistry
Composite bonding
Tooth-coloured resin applied directly to teeth to correct chips, gaps, shape and minor colour variation — completed in a single appointment, no drilling required.
Composite bonding at a glance
Composite bonding applies tooth-coloured resin in layers, shaped by hand, cured with light, and polished to a natural finish — usually with no anaesthetic and no removal of healthy tooth structure.
No anaesthetic is usually needed and no tooth structure is removed — making it one of the most reversible cosmetic options available. Your plan confirms the number of teeth, the shade chosen, and the expected shape changes before we begin.
Composite bonding is highly technique-sensitive — the result depends directly on your dentist's skill in shaping and polishing. We use a silicone mock-up or digital wax-up for more complex cases so you can preview the shape before any material is applied.
Quick overview
What is it?
Composite resin is bonded directly to the tooth surface, built up in layers, then sculpted and polished to match or improve the tooth's natural shape. No drilling or anaesthetic is usually needed.
Who is it for?
Patients with chips, cracks, minor gaps, uneven edges or slight discolouration on front teeth. Also used to lengthen worn teeth or close small black triangles between teeth.
Alternatives
Porcelain veneers last longer and resist staining better, but require some enamel removal. Whitening addresses colour only. We'll help you choose the right option for your goals and budget.
Why choose bonding?
Reversible
No enamel is removed, so the treatment can be redone or reversed.
Same day
Most bonding cases are completed in a single two-hour appointment.
Cost-effective
Significantly less than veneers for mild to moderate cosmetic concerns.
Your bonding journey
Most composite bonding cases are completed in one appointment of one to three hours.
- 1 Before you commit
Consultation & shade matching
We assess your teeth, choose the composite shade, and — for complex cases — create a wax-up or mock-up for you to approve.
- 2 Same visit or separate
Surface preparation
The tooth surface is cleaned and lightly etched (no drilling); bonding agent is applied to help the resin adhere.
- 3 During the appointment
Composite application
Resin is applied in layers, shaped by hand and cured with a blue light after each layer until the desired form is achieved.
- 4 Final 15 minutes
Polishing & bite check
The composite is polished to a natural gloss and your bite is checked — you leave with the finished result the same day.
Hi there 👋 — send a short message about your treatment question and we'll reply on WhatsApp as soon as we can.
Pricing
Prices are per tooth. Finance available on full-mouth cases over £1,000.
- Single tooth bonding from £350
- 4 teeth (smile zone) from £1,200
- 6 teeth from £1,800
- 8–10 teeth (full smile) from £2,800
- Bonding repair (existing composite) from £150
Frequently asked questions
How long does composite bonding last?
Typically 5–7 years with good care; individual repairs are easy and inexpensive if a bond chips.
Does it stain?
Composite can stain over time from coffee, tea and red wine — polishing at your hygiene visits helps maintain the colour.
Can it be whitened?
Composite doesn't respond to whitening gel; if you want to whiten, do it before bonding so we can match the resin to your brighter shade.
Is it painful?
No — most bonding is done without anaesthetic and patients find it comfortable throughout.
Transform your smile in one visit
Book a consultation to see a wax-up preview of your result.