What bonding can fix
- a chipped or broken edge on a front tooth
- small gaps between teeth, including the gap between the two front teeth
- uneven, worn or short edges
- white or brown marks on the enamel, including mild fluorosis
- a tooth that is smaller or a different shape from its neighbour
- dark triangles between teeth where the gum has receded
For a tooth with a large filling or a big fracture, a crown is usually stronger. For deep, widespread discolouration, veneers give a more even result.
Bonding or veneers
| Composite bonding | Porcelain veneers | |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth preparation | Little or none | Usually a thin layer of enamel |
| Visits | Usually 1 | 2–3 |
| Lifespan | Commonly 5–7 years | Commonly 10–15 years or more |
| Staining | Can pick up stains over time | Barely stains |
| Repairs | Quick to repair in the chair | A chipped veneer is usually replaced |
What happens
- Consultation. Our cosmetic dentist checks your teeth and gums, takes photographs and agrees with you exactly what to change. If you’d like whiter teeth, whitening comes first so the bonding can match the new shade.
- Shade matching. The resin shade, or several shades layered together, is matched to your tooth in natural light.
- Bonding. The tooth surface is cleaned and lightly roughened, a bonding agent is applied, and the resin is added and sculpted by hand. Each layer is set with a curing light.
- Shaping and polishing. The tooth is shaped, your bite is checked, and the surface is polished to a natural shine.
Looking after bonding
- Brush twice a day with a soft brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Cut down on tea, coffee, paan and smoking, which stain resin over time.
- Don’t bite nails, pens or hard food with bonded edges.
- Have the bonding polished at your check-ups to keep its shine.
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.
Risks
Bonding can chip or stain, especially on biting edges, and may need repair or polishing over time. Because the material is bonded to the enamel, it doesn’t cause sensitivity in most people. Your cosmetic dentist explains what to expect for your teeth.
What affects the fee
The number of teeth, how much resin is needed per tooth, whether whitening is done first, and whether bonding is part of a wider smile makeover. You get the fee after the consultation.
Questions patients ask us
What is composite bonding?
A tooth-coloured resin, the same family of material as white fillings, is bonded to the front of the tooth and sculpted into shape. It then sets hard under a blue light and is polished to a natural shine.
Is composite bonding permanent?
It lasts for years but not for life. Bonding commonly lasts five to seven years before it needs polishing, repair or replacement. Because little or no tooth is removed, it can also be taken off later if you choose veneers or crowns.
Does composite bonding damage your teeth?
No. In most cases the tooth surface is only roughened slightly so the resin grips, and nothing else is removed. That's what makes bonding one of the most conservative cosmetic treatments.
Can composite bonding close a gap between front teeth?
Yes, small gaps of a millimetre or two are closed very well with bonding. For larger gaps, or gaps from teeth that have drifted, our orthodontist may suggest moving the teeth first and bonding afterwards.
Composite bonding or veneers?
Bonding is quicker, needs little or no preparation and is easy to repair. Porcelain veneers look natural for longer, resist staining and last longer. Many people start with bonding; our cosmetic dentist will show you which suits your teeth.
Can you whiten composite bonding?
No. Whitening changes natural teeth only, so if you'd like brighter teeth, whiten first and have the bonding matched to the new shade.
How soon can I eat after bonding?
Straight away, because the resin is fully set before you leave. Avoid tea, coffee and other strongly coloured food and drink for the first 48 hours, and don't bite hard objects with bonded edges.
Sources
NHS: dental treatments ↗ADA MouthHealthy: veneers and alternatives ↗Last updated 14 October 2026. This page explains options in general terms; your own plan comes from an examination.