Composite bonding explained
What composite bonding is, and where it fits.
Tooth-coloured resin, sculpted by hand onto the teeth to rebuild chipped edges, close small gaps and even out shape. No drilling in most cases, usually one appointment, and reversible in a way that veneers are not.
Composite bonding with Dr Sundeep Solanki, GDC 212282 — 2 London Road, Twickenham, London TW1 3RY.
Who it suits
When composite bonding is the right answer
If something simpler or less expensive would serve you better, that is what we will recommend at the consultation — and we will show you the fees for both.
- Chipped or worn front edges
- Small gaps between the front teeth
- Teeth that look short or uneven
- Old fillings that no longer match
- Wanting a change without preparing the tooth
- Trying a new shape before committing to veneers
How treatment works
Step by step, no surprises
Design
Photographs and a conversation about shape, length and how much change you actually want. Subtle is usually better than dramatic.
The appointment
Resin is built up layer by layer directly onto the tooth, shaped and cured as we go. Most cases are done in a single sitting.
Polish and review
Hand-polished to a natural lustre, then reviewed so we can refine anything that does not sit right once you have lived with it.
From the journal
Read before you decide
Cost, lifespan, comfort and what the appointment is actually like — written out in full before you book anything.
How much does composite bonding cost in the UK?
Bonding is priced per tooth, and the gap between the cheapest and the best quotes is mostly time, artistry and planning.
Read the guideHow long does composite bonding last?
Five to seven years is the honest average. Your habits move that figure more than the material does.
Read the guideDoes composite bonding hurt?
For most people it is the most comfortable cosmetic treatment there is — usually with no drilling and no injection at all.
Read the guideComposite bonding: what it can and cannot do
Bonding is one of the most requested cosmetic treatments, and one of the most misunderstood. Here is an honest account of where it shines and where it falls short.
Read the guideCommon questions
Composite bonding, answered honestly
Does bonding stain?
Composite picks up stain more readily than porcelain, particularly with coffee, red wine and smoking. Good polishing and a hygiene appointment once or twice a year keeps it looking fresh.
Is bonding cheaper than veneers?
Per tooth, yes — noticeably. It also lasts less time, so over ten years the difference narrows. We will show you both numbers rather than only the headline one.
Can bonding be removed?
In most cases yes, because little or no natural tooth has been taken away. That reversibility is one of the main reasons to start here.
Before you decide
Risks and alternatives
Like any dental treatment, composite bonding carries risks, and whether it suits you depends on a full examination. Things to weigh up can include sensitivity, the need for maintenance or replacement in future, and whether healthy tooth structure has to be altered.
Alternatives may include a less invasive option, a different treatment, or no treatment at all. Your written plan sets out the risks, alternatives and fees that apply to you before you decide.