Composite bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment that adds tooth-coloured resin to the surface of a tooth to improve its shape, length or symmetry, close small to medium gaps and repair minor chips. It can usually be completed in one visit without drilling, starts from £300 per tooth at The Cosmetic Dental Gallery, and typically lasts 3 to 5 years.
Learn more about our composite bonding treatment in Greenwich and Battersea.
What is composite bonding and what can it fix?
Composite bonding works by adding tooth-coloured restorative material directly to the tooth and shaping it to improve the appearance of the smile. Because the treatment is additive, it is a conservative option for suitable cases and usually does not require the removal of healthy tooth tissue.
It can be used to improve several common cosmetic concerns:
- Small to medium gaps between teeth.
- Chipped or worn tooth edges.
- Uneven tooth length or shape.
- Minor asymmetry between neighbouring teeth.
- Discolouration where changing the shape or surface of the tooth is also part of the plan.
- Mild overlapping where bonding is appropriate after clinical assessment.
There are two main ways bonding may be used. Composite edge bonding adds resin mainly to the edges of the teeth to repair small chips or make the edges look more uniform. Composite veneers use resin across the full visible surface of the tooth when a larger change to the height, width or symmetry of the teeth is required.
Composite bonding before and after
Before-and-after photographs are most useful when they explain exactly what was treated.
See more real treatment results in our patient gallery.
Edge bonding vs composite veneers vs porcelain veneers
These treatments can all change the appearance of the front teeth, but they are not the same. The best option depends on how much of the tooth needs to change, the desired longevity and the treatment plan agreed with your dentist. For a deeper comparison, read our guide to composite veneers vs porcelain veneers.
| Treatment | What it covers | Tooth preparation | Visits | Current starting fee | Typical lifespan | Staining / maintenance | Repair / reversibility |
| Edge bonding | Edges, minor chips and small shape changes | Usually additive with no removal of healthy tooth tissue | One visit in suitable cases | From £300 per tooth | 3 to 5 years | Can stain; may need polishing or resurfacing | Can often be repaired; conservative treatment |
| Composite veneers | Composite resin across the visible tooth surface | Case-dependent; dentist to confirm | Case-dependent; dentist to confirm | From £450 per tooth | 5 to 7 years | Can stain; may need polishing or resurfacing | Repair or replacement may be possible |
| Porcelain veneers | Porcelain covering the visible tooth surface | Case-dependent; dentist to confirm | Case-dependent; dentist to confirm | From £1,200 per tooth | 10 to 15 years | Discuss maintenance with your dentist | Preparation and reversibility depend on the case |
How much does composite bonding cost in the UK?
Composite bonding at The Cosmetic Dental Gallery starts from £300 per tooth. Composite veneers start from £450 per tooth, while porcelain veneers start from £1,200 per tooth. The final cost depends on how many teeth are being treated and whether the case requires simple edge bonding or more extensive composite veneer work. View our composite bonding treatment in Greenwich and Battersea. Check the current fees.
Using the current starting price of £300 per tooth, the starting totals for edge bonding would be:
- 4 teeth: from £1,200.
- 6 teeth: from £1,800.
- 8 teeth: from £2,400.
- 10 teeth: from £3,000.
The practice offers finance on treatments over £500. Its current published finance options include up to 12 months interest-free finance and longer 2, 3, 4 or 5-year plans with interest. Your exact treatment cost and finance options should be confirmed after assessment.
Composite bonding carried out purely for cosmetic reasons is not an NHS cosmetic treatment. If you are considering bonding for a damaged tooth rather than a cosmetic change, your dentist can explain the appropriate treatment options after examining the tooth.
What changes the cost of composite bonding?
The main cost driver is the number of teeth being treated, but the design of the case also matters. A small edge-bonding repair is different from changing the visible surface of several teeth with composite veneers. More complex cases may also need additional planning so the final tooth shapes can be agreed before treatment.
If whitening is part of the same smile plan, it should be completed before the bonding so the composite can be matched to the final shade. Any other treatment that is needed before bonding is charged separately. The dentist will confirm the exact fee after assessing the teeth and agreeing how many teeth need to be treated.
Why is composite bonding priced per tooth?
Bonding is planned and carried out individually on each tooth. Quoting a starting price per tooth makes it easier to understand how the overall cost changes as the number of teeth increases, while still allowing the dentist to tailor the plan to the amount and type of bonding each tooth requires.
Considering composite bonding? Explore our composite bonding treatment in Greenwich & Battersea for pricing, suitability, before-and-after results and booking options. |
How does composite bonding work, step by step?
Composite bonding is planned first and then built directly onto the tooth in layers. A single tooth usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes, and suitable cases can often be completed in one visit without anaesthetic For a detailed walkthrough, see our composite bonding process.
- Assessment and treatment planning: your dentist examines the teeth and decides whether bonding is suitable. In appropriate cases, a temporary mock-up can be placed directly on the teeth to preview the proposed change.
- Digital planning for more complex cases: where several gaps are being closed or multiple teeth are changing, digital impressions and a diagnostic wax-up may be used to plan the final result.
- Review of the planned result: the diagnostic model or proposed shape is assessed by both the patient and dentist before treatment.
- Bonding: the tooth surface is conditioned and tooth-coloured composite material is applied in thin layers. The existing page states that there is no invasive drilling of the teeth for this process.
- Curing and polishing: a curing light sets the material before the dentist contours and polishes the bonding to complete the shape.
Does composite bonding hurt, and is it bad for your teeth?
Composite bonding is generally painless because the treatment is usually carried out on the outer enamel and normally does not require anaesthetic. The existing treatment approach at The Cosmetic Dental Gallery is additive and conservative, so healthy tooth structure is usually not drilled away.
Composite bonding should not damage enamel when it is planned and carried out appropriately. Problems are more likely to arise from poor technique, bulky shapes, staining, neglect or using the bonded teeth in ways that place too much force on the material. That is why case selection, careful shaping and aftercare matter.
Pros and cons of composite bonding
Benefits
- Conservative treatment: healthy tooth tissue usually does not need to be removed.
- Tooth-coloured material: the resin is selected to match the natural tooth shade.
- Fast treatment: suitable cases can often be completed in one visit.
- Useful for small cosmetic changes: bonding can repair chips, close small gaps and improve shape or symmetry.
- Repairable: if a section chips or fractures, the damaged area can often be repaired rather than replacing everything.
Things to consider
- Composite is not as strong as natural tooth enamel.
- It can chip if you bite very hard foods or use the teeth as tools.
- The material can stain or discolour over time.
- Bonding may need polishing, resurfacing, repair or replacement during its lifetime.
- It is not the right solution for every case, including major crowding or large gaps that need a different treatment approach.
How long does composite bonding last?
Composite bonding typically lasts 3 to 5 years, while composite veneers can last around 5 to 7 years. How long it lasts depends on the way the bonding is used and looked after.
Factors that can shorten its lifespan include biting very hard foods with the bonded teeth, using the teeth to open or grip objects, grinding, staining habits and poor oral hygiene. Composite can also discolour gradually over time.
When staining is mild, the material may be polished by a dentist or hygienist. In some cases, the surface layer can be refreshed with new composite. If the material is heavily discoloured or has reached the end of its functional life, it may need to be replaced.
The practice’s current published warranty states that bonding which chips or fails within the first year will be repaired or replaced at no additional charge unless the failure is due to trauma. The warranty is conditional on regular dental hygiene visits and dental check-ups.
Who is composite bonding suitable for, and who is not?
Composite bonding is most suitable when the teeth and gums are healthy and the cosmetic change can be achieved by adding material rather than making major changes to tooth position.
It may be suitable for chips, small gaps, worn edges, uneven tooth lengths, mild overlapping and selected cases of discolouration. It may be less suitable where there are large gaps, major crowding or a heavy grinding habit unless the dentist can protect the result with an appropriate night guard. If tooth position is the main issue rather than a small cosmetic adjustment, Invisalign aligners may be worth discussing with your dentist.
If you are planning to whiten your teeth as well as have bonding, whitening should be completed first so the composite shade can be matched to the final tooth colour See our teeth whitening treatment.
How many teeth should you get bonded?
Many cosmetic bonding plans involve around 4 to 10 upper front teeth, but there is no single number that is right for everybody. The number should be based on the teeth visible in your smile, the problem being corrected and the amount of symmetry needed across the smile.
Can you whiten composite bonding?
No. Teeth-whitening products change the colour of natural tooth tissue but do not whiten existing composite resin. If whitening is part of your treatment plan, complete whitening first, then wait two weeks before carrying out the bonding so the composite can be matched to the new shade.
Composite bonding aftercare
Good aftercare helps keep composite bonding looking its best and reduces the risk of chips or staining. Avoid biting very hard foods such as toffees or nuts directly with bonded front teeth.
- Do not use bonded teeth as tools to open packaging or grip objects.
- Maintain regular brushing, flossing and hygiene appointments.
- Ask your dentist whether a night guard is appropriate if you grind or clench your teeth.
- Have the bonding checked and polished during hygiene or dental visits when needed.
- If part of the bonding chips, contact the practice. Composite can often be repaired by replacing the damaged section.
Composite bonding at The Cosmetic Dental Gallery in London
The Cosmetic Dental Gallery provides composite bonding at its Greenwich and Battersea practices. Treatment is planned around the individual teeth and smile, and the current published fee for composite bonding starts from £300 per tooth.
Dr Hartej Singh Matharu is the practice’s Principal Dentist and works across Greenwich and Battersea. His listed qualifications are BDS, PG Cert and PG Dip (Prosthodontics), and his GDC number is 259113.
To discuss whether edge bonding, composite veneers or another cosmetic option is right for you, book an appointment with the team in Greenwich or Battersea. Learn more about composite bonding treatment in Greenwich and Battersea.
Related reading: veneers pros and cons
Frequently asked questions
How long will composite bonding last?
Composite bonding typically lasts around 3 to 5 years. Composite veneers can last around 5 to 7 years. Habits such as biting hard objects, grinding and poor maintenance can shorten the lifespan.
What are the downsides of composite bonding?
Composite is not as strong as natural enamel, can chip and can stain over time. It may need polishing, repair, resurfacing or replacement, and it is not suitable for every cosmetic or orthodontic problem.
What teeth are not suitable for composite bonding?
Bonding is not the right solution for every tooth. Large gaps, major crowding, unhealthy gums or heavy grinding may require another approach or additional protection. Suitability should be confirmed after a dental assessment.
How many teeth do you get done with composite bonding?
A cosmetic plan often involves around 4 to 10 upper front teeth, but the correct number depends on your smile and the changes being planned.
How much does composite bonding cost?
At The Cosmetic Dental Gallery, composite bonding currently starts from £300 per tooth. A four-tooth case therefore starts from £1,200, while a ten-tooth case starts from £3,000, before any other treatment that may be required.
How long does composite bonding take?
A single tooth usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes. Suitable cases can often be completed in one visit.
Can you get composite bonding on the NHS?
Composite bonding carried out purely to change the appearance of otherwise healthy teeth is a cosmetic treatment. If a tooth is damaged or needs restorative treatment, your dentist can explain which NHS or private options may be clinically appropriate.
How much does a full set of composite bonding cost?
There is no single “full set” price because treatment is planned by the number of teeth. At the current starting fee of £300 per tooth, 8 teeth start from £2,400 and 10 teeth start from £3,000.
Can composite bonding help overlapping teeth?
It can be considered for mild overlapping in suitable cases, but it is not a substitute for orthodontic treatment where the crowding or tooth position is more significant.
Can you whiten composite bonding?
No. Existing composite does not whiten in the same way as natural teeth. If whitening is planned, complete it first and then match the composite shade afterwards.
What happens if I chip or break my composite bonding?
Composite bonding is repairable. If a small area chips or fractures, the practice can often replace the damaged section rather than removing all of the bonding. Contact the dentist so the damage can be assessed before you continue using the tooth normally.
What warranty does The Cosmetic Dental Gallery offer on composite bonding?
The practice’s published warranty states that bonding which chips or fails within the first year will be repaired or replaced at no additional charge unless the failure is caused by trauma. The warranty is conditional on regular dental hygiene visits and dental check-ups.
About the author
Dr Hartej Singh Matharu — Principal Dentist | BDS, PG Cert, PG Dip (Prosthodontics) | GDC 259113.
Clinically reviewed: September 2026.