Composite Bonding
Fix small problems before they become big ones
Chipped tooth? Small gap? Discoloured from an old filling? Composite bonding rebuilds your teeth using tooth-coloured resin that blends seamlessly with what's already there.
Usually finished in one appointment. Keeps most of your original tooth intact. Costs a fraction of veneers. And if you change your mind later, it can be reversed.
Usually available within 7 days • Most treatments completed same day
HERO IMAGE: Patient with natural-looking composite bonding on front tooth (close-up smile showing seamless blend)
Bonding or veneers? Let's work it out.
The biggest question most people have. Both fix similar problems, but the right choice depends on what you're starting with and what you're hoping to achieve.
Bonding usually makes sense if:
- The chip or gap is small to moderate
- Only one or two teeth need fixing
- You'd rather keep your original teeth mostly untouched
- You need it done quickly (same day, usually)
- Cost is a consideration
- You like knowing it's reversible later
What to expect: Most bonding lasts 5-7 years with normal care. It can chip or stain over time, but repairs are straightforward.
Veneers might be better if:
- You're looking for a complete smile transformation
- Multiple front teeth need attention
- The staining is deep or severe
- You want the longest-lasting option
- You're after a flawless, uniform finish
- You don't mind a more permanent change
What to expect: Veneers typically last 10-15 years and are more stain-resistant than bonding. But they require more tooth preparation and cost more. Learn about veneers
"I came in thinking I needed veneers for my chipped front tooth. Dr. Jandoo showed me examples of both and explained that bonding would give me exactly what I wanted. He saved me hundreds of pounds by not overselling."Michael R.
What actually is composite bonding?
Tooth-coloured resin that's sculpted directly onto your teeth, layer by layer, then hardened with a special light.
We use it to fix:
- Chipped or broken teeth
Rebuild them to look like they used to - Small gaps between teeth
Fill the space for a more even appearance - Discoloured or stained teeth
When whitening won't work or isn't enough - Worn or short teeth
Add back the length you've lost over time - Misshapen teeth
Reshape them so they feel right
Why people choose bonding:
- Usually finished in a single appointment
- Keeps most of your original tooth intact
- Blends seamlessly when done well
- Can be reversed if you change your mind
- Easy to repair if it chips down the line
- More affordable than other cosmetic options
The reality:
Bonding isn't as strong or stain-resistant as veneers or crowns. It can chip if you bite something hard, and it may pick up stains from coffee or red wine over time. But for many people, the trade-off is worth it for the gentler, more affordable approach.
BEFORE/AFTER COMPARISON: 3-4 side-by-side examples showing chipped tooth repair, gap closure, and discoloration coverage with composite bonding
What happens during bonding
Gentle, precise work that repairs your teeth while keeping them comfortable and functional.
We look at what needs fixing
First appointment is about understanding what you want and checking whether bonding will actually work for your situation. If it won't, we'll say so and explain what would work better.
- Check the condition of your teeth
- Match the shade to your existing teeth
- Plan exactly what we'll do
We prep the tooth surface
The tooth surface is gently roughened so the composite sticks securely. No anaesthetic needed in most cases, and we remove almost none of your original tooth.
"I was amazed how gentle it was. Dr. Jandoo explained every step
and I felt completely comfortable throughout."
— Emma L.
We build up the tooth layer by layer
Composite resin is applied in thin layers, sculpted to match the shape you want, and hardened with a curing light. Each layer is shaped to look and feel like your real tooth.
How long does it take?
- Single tooth: 30-60 minutes
- Multiple teeth: 1-2 hours
- Usually finished in one appointment
- No temporary restorations needed
We polish and adjust until it feels right
Final shaping and polishing to make sure your bite feels natural and the finish looks seamless. We check it from every angle before you leave.
You can eat and drink normally straight away. The composite is fully hardened by the time you walk out.
What patients say about bonding
Real experiences from people who've had composite bonding at West Dental.
"I chipped my front tooth on a fork and was mortified. Got it fixed the same week. You genuinely can't tell which tooth was chipped. The whole thing took about 45 minutes."— Sarah T.
"Had a small gap between my front teeth that always bothered me in photos. Bonding closed it perfectly. It's been three years and still looks great."— James M.
"One of my front teeth was shorter than the other after a childhood accident. Never smiled with my teeth showing. Bonding built it back up and now I smile in every photo."— Rachel K.
Common questions about bonding
Everything you need to know before deciding if bonding is right for you
Most bonding lasts 5-7 years with normal care, though some patients get longer. It can chip if you bite something very hard or crack ice with your teeth, and it may pick up stains over time from coffee, tea, or red wine.
The good news is repairs are usually straightforward. If a section chips, we can rebuild just that part without redoing the whole tooth.
When done well, bonding blends seamlessly with your existing teeth. We match the shade carefully and sculpt it to look like natural tooth structure.
Most people can't tell which tooth has been bonded unless they're specifically looking for it. The key is choosing a shade that matches your teeth now, not trying to make everything brighter (that's what whitening is for).
No. Most bonding is done with no anaesthetic at all because we're not drilling into the tooth. We're adding material to the surface, not removing healthy tooth structure.
The most you'll feel is a slight vibration when we roughen the surface to help the bonding stick. Many patients are surprised how gentle the whole process is.
Yes. The composite is fully hardened by the time you leave, so you can eat and drink normally straight away.
We'd suggest avoiding anything extremely hard (like biting into hard sweets or ice) for the first day while you get used to how it feels, but there are no restrictions after that. Just use common sense with very hard foods.
One of the advantages of bonding is that it's reversible. Because we remove almost no original tooth structure, the bonding can be taken off and your tooth goes back to how it was before.
In practice, most adjustments are minor. If the shape or shade isn't quite right, we can usually adjust it at your next visit. But if you genuinely don't like it, it can be removed.
For the first day or two, yes. Your tongue will notice the change because it's incredibly sensitive. But within a few days, your brain adjusts and it just feels like your tooth.
We shape and polish the bonding so your bite feels natural. If anything feels high or catches when you bite, we adjust it before you leave.
Bonding typically starts from around £100-150 per tooth, depending on the complexity of what needs doing. A small chip repair will be at the lower end. Multiple teeth or more extensive reshaping will be more.
We'll give you an exact quote during your consultation once we've seen what needs fixing and discussed what you're hoping to achieve. The consultation itself is £95, and this goes toward your treatment if you go ahead.
Payment plans are available if the cost all at once is difficult. We'd rather work out a plan that fits your budget than have you put off treatment you need.
Ready to fix what's bothering you?
Book a consultation and we'll talk through whether composite bonding makes sense for what you need.