Composite bonding is a cosmetic treatment where a dentist adds tooth-coloured composite resin to the surface or edges of your teeth, sculpts it by hand and polishes it to blend in. It fixes chips, small gaps, uneven edges and worn teeth, usually in a single visit with little or no drilling. At Toothi in Edgware, edge bonding is £195 per tooth.
Below: what it can fix, how the appointment goes, how long it takes and lasts, and what it costs. Toothi London, Edgware. Last reviewed 25 October 2026.
What is composite bonding for teeth?
Composite bonding (also called tooth bonding or dental bonding) uses the same tooth-coloured resin as a modern white filling, but it goes on the outside of the tooth to change its shape, length or colour. The resin is built up in thin layers, hardened with a blue curing light, then shaped and polished so it looks like natural enamel.
Because the resin bonds directly to the enamel, healthy tooth usually doesn’t need to be drilled away. That makes it one of the gentler cosmetic treatments, and in most cases it can be adjusted, repaired or removed later.
What is tooth bonding used for?
Bonding changes the shape of a tooth, not its position, so it suits teeth that are already reasonably straight. Typical uses:
- Chipped or cracked edges – see chipped tooth repair.
- Small gaps between teeth, including a gap between the front teeth – see composite bonding for gaps.
- Uneven or worn edges – evening up the smile line with composite edge bonding.
- Small or peg-shaped teeth that look out of proportion with their neighbours.
- Discolouration that whitening can’t shift – covered with a full-face composite veneer.
If teeth are crowded or rotated, bonding alone tends to look bulky. A short course of Invisalign first, then a little edge bonding, usually gives a better and more natural result. Our page on composite bonding for crooked teeth explains more.
What is the composite bonding process?
There are two stages: a free consultation, then the bonding appointment. At Toothi it runs like this:
- Free consultation. We check the teeth and gums are healthy, take photos, talk through what bothers you and give you a same-day written quote.
- Whitening first, if wanted. Resin doesn’t whiten, so if you’d like brighter teeth we recommend whitening before bonding and matching the resin to the new shade. Whitening is priced separately.
- Shade match. The resin shades are chosen against your own teeth in natural light.
- Preparation. The enamel surface is cleaned and lightly roughened and a bonding agent is applied. Anaesthetic is rarely needed.
- Layering and sculpting. Resin is added in thin layers and set with a curing light, building up the shape tooth by tooth.
- Shaping and polishing. The bite is checked and the surface is polished to a natural sheen.
- Review appointment. A follow-up visit to check the bite, re-polish and fine-tune if needed. This is included.
How long does composite bonding take?
Most composite bonding is finished in one appointment. As a rough guide, a single chipped tooth takes around 30 to 60 minutes, and four to six front teeth take a few hours in one sitting. Larger cases, such as eight to ten composite veneers, are sometimes split over two visits. We’ll give you a time estimate at the consultation.
There’s no healing period, so you can eat, talk and go back to work straight afterwards. Your teeth may feel a bit different to your tongue for a day or two while you get used to the new shape. Our composite bonding aftercare guide covers the first days and weeks.
Does composite bonding damage your teeth?
Done well, bonding adds to the tooth. In most cases little or no enamel is removed, which is the main difference from porcelain veneers. The downsides: resin is softer than porcelain, so it can chip if you bite your nails or open packets with your teeth. It also picks up surface staining from coffee, tea, red wine or smoking. Regular hygiene visits and an occasional re-polish keep it looking fresh. If you grind your teeth, a nightguard (£195) helps protect the bonding.
How long does composite bonding last?
With good care, composite bonding can typically last several years before it needs a polish, repair or replacement. How long it lasts depends on habits, bite and how much of the tooth is covered. The detail is in how long does composite bonding last?
How much does composite bonding cost at Toothi?
Toothi publishes fixed prices. Every bonding price includes the consultation, shade match, treatment and a review appointment.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Bonding consultation with photos and same-day written quote | Free |
| Edge bonding – 1 tooth | £195 |
| Edge bonding – 4 teeth | £695 |
| Edge bonding – 6 teeth | £995 |
| Composite veneer – 1 tooth | £295 |
| Composite veneers – 6 teeth | £1,595 |
Prices are fixed and taken from our fees page. The full list, including 4, 8 and 10 composite veneers, is in our composite bonding cost guide. For treatment details, see composite bonding in Edgware, or compare options in composite bonding vs veneers.
Composite bonding results from our patients
Chips, gaps and worn edges rebuilt in tooth-coloured composite at Toothi in Edgware.
Photos of our own patients, shared with their consent. Individual results vary.
See more bonding before and afters →Composite bonding FAQs
Is composite bonding painful?
Usually not. Because little or no enamel is removed, most patients don’t need an injection. You may feel some pressure and the teeth can feel unfamiliar for a day or two.
How long does composite bonding take?
Most cases are completed in one visit. A single tooth typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes; four to six teeth typically take a few hours. Larger cases may be split over two appointments.
What is the difference between edge bonding and composite veneers?
Edge bonding adds resin to the edges or corners of a tooth to repair chips or even up lengths. A composite veneer covers the whole front surface to change colour and shape more fully. At Toothi edge bonding is £195 per tooth and a composite veneer is £295 per tooth.
Can composite bonding be whitened?
No. Whitening gel lightens natural enamel but not resin, so if you want whiter teeth we recommend whitening first and matching the bonding to your new shade. Whitening is priced separately. More in can you whiten composite bonding?
Is composite bonding reversible?
In most cases, yes. Because the resin is added to the tooth rather than replacing enamel, it can usually be polished off or replaced later. Your dentist will confirm this for your case at the consultation.
Can bonding fix crooked teeth?
Only very mild unevenness. Bonding changes shape, not position, so crowded or rotated teeth are usually best straightened first with Invisalign and then finished with a little edge bonding.
Book now – choose your time · Call 020 3148 2444 or WhatsApp us · 1 Handel Parade, Whitchurch Lane, Edgware, HA8 6LD · Open seven days.
All treatment is subject to clinical assessment. Prices correct as of October 2026.
