Edge Bonding: What It Is, What It Costs and Who It Suits
Edge bonding rebuilds the biting edge of a front tooth with tooth-coloured composite, to repair a chip, level worn or uneven edges, or close a small gap, without touching the rest of the tooth. It takes 20–30 minutes per tooth, usually needs no drilling or injection, and costs £195 per tooth at Toothi London in Edgware (£695 for four teeth, £995 for six). It is the most requested cosmetic treatment at our practice and the one with the biggest visible change for the least intervention.
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr Ali El-Kabengi BChD (GDC 270807), principal dentist at Toothi London, who has a special interest in composite bonding. Last reviewed 25 September 2026. Prices from our published fee list.
Edge bonding vs composite bonding vs composite veneers
These three terms are used loosely online, and the confusion costs people money. They use the same material and the same technique; the difference is how much of the tooth is covered.
| Edge bonding | Composite veneer | |
|---|---|---|
| What is covered | The biting edge and corners only; the rest of the tooth is untouched | The whole front surface of the tooth |
| Changes | Length, edge shape, small gaps, chips | Length, width, shape and colour of the whole tooth |
| Time per tooth | 20–30 minutes | 45–60 minutes |
| Toothi price per tooth | £195 | £295 |
| Four teeth | £695 | £1,095 |
| Six teeth | £995 | £1,595 |
| Drilling | None | None or minimal |
| Reversible | Yes | Usually |
“Composite bonding” is the umbrella term for both. When a practice quotes “bonding from £X”, ask whether that is edge bonding or a full veneer, because the answer changes the price by a third and the result by a lot. Our guide to composite bonding covers the whole family of treatments.
What edge bonding can fix
- A chipped front tooth. The missing corner is rebuilt in layers and polished so the join disappears. One tooth, 30 minutes, £195.
- Worn or uneven edges. Years of grinding or acid wear leave front teeth short, flat and uneven. Edge bonding adds a millimetre or two of length and levels the smile line. Usually four to six teeth.
- A small gap between the front teeth. Both teeth are widened slightly at the edge so the gap closes without either tooth looking bulky. £195 per tooth.
- Finishing after Invisalign. Straightening reveals worn edges that were hidden by crowding. Edge bonding on two to four teeth completes the result.
- A “peg” lateral incisor. A small, pointed side tooth built out to match its neighbour.
- Translucent or “see-through” edges. Thin enamel at the biting edge can look grey. A layer of composite restores the natural opacity.
What it cannot fix
Edge bonding changes the edge, not the tooth. It will not change the colour of a stained tooth (that is a composite veneer or whitening), it will not straighten a crowded or rotated tooth (that is Invisalign), and it will not rebuild a tooth that has lost a large part of its structure (that is a crown). If you come to us asking for edge bonding and one of those is what you need, we will say so.
What happens at the appointment
- Free consultation. Photos, a look at your bite, and a tooth-by-tooth written quote. For four teeth or more we can show you a mock-up on screen. If you want whitening, we do that first and bond two weeks later.
- Shade match. Composite comes in dozens of shades and translucencies. We pick two or three to layer so the edge has the natural depth of enamel, not a flat block of colour.
- Preparation. Usually none. The tooth surface is cleaned and conditioned with a gel for a few seconds. No drilling, no injection.
- Building the edge. The composite is sculpted freehand in layers, each set with a blue light. This is the part that depends entirely on the dentist’s hand.
- Bite check, shaping and polish. The edge is checked against your bite so it will not chip, refined to match its neighbours, and polished to a natural gloss. You leave with the finished result.
- Review. Included in the price. We check the edges after a couple of weeks and make any small adjustments.
Edge bonding at Toothi London
Real patients, shown with consent, unedited apart from cropping. More on our composite bonding page.
How long edge bonding lasts
Five to ten years is typical, which is longer than full composite veneers because there is less composite and it sits in a less exposed position. The two things that shorten it are grinding without a nightguard and using front teeth to bite hard things. A chip is repaired the same day at the edge bonding price; it does not mean starting again. See our guide to how long composite bonding lasts.
Edge bonding cost
| Treatment at Toothi London | Price |
|---|---|
| Consultation, photos and written quote | Free |
| Edge bonding, per tooth | £195 |
| Edge bonding, 4 teeth | £695 |
| Edge bonding, 6 teeth | £995 |
| Whitening beforehand (optional) | £250 in practice · £350 home trays |
| Nightguard (recommended if you grind) | £195 |
Treatment over £250 can be spread over up to 10 months at 0% interest. Cherry Dental Ltd trading as Toothi is a credit broker, not a lender, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 957242). Credit is provided by Tabeo, subject to status. Full details in our composite bonding cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between edge bonding and composite bonding?
Edge bonding is a type of composite bonding that covers only the biting edge and corners of a tooth. Composite bonding is the general term, which also includes composite veneers that cover the whole front surface.
Does edge bonding damage your teeth?
No. Nothing is drilled; composite is added to the existing edge. It can be removed and the tooth is as it was.
Does edge bonding hurt?
No. There is no injection for almost every case. Some patients feel a little sensitivity from the conditioning gel for a few seconds.
Can you edge bond just one tooth?
Yes, and single-tooth chips are the most common edge bonding appointment we do. The skill is matching one tooth to its untouched neighbour so nobody can tell which was repaired.
Can I whiten my teeth after edge bonding?
Your teeth will whiten; the composite will not, so it will end up darker than the tooth around it. Whiten first, then bond to the new shade two weeks later.
Is edge bonding available on the NHS?
Not for cosmetic reasons. A chipped tooth may be repaired with a filling on the NHS where it is clinically necessary; reshaping edges for appearance is private treatment.
Book a free edge bonding consultation
Book online, WhatsApp us a photo of the tooth for an initial view, or call 020 3148 2444. Toothi London, 1 Handel Parade, Whitchurch Lane, Edgware HA8 6LD, two minutes from Edgware station. Read more about composite bonding at Toothi.
