Composite bonding · Sanderstead, South CroydonSmall changes, sculpted by hand.
Tooth-coloured composite, layered and shaped directly onto your teeth to close gaps, repair chips and soften uneven edges. Usually completed in a single appointment, with no drilling of healthy tooth.
- Appointments
- Usually one
- Anaesthetic
- Rarely needed
- Lasts
- 5 – 7 years with care
- Fees from
- £250 / tooth
What is composite bonding?
Artistry applied tooth by tooth
Composite bonding uses a high-quality, tooth-coloured resin that is bonded to the surface of your existing teeth. Your dentist builds it up in thin layers, shapes it by hand and polishes it to a natural lustre that reflects light like enamel.
Because the material is added rather than taken away, bonding is additive and conservative. In most cases there is no drilling of healthy tooth and no need for injections. It is also reversible and repairable, which makes it a gentle first step for many people.
Results depend almost entirely on the skill and eye of the clinician. At 53 Dental we match shade, translucency and texture to your own teeth, and we design the shape around your lips and face, so the result looks like your smile on its best day, not like new teeth.
If your teeth are crowded, we may suggest a short course of clear aligners first. Aligning teeth beforehand often means less composite is needed and the result lasts longer.
Why patients choose it
A refined smile in a single visit
No drilling
Composite is added to the surface of the tooth, so healthy enamel is preserved in almost every case.
Same-day result
Most bonding is completed in one appointment. You walk out with the finished smile.
Natural looking
Layered shades and hand polishing mimic the depth and translucency of real enamel.
Reversible
Bonding can be adjusted, repaired or removed in future without damaging your teeth.
Comfortable
No injections in most cases, and no sensitivity afterwards for most patients.
Affordable
A fraction of the cost of porcelain veneers for many of the same improvements.
Is it right for you?
What bonding can improve
Bonding is ideal for small to moderate changes on healthy front teeth. Larger changes in colour or shape may suit porcelain veneers better.
- Chipped or worn edges, rebuilding the natural length and shape of front teeth
- Small gaps between teeth, including a gap between the front two
- Uneven or short teeth, balancing proportions across your smile
- Discoloured patches or marks that whitening cannot lift
- Slightly misaligned teeth that can be disguised without straightening
- Finishing touches after clear aligners or whitening
Your treatment, step by step
How composite bonding works
Smile consultation
We discuss the look you want, check that teeth and gums are healthy and take photographs.
Whiten first if needed
Composite does not change colour, so if you want a brighter shade we whiten before bonding.
Layering & sculpting
The tooth surface is prepared and composite is layered, shaped and set with a curing light.
Polish & review
Your dentist polishes to a natural lustre and checks your bite. We review the result at a follow-up.
Comparing your options
Composite bonding or porcelain veneers?
Both can transform a smile. The best choice depends on how much change you want and how long you want it to last.
| Feature | Composite bonding | Porcelain veneers |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth preparation | None or minimal | A thin layer of enamel is usually removed |
| Appointments | Usually one | Two to three |
| Typical lifespan | 5 – 7 years | 10 – 15 years |
| Stain resistance | Can pick up stains over time | Highly stain resistant |
| Repairs | Easily repaired in the chair | Replacement usually needed |
| Fees from | £250 per tooth | £850 per tooth |
Fees & finance
Composite bonding fees
Priced per tooth. After your consultation you receive a fixed written fee for your whole smile, and finance can spread the cost.
| Smile design consultationIncludes photographs, redeemable against treatment | £95 |
| Edge bondingPer tooth, chips and worn edges | from £250 |
| Full composite veneerPer tooth, covers the whole front surface | from £350 |
| Gap closurePer gap | from £250 |
| Polish & maintenance visitRecommended every 6 to 12 months | from £75 |
Good to know
Things to consider
We would rather you decide with the full picture. Your dentist will go through all of this with you at consultation.
- Composite does not whiten. If you want a lighter shade, whitening is done first so the bonding can be matched to it.
- Bonding can stain over time from coffee, tea, red wine and smoking. Regular polishing keeps it bright.
- It can chip if you bite nails, chew pens or grind your teeth. We may recommend a night guard.
- Bonding needs healthy teeth and gums. Any decay or gum problems are treated first.
- Large changes in colour or shape may be better suited to porcelain veneers. We will explain both options.
Questions
Composite bonding questions
Anything else? Call 020 8651 4290 or message us on WhatsApp.
How much does composite bonding cost in South Croydon?
Composite bonding at 53 Dental starts from £250 per tooth for edge bonding and from £350 per tooth for a full composite veneer. You receive a fixed written fee before treatment.
Does composite bonding damage your teeth?
In most cases no. Bonding is added to the surface of the tooth, so little or no natural enamel is removed. It can be repaired or removed later.
How long does composite bonding last?
Typically five to seven years, sometimes longer with good care, regular hygiene visits and periodic polishing.
Does bonding hurt?
Usually not. Most patients need no injection at all, and there is normally no sensitivity afterwards.
Can I whiten bonded teeth?
Whitening does not change the colour of composite. That is why we whiten first, then match the bonding to your new shade.
How many teeth do I need bonded?
It depends on your smile. Some people need one chipped tooth repaired, others choose four to ten teeth for a balanced look. We plan this with you at consultation.
Book your consultation
A natural refinement, often in one visit
Book a composite bonding consultation at 53 Clinic, Sanderstead.
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