Cosmetic Dentistry
Composite (cosmetic) bonding
Tooth-coloured resin shaped onto teeth to improve their look.
What
Shaped tooth-coloured resin
Visit
Often one
Tooth prep
Little or none
Upkeep
Occasional repairs
Overview
Composite bonding uses a tooth-coloured resin shaped directly onto the tooth to repair chips, close small gaps or improve shape. It is sculpted by hand and set with a light.
Bonding is often done in one visit and usually needs little or no tooth preparation. It can stain or chip over time, so it may need occasional upkeep.
What to know
- Repairs chips, gaps and small shape changes
- Often done in a single visit
- Usually little or no tooth removed
- Can stain or chip and may need touch-ups
- A more conservative option than veneers
Common questions
What can bonding fix?
Small chips, gaps, minor shape changes and uneven edges on teeth that show when you smile.
How is it different from veneers?
Bonding adds resin directly with little prep. Veneers are custom shells and usually a longer-term option.
Will bonding stain?
It can pick up stain over time from coffee, tea, red wine and smoking, and may need polishing or repair.
How long does it last?
Often several years with care. Avoid biting nails or hard objects to help it last.
Related topics
Veneers
Thin shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their look.
Discoloured tooth
A tooth that looks darker or stained compared with its neighbours.
Tooth-coloured (composite) filling
A tooth-coloured filling that repairs a tooth and blends in naturally.
Smile design / smile makeover
Planning a set of changes to improve how your smile looks.
Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026