Cosmetic Bonding
Composite bonding repairs chips, closes gaps, and reshapes teeth in a single appointment. Less expensive than veneers, reversible if ever needed, indistinguishable when done well.
When bonding is the right answer
Not every cosmetic issue needs porcelain. Small chips, minor gaps, uneven edges, and subtle shape corrections often respond beautifully to composite bonding the same tooth-colored material used for fillings. It's shaped directly on the tooth, hardened with a curing light, and polished to blend seamlessly with the surrounding tooth structure.
Bonding is usually reversible, often no-prep, and typically one-visit.
Common bonding uses
Small chips on front teeth
Gaps between teeth (diastemas)
Uneven or short tooth edges
Minor discoloration not responsive to whitening
Reshaping pointed or irregularly shaped teeth
Covering exposed root surfaces from gum recession
How bonding works
Color matching. Composite shade is selected to match your natural tooth.
Surface preparation. Usually no drilling. A mild etching solution is applied to help the composite adhere.
Bonding agent. A thin layer of adhesive is applied.
Composite placement. Resin is layered, sculpted, and shaped directly on the tooth.
Light curing. Each layer is hardened with a curing light.
Finishing. The final shape is polished smooth for a natural look.
Most bonding appointments take 30–60 minutes per tooth.
Bonding vs. veneers vs. crowns
Cost per tooth
Bonding
Veneers
Crowns
$300–$700
$1,200–$2,500
$1,200–$2,500
Durability
5–10 years
10–15 years
15+ years
Tooth preparation
Minimal/noneMinimal
Minimal
Significant
Stain resistance
Can stain over time
Highly stain-resistant
Highly stain-resistant
Best for
Small fixes
Multiple teeth, major aesthetics
Weakened/damaged teeth
Reversible
Often yes
No
No
Other Services
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cosmetic bonding hurt?
How long does bonding last?
Can bonding stain?
Is bonding as durable as veneers?
Can bonding be removed or redone?
