Cosmetic dentistry

Composite bonding

Subtle, bespoke refinements — chips, edges, small gaps and wear — built by hand in layers and finished with enamel-like texture and polish, so it looks natural up close.

TechniqueFreehand layering
FinishEnamel-like texture
ApproachLayering (case dependent)
Smile assessment
Benefits of bonding

Why patients choose bonding.

Subtle, bespoke refinements for chips, edges and small gaps — built in layers, shaped by hand, then finished with an enamel-like texture and polish.

Technique
Freehand layering Built and refined incrementally, so the final shape looks natural.
Finish
Enamel-like detail Texture and polish are tuned to match the way real enamel reflects light.
Precision
Bespoke proportions Edges, symmetry and tooth width are adjusted to suit your smile line and face.
Maintenance
Repairable / refreshable Minor wear can often be re-polished or repaired over time (case dependent).
Free smile assessment
Types of bonding

Two approaches. Same natural finish.

Depending on what you’re trying to change, bonding can be focused on the edges of the teeth, or used to refine more of the visible surface.

Before and after edge bonding

Edge bonding

Subtle refinement

Perfect for chips, uneven incisal edges and small, localised shape changes — keeping the focus on the parts people notice most when you smile.

Best for

Chips, worn edges, small discrepancies in length or symmetry.

Look

Light-touch enhancement — natural edges, clean proportions.

Planning

Guided by smile line, tooth shape, and how your edges catch the light.

Before and after composite veneers

Composite veneers

Fuller change

A broader refinement across the front surface of the tooth — ideal when you want more consistency in shape, spacing and overall harmony.

Best for

Multiple small changes together: shape, spacing, edge definition, overall uniformity.

Look

Balanced, cohesive smile — still natural, just more refined.

Detail

Shade, translucency and texture are tuned so it photographs and looks natural up close.

Online assessment
Dr Stephen Mullan

Why choose Dr Stephen Mullan?

The difference is in the shaping, the transitions and the finish, so it looks natural in real life and in close-up photos.

Freehand technique

Each tooth is shaped individually, edges, line angles and proportions, so the result looks refined.

Natural finish

Texture and polish are finished carefully so it catches light like enamel, subtle, not flat, not overdone.

Long-term thinking

We consider bite, wear patterns and maintenance from the start, with clear advice on keeping everything looking its best.

Personalised planning

We look at shape, shade and proportion together, then build a plan that fits your features: clean, balanced and believable.

Smile assessment
Treatment steps

Your appointment, in three steps.

Clear planning first, then freehand refinement, then the final enamel-like polish. Simple, calm, and detail-led.

Consultation with Dr Stephen

Step 01

We assess your smile, talk through your goal, and look at a range of cases together so you can choose the style you like. You’ll know exactly what we’re aiming for before anything begins.

Treatment plan & freehand application

Step 02

Once the outcome is agreed, composite is applied freehand to the areas being refined. This gives full control over shape, proportions and transitions for a natural finish (case dependent).

Final touches & polishing

Step 03

After shaping, the surface is refined and polished so it reflects light like enamel. The goal is a result that looks natural in real life and in close-up photos.

Free smile assessment
FAQs

More about composite bonding.

Straight answers, and a real case explained by Dr Stephen.

What is composite bonding?
Composite bonding refines tooth shape using a tooth-coloured resin. It’s carefully built, shaped and polished so it blends with enamel and looks natural up close.
Will it look natural in photos?
Natural results come from contour, subtle surface texture and a high-quality polish — so the finish catches light like enamel rather than looking flat.
Edge bonding vs composite veneers?
Edge bonding focuses on chips and incisal edges (the part you see most when you smile). Composite veneers cover more of the front surface when you want a broader refinement in shape and uniformity.
Does bonding stain or lose its shine?
Like natural teeth, it can pick up staining over time (coffee/tea/red wine/smoking). Regular hygiene visits and occasional polishing help keep it bright and glossy.
How long does composite bonding last?
Longevity depends on your bite, habits (like grinding) and maintenance. We’ll talk through what’s realistic for your case and how to protect the result.
Can it chip? What happens if it does?
It can, especially with heavy biting habits. The good news is composite is typically repairable — small areas can often be refined or rebuilt without redoing everything.
Should I whiten before bonding?
Often yes — whitening sets the baseline shade first. Then the composite is colour-matched for a seamless blend.
Will it feel bulky?
Good bonding should feel like your teeth — just improved. The shaping and transitions matter: clean margins, refined contours, and a finish that doesn’t feel “thick”.
Is bonding right if I grind my teeth?
It can be, but we plan around it. Bite assessment is important, and a night guard may be recommended to protect your result long-term.
What’s the appointment like?
It’s detail work: careful shaping, refining, then polishing. The goal is a natural finish that looks right in real life — not just on day one.
Online assessment
Next step

Two ways to get started.

Book a consultation for a clinical assessment, or start with a free smile assessment online, quick, simple, and no-pressure.

Clear next step
Calm process
Natural results
Contact us Free smile assessment

Not sure what you need yet? Start with the free assessment, it’s the easiest first step.

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