Wondering if Cosmetic Bonding is right for you?
Book NowWondering if Cosmetic Bonding is right for you?
Book NowCosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is a simple, non-invasive way to repair chips, close small gaps, and refresh the shape or colour of a tooth so your smile looks natural again.
Quick facts at a glance
Typical treatment time
About 30–60 minutes per tooth; often completed in a single visit
Anaesthesia needed?
Usually no injections; most people stay comfortable throughout
Smile Stories
Quick self-check
Which of these sounds most like you?
I have a small chip or crack on a front tooth
Bonding is often a first choice here. We can rebuild the missing corner so it blends with your other teeth, usually in a single visit.
If the crack is large, painful, or runs deep, we may recommend a crown or another restorative option instead of bonding.
I'd like to close a small gap or adjust the shape of a tooth
Bonding can gently widen or lengthen a tooth to close minor spaces and make edges line up more evenly.
For larger gaps or more complex alignment issues, orthodontic treatment or veneers may give a more stable result.
My teeth are stained or discoloured
We usually start with whitening. If deeper stains remain on one or two teeth, bonding can be used to mask those areas.
If many teeth are heavily stained or worn, a broader cosmetic plan (whitening plus veneers or crowns) may be more appropriate.
Everyday concerns
What people usually ask before choosing cosmetic bonding
Most questions centre around comfort, durability, and whether bonding will look natural. Because the procedure is non-invasive and typically does not require anaesthesia, it's one of the most comfortable ways to make a visible change. We also discuss how long bonding is likely to last in your specific situation and when veneers or crowns might be a better long-term choice.
Our process
Step-by-step approach to your treatment
A simple, single-visit process to restore your smile
Technology & Approach
We use high-quality tooth-coloured composite resin that is carefully shade-matched to your surrounding teeth, then cured with a special dental light so the material bonds securely to your tooth.
1. Consultation & Planning
15–30 minutesWe begin with a conversation about what you would like to change, followed by photos and a careful exam to understand your goals and determine if bonding is the right solution.
2. Tooth Preparation
5–10 minutesWe gently roughen the surface of the tooth and apply a conditioning liquid so the resin can bond securely to your tooth.
3. Resin Application & Shaping
15–30 minutesThe tooth-coloured resin is placed, shaped, and sculpted to match your natural tooth shape, colour, and appearance in real time while you're in the chair.
4. Curing & Hardening
2–5 minutesOnce the shape and colour are perfect, we harden the resin with a special dental curing light, bonding it securely to your tooth.
5. Final Adjustments & Polish
10–15 minutesWe make small adjustments to the bite and polish the surface until it looks and feels smooth and natural, blending seamlessly with your smile.
Understanding the procedure, materials, and options
Learn More
Longevity & Maintenance
Outcome Durability (based on longevity + maintenance needs)
Reliable but Maintenance-Sensitive — Effective and predictable, though may need periodic adjustments or touch-ups.
Compared across similar treatment types.
How Long It Typically Lasts
Most cosmetic bonding lasts 3–7 years, depending on where on the tooth it's placed, how your bite functions, and your daily habits. Many patients enjoy even longer lifespan with good maintenance, but bonding is generally less durable than ceramics.
What Helps It Last Longer
Brush twice daily with a soft or electric brush, avoid using your teeth as tools (opening packages, biting nails, chewing pens), limit highly pigmented foods in the first 48 hours, wear a nightguard if you clench or grind, and schedule regular polishing / maintenance visits to keep the surface smooth.
What May Shorten Its Lifespan
Grinding or clenching, chipping forces on the edges of front teeth, frequent coffee / tea / red wine (may stain over time), and hard or sticky foods (can pry at bonding edges) can all shorten the lifespan of bonding.
Choosing the right approach
Bonding vs. veneers vs. crowns
How cosmetic bonding compares with other options
| Feature | Bonding | Veneers | Crowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tooth removal | Minimal to none | Thin layer of enamel removed | More tooth reshaped to make room |
| Typical longevity | Several years; can be refreshed | Many years with good care | Many years with good care |
| Best suited for | Small chips, gaps, minor shape changes | Broader smile makeovers and colour changes | Heavily damaged or weakened teeth |
| Treatment time | Usually one visit | Typically two or more visits | One or two visits depending on case |
| Budget | Most budget-friendly | Higher investment per tooth | Higher investment per tooth |
Tooth removal
Bonding
Minimal to none
Veneers
Thin layer of enamel removed
Crowns
More tooth reshaped to make room
Typical longevity
Bonding
Several years; can be refreshed
Veneers
Many years with good care
Crowns
Many years with good care
Best suited for
Bonding
Small chips, gaps, minor shape changes
Veneers
Broader smile makeovers and colour changes
Crowns
Heavily damaged or weakened teeth
Treatment time
Bonding
Usually one visit
Veneers
Typically two or more visits
Crowns
One or two visits depending on case
Budget
Bonding
Most budget-friendly
Veneers
Higher investment per tooth
Crowns
Higher investment per tooth
During your visit, we walk through these options with photos and models so you can see what each one would look like for your own smile.
Cost & coverage
What this typically costs
These ranges reflect what we typically see with insurance. We'll confirm your exact cost before any treatment begins.
Fillings
$150–$450 per tooth
Insurance often covers up to 100% of this, depending on the tooth and your plan.
We'll confirm your exact cost before any treatment begins.
Actual costs depend on treatment complexity and your specific insurance benefits. You'll receive a written estimate before we begin.
Care this helps with
Conditions and symptoms this procedure addresses
Toothache / Tooth Pain
Sharp, throbbing, or pressure pain — often from decay, a crack, or nerve inflammation.
Stained / Dark Teeth
Surface discoloration or deeper shade changes from habits, enamel changes, or aging.
Toothache / Tooth Pain
Sharp, throbbing, or lingering pain—often from decay, a crack, or nerve inflammation.
Explore more like this
Related procedures you may find helpful
Learn & discover
More stories and advice from our doctors
A Cosmetic Dentist Can Transform Your Smile
If you are in need of a smile transformation, our cosmetic dentist office should be your first stop.
Read article
Visit Our Cosmetic Dentist Office For These Procedures
Our cosmetic dentist office can transform your smile from dull to brilliant. No matter what your particular needs are, we know how to help.
Read article
A Fremont Dentist Answers Common Oral Health Problems
In our Fremont dentist office, we treat people of all ages and are asked a lot of questions about oral health.
Read articleCommon Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions
Ready to Learn More About Cosmetic Bonding?
Professional cosmetic dentistry & smile design services
Same-day consultations available.
Book Your Consultation