The basics
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding, also called composite bonding, tooth bonding or teeth bonding, is the application of a tooth-coloured resin to the surface of a tooth to repair damage or improve its appearance. The resin is soft when it goes on, so your dentist can mould it to rebuild a chipped corner, add length or fill a narrow space. A special curing light then hardens it and bonds it firmly to the tooth.
Most dental bonding treats one area of a tooth rather than covering the whole front surface. It is one of the most conservative cosmetic treatments available, because the enamel underneath is kept almost entirely intact. Common problems that bonding can fix include:
- Short teeth: resin adds length so a tooth lines up with its neighbours or regains a usable edge
- Chipped teeth: a broken corner or edge is rebuilt to its original outline
- Slightly misaligned teeth: careful shaping creates the look of a straighter, more even row
- Small spaces between teeth: mild gaps can be narrowed or closed, while larger spaces may need a different approach
- Discoloured teeth: a stained or darker patch can be covered so the tooth looks brighter










