Composite Bonding in Glasgow
Composite bonding is one of the quickest and most conservative ways to change a smile. A tooth-coloured composite resin is added to the surface of your teeth, then sculpted, shaped and polished by hand to change their shape, length, proportion and colour. It can close small gaps, rebuild chipped or worn edges, even out uneven teeth, camouflage dark or discoloured teeth and mask white or brown spots, often in a single visit.
At St Vincent Smile in Finnieston, composite bonding is carried out by Dr Umer Hameed, whose work focuses on composite bonding, porcelain veneers, Invisalign and digital smile design. Treatment usually takes one to two visits, and in most cases little or no enamel is drilled away. Consultations are free, and bonding starts from £395 per tooth.
Built in Layers, Like a Real Tooth
A natural tooth is not one flat shade of white. It has a warmer, more opaque dentine core, a translucent enamel shell, a slightly see-through biting edge with a fine halo, and subtle surface texture that catches the light. Good bonding recreates all of this.
Rather than placing one block of white material, your dentist takes the time and care to hand-layer the composite in several shades and translucencies, respecting the biology of your natural teeth at every step. Each tooth is shaped with your facial and smile proportions in mind: the width-to-length ratio of the front teeth, the curve of your smile line, how much tooth shows at rest and when you laugh, and the symmetry of your face. Artistry and precision together are what give natural, enhanced results, the difference between bonding that looks like teeth and bonding that looks like bonding.
Little or No Enamel Removed
In most cases no enamel, or only a minimal amount, is removed. Where a small amount of preparation is needed, it is to create a seamless transition from natural tooth to composite, so there is no visible line or ledge, and to increase the surface area the composite bonds to, which adds strength and longevity. Your dentist will discuss exactly what your own case needs at your consultation, before anything is done.
Choosing Your Shade
Most people choose a natural B1 shade, a bright but believable white that suits most faces and skin tones. Shades can be brighter, or as natural and age-appropriate as you like, depending on the result you are after. We will talk through the options with you and show you how different shades look in your smile.
Composite does not whiten. If you would like your teeth to be lighter overall, we usually whiten first over two to three weeks with professional Boutique whitening, then match the bonding to your new shade so everything blends.
Edge Bonding or Composite Veneers?
Edge Bonding
Small additions to the edges and corners of teeth. Ideal for chips, small gaps, short or uneven edges and worn teeth after Invisalign. Edge bonding usually takes one visit. From £395 per tooth.
Composite Veneers
Composite applied across the whole front surface of each tooth, to change shape, size and colour across the smile. Composite veneers usually take one or two visits. From £395 per tooth, with package prices below.*
*For larger cases, a digital smile design can also be carried out once you have started treatment, so you can see and refine the planned shape of your new smile.
What Bonding Can Treat
Chipped, cracked or worn front teeth
Small gaps between teeth, including a gap at the front
Uneven, short or differently sized teeth
Dark or discoloured teeth that whitening alone cannot lighten
White or brown spots on the front teeth
Worn edges after Invisalign or a grinding habit
Old composite or veneers that look bulky, stained or unnatural
Hand-Layered for Natural Results
Every tooth is built up by hand in layers, just like the natural tooth it sits on. Deeper, warmer dentine shades go in first, then translucent enamel shades and a fine translucent edge, before the final shape, surface texture and polish. The diagram shows the optical features we recreate in a front tooth; the photograph shows composite being sculpted and layered on the front teeth, one tooth at a time.
Composite Bonding Packages
SILVER
Free Consultation
Digital Smile Design
Dental Hygiene
Teeth Whitening
Composite Bonding
on 4 Teeth
X4
£1,550
GOLD
Free Consultation
Digital Smile Design
Dental Hygiene
Teeth Whitening
Composite Bonding
on 6 Teeth
Night-Time Splint
X6
£2,350
PLATINUM
Free Consultation
Digital Smile Design
Dental Hygiene
Teeth Whitening
Composite Bonding
on 8 Teeth
Night-Time Splint
X8
£3,150
DIAMOND
Free Consultation
Digital Smile Design
Dental Hygiene
Teeth Whitening
Composite Bonding
on 10 Teeth
Night-Time Splint
X10
£3,950
Bespoke Composite Bonding Packages
Our bespoke packages cover all aspects of your Smile Makeover
The starting price is £395 per tooth
1
An in depth consultation with one of our experienced cosmetic dentists.
2
The latest digital smile design principles to show you what your smile makeover will look like.
3
An in depth hygiene appointment to give you the best knowledge and tools to look after your smile.
4
Latest teeth whitening products to improve the overall colour of your teeth.
5
Composite bonding using the latest techniques and skills to aesthetically transform your smile.
6
Final review and enhanced polishing to leave you with a confident and life changing smile makeover.
Case Studies
Before & After Composite Bonding Treatment
Natural edge bonding
Edge bonding following Invisalign
Gaps closed with bonding
Camouflaging dark teeth
Remedial work: replacing unnatural and failing composite veneers
Composite bonding to restore proportions, fix spaces and mask white and dark spots on front teeth
Composite veneers to restore wear following Invisalign
Natural composite veneers
Composite veneers in a super bright shade
Age-appropriate composite veneers as part of a full mouth rehabilitation
What Happens at Each Visit
1. Free consultation
We listen to what you would like to change, check the health of your teeth and gums, take photographs and talk through your options, including whether straightening or whitening first would give you a better result.
2. Whitening, if you want it
If you would like brighter teeth, we whiten first over two to three weeks so your bonding can be matched to your new shade.
3. Bonding
Your teeth are cleaned and prepared, then the composite is layered, shaped and polished by hand. Edge bonding is usually completed in one visit, composite veneers in one or two.
4. Review and final polish
We check your bite, refine the shape where needed, give your new smile a final high polish and take your after photographs.
How Long Does Composite Bonding Last?
On average composite bonding lasts 3 to 5 years before it needs a refresh, and it can last longer with good care. How long yours lasts depends on your bite, any grinding or clenching habit, what you eat and drink, and how well it is maintained. Bonding can usually be polished at your hygiene visits to keep its shine, and small chips can often be repaired in one short visit rather than replaced.
Protect Your Bonding: Retainers and Night Guards
Teeth can move slowly throughout life, and many people clench or grind at night without knowing. Both put extra force on the edges of bonded teeth. We recommend wearing a night-time retainer, or a night guard if you grind, to protect your composite bonding and to stop your teeth from moving. This is especially important if you have had Invisalign before your bonding.
Avoiding Staining
Composite can pick up stains over time, in the same way as natural teeth. Tea, coffee, red wine, curry, turmeric, soy sauce, berries and smoking all speed this up. You do not need to give them up: rinsing with water afterwards, brushing twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste and keeping up regular hygiene appointments all help your bonding stay bright.
Composite Bonding or Porcelain Veneers?
Both can transform a smile. Composite bonding is added directly to your teeth with little or no enamel removed, is lower in cost and can be repaired or added to. Porcelain veneers are made in a laboratory, resist staining better and usually last longer, but involve more preparation of the tooth. At your consultation we will explain honestly which suits your teeth and goals.
Composite Bonding Fees
1 tooth, a single chip, worn edge or small gap: £395
4 teeth, the four front teeth: £1,550
6 teeth, the front six seen when you talk: £2,350
8 teeth, out to the first premolars: £3,150
10 teeth, the full width of a broad smile: £3,950
Every package includes whitening, a review appointment and a final polish. Composite veneers are priced the same way. Fees are confirmed in a written treatment plan before treatment starts, and finance is available, subject to status.
Composite Bonding: Frequently Asked Questions
Does composite bonding hurt?
Most bonding is done without any injections at all, because little or no enamel is removed. If any preparation is needed, we can numb the area first so you are comfortable.
Will my teeth be damaged?
In most cases no enamel, or only a minimal amount, is removed. Your dentist will explain exactly what your case needs before starting.
Can bonding be whitened?
No. Composite keeps the shade it was made in, which is why we whiten first if you would like brighter teeth.
What shade should I choose?
Most people choose a natural B1. You can go brighter, or keep the result natural and age-appropriate, depending on what you want.
How long does it last?
On average 3 to 5 years, often longer with good care, regular polishing and a night-time retainer or night guard.
Can I have bonding after Invisalign?
Yes, and it is one of the most common combinations. Straightening first means less composite is needed and the result looks more natural.
Send Us Your Smile
Not sure what is possible? Send a photo of your smile in natural light on WhatsApp to 07761 066850 and one of our dentists will reply with what could be done and a likely price range, usually the same day. Or book a free consultation online or call 0141 248 1183.
FINANCE AVAILABLE. Subject to status.
Monthly payment options and your representative example are confirmed in writing before treatment starts.