At Amwell Street, we carry out dental bonding and veneer treatment for patients where it is clinically the right choice. We take an honest approach — bonding is a versatile treatment but it does have real limitations, and we'll always tell you if your case is better suited to a different option or requires specialist input.

If you're considering bonding or veneers, the best starting point is a consultation so we can properly assess your teeth and give you a realistic picture of what's achievable.

Dental bonding uses a tooth-coloured composite resin that is shaped and bonded directly onto the tooth surface. It's minimally invasive — usually requiring little or no drilling — and is typically completed in a single appointment.

This is important. Composite bonding can only add to what's already there — it needs space to build into. If there isn't sufficient room, placing bonding without preparation risks making the teeth look bulky or unnatural, and in some cases can affect the bite.

Bonding also has limitations in more complex situations:

Significant tooth surface loss or wear — if teeth have been worn down through grinding (bruxism), acid erosion or other causes, simply placing composite on top rarely gives a lasting result. These cases often need a more comprehensive assessment, sometimes with specialist involvement, to address the underlying cause and plan treatment properly.

Moderately or heavily misaligned teeth — where the issue is positional rather than cosmetic, Invisalign is usually the more appropriate solution.

Large or multiple chips with bite involvement — where the forces on the teeth are a concern, bonding alone may not be durable enough and alternative restorations may be needed.

We'll assess all of this at consultation and be straightforward with you about whether bonding is appropriate for your situation.

For cases where a more durable or precise result is needed, a porcelain or ceramic veneer may be the better option. A veneer is a thin laminate bonded to the front surface of the tooth, and can give a more controlled improvement in colour, shape or form than composite bonding.

Veneers involve a small degree of tooth preparation and are typically completed over two appointments. Like bonding, they require the right clinical circumstances — they are not suitable for every case, and we'll discuss whether they're appropriate for you at consultation.

Composite bonding typically lasts 5–7 years, though with good care it can last longer. It may chip or discolour over time and can be repaired or replaced. Veneers tend to be more durable, lasting 10–15 years or more.

In almost all cases, no! The key advantage of composite bonding is that it's additive — minimal or no tooth structure needs to be removed. This is one reason we favour it for appropriate cases over more invasive options. But it is also why it cannot be used in every instance

Cases involving significant tooth wear, complex bite issues, or a combination of problems may need a more detailed assessment than a standard bonding consultation covers. Where this is the case, we'll be upfront about it and can discuss appropriate next steps.

Yes — and often this is the better sequence. Whitening the teeth first, then matching the composite to the new shade, gives a more consistent result. We'll advise on the right approach at consultation.

This depends on the number of teeth involved and the complexity of the case. A full cost breakdown will be provided at your consultation before any treatment is agreed. As a ballpark, it's approximately £150-£200 per tooth

If you're interested in bonding or veneers, the right first step is a conversation. We'll look at your teeth properly, give you an honest view of what's possible, and tell you clearly if something else would serve you better.

⭐ Interested in bonding or veneers? Book a consultation — call 01992 443649 or book online.