Composite bonding is an additive, tooth-coloured material that Dr Aodhan sculpts directly onto your teeth to reshape edges, repair chips and close small gaps. In many cases little or no natural tooth is removed.
1most composite bonding cases are completed in a single visit, hand-finished by Dr Aodhan
Dr Aodhan Docherty · Registered Dentist, AHPRA DEN0001938737 · Circular Quay, Sydney. Bonding is an elective procedure. Suitability is assessed in person.
Before
After
10 upper composite veneers
After image: ~3 weeks post-procedure
Important. Composite bonding is generally additive, but it can chip, wear or stain over time and may need maintenance or replacement. Outcomes vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed. The information on this page is general only and not a substitute for an in-person clinical assessment.
Our approach
Additive first. Minimal removal.
Where it is clinically suitable, bonding lets Dr Aodhan improve a smile by adding material rather than cutting tooth away. It is one of the most conservative cosmetic options available, and often the right starting point before considering anything more involved.
Conventional restorations
Conservative bonding
Often removes natural tooth
Frequently little to no enamel removed
Usually irreversible
Often reversible where no tooth is removed
Multiple appointments
Frequently completed in one visit
Lab-made
Sculpted by hand, chairside
Whether bonding is right for you, and whether it can be done additively, is assessed clinically. Larger changes or heavy bite forces sometimes call for porcelain instead.
What it can do
Small changes, big difference.
Bonding suits subtle, targeted improvements. For larger or full-smile changes, Dr Aodhan will tell you honestly when porcelain is the better long-term choice.
Well suited to
Bonding works well for
Chipped, worn or uneven edges.
Small gaps between front teeth.
Minor reshaping of tooth size or form.
Refreshing the smile with minimal intervention.
Usually 1 appointment
Better with porcelain
When we may suggest more
Heavily discoloured teeth that bonding cannot mask.
Full-smile makeovers across many teeth.
Strong grinding or clenching habits.
Cases needing the longest-lasting result.
Discussed at consultation
The process
From consult to finished smile.
A clear, unhurried path. No treatment is recommended before a proper assessment, and the additive nature of bonding means many changes can be previewed and refined as we go.
01
60 minutes
Consultation
Meet Dr Aodhan to discuss your goals. A full examination, photographs and shade matching are completed.
02
Planning
Design
Your proposed shape is planned. For larger changes a preview can be shown before any material is placed.
03
Same day
Sculpt & polish
Composite is hand-layered onto the teeth and polished to a natural finish, frequently in a single visit.
04
Ongoing
Review & maintain
A simple polish at your regular hygiene visits helps keep bonding looking its best over time.
Recent cases
Before & after
About these images. All photos are of actual patients who have given written consent. They are not edited, filtered or enhanced. Each outcome is relevant only to the individual shown and is not a guarantee of result for any other patient.
20 cases shown
← Swipe to see more cases →
Common questions
The things patients ask.
Composite bonding typically lasts around three to five years before it may need a polish, repair or refresh, though this varies. Longevity depends on your bite, diet, whether you grind your teeth, and habits such as smoking. Porcelain options last longer but are less conservative.
Composite can pick up staining over time from coffee, tea, red wine and smoking, more so than porcelain. Good hygiene and the occasional polish help. If staining is a particular concern, Dr Aodhan will talk through whether porcelain suits you better.
When bonding is fully additive and no natural tooth is removed, it can often be adjusted or removed later. Where a small amount of reshaping is needed, that part is not reversible. Which applies to you is confirmed at your consultation.
Additive bonding is one of the gentlest cosmetic treatments because it usually adds to the tooth rather than removing structure. As with any restoration, good hygiene matters to keep the underlying tooth and gum healthy.
Bonding cost depends on how many teeth are treated and the complexity of the work. An accurate figure is only possible after Dr Aodhan has seen your teeth. At your consultation you receive a clear, written plan and cost to take home.
Yes. For patients who choose to proceed, we offer an interest-free payment plan to make treatment more manageable. Eligibility and terms are confirmed in person at your consultation.
Bonding suits many patients but not every case. Active decay, gum disease or a heavy grinding habit may need to be addressed first, or may point to a different treatment. The consultation is the only reliable way to know.
Important to know
Before you proceed.
Composite bonding is conservative, but it is still a restoration with limits. These points are part of the conversation we have with you in person before any treatment is planned.
01
Chipping & wearComposite is less hard than porcelain and can chip or wear, particularly on biting edges or with grinding.
02
StainingBonding can discolour over time with coffee, tea, wine and smoking, and may need polishing or refreshing.
03
Maintenance & replacementBonding is not permanent and will need upkeep, repair or replacement at some point, with associated cost.
04
Aesthetic limitsBonding cannot always mask very dark teeth or achieve the same translucency as porcelain in larger cases.
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SuitabilityActive decay, gum disease or a significant bite problem must be managed first, and may make another option more appropriate.
Any dental procedure carries risk. Before proceeding we recommend seeking a second opinion from a suitably qualified dental practitioner. Outcomes vary between individuals, and the cases shown on this website are examples for those specific patients only and are not a guarantee of result. Costs are not covered by Medicare or private health funds.
Get started
Ready when you are.
Start with a free, no-obligation consultation. Pick a time on the booking page and you'll meet Dr Aodhan at Circular Quay.
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After