Composite veneers and bonding, sculpted by hand
Composite veneers, also called composite bonding, use tooth-coloured resin shaped directly onto your teeth. They can change the shape of a tooth, repair chips, close small gaps and even out edges, often with little or no tooth preparation. This guide covers what composite can do, how the appointments work, how long it lasts and how it compares to hybrid and porcelain veneers. It all starts with a free cosmetic consultation and a 3D smile preview.
Disclaimer: Cosmetic dental results vary from person to person, and any cosmetic dentistry is always tailored to your individual assessment and suitability. Cosmetic dental treatment carry’s risks which will be explained to you as an individual at your consultation, however, you can read more here at treatment risks.
What is composite bonding?
Composite bonding is a cosmetic treatment where tooth-coloured resin is applied to your teeth, shaped by hand and polished to blend in. Composite veneers and composite bonding are the same treatment. Your dentist builds each tooth up in thin layers, sculpting the shape, length and edges as they go. Because the resin is added to the tooth rather than replacing it, most of your natural tooth is kept. It can be used on a single tooth, such as one chipped front tooth, or across several teeth to change the look of your smile.
Composite bonding may help with:
Chipped or worn edges
Teeth that are uneven in length or shape
Small gaps between teeth
Small or narrow teeth
Some discolouration on individual teeth
Is composite right for you?
Composite suits a lot of people, but it isn’t the best fit for everyone. Your dentist will talk you through the options at your consultation.
Composite may suit you if
- You’d like to keep as much natural tooth as possible
- You want to change a few teeth, or make small to moderate changes
- You like that it can be repaired, adjusted or redone later
- You’re happy to come in for the occasional polish
Hybrid or porcelain may suit you better if
- You’d prefer a more stain-resistant finish
- You grind or clench, which can chip composite
- You’d rather spend less time in the chair
- You’re looking for a longer-lasting option
How composite veneers are done
Composite is planned first and then sculpted directly onto your teeth, so most of the work happens in one longer appointment.
-
01
Consultation and 3D scan
Your dentist checks your teeth and gums, talks through what you’d like to change and takes a 3D scan to create a 3D smile preview.
-
02
Designing your smile
Together you look at shape, length, colour and shade, so your dentist knows exactly what you’d like before sculpting begins.
-
03
Sculpting in the chair
Each veneer is built up in layers, shaped by hand to suit each tooth and polished. Allow plenty of time, as this appointment can be long.
Composite veneers near you
Composite veneers and bonding are available at Avenue Dental practices across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide, starting with a free cosmetic consultation. Choose your area to find your nearest practice.
Our Cosmetic Dentistry Services Include
How long do composite veneers last?
5–7 years
Composite veneers often last around 5 to 7 years. They can last less, depending on your bite and habits, such as grinding, clenching or biting hard objects.
Composite is more prone to chipping and staining than hybrid or porcelain veneers. The upside is that chips can usually be repaired in the chair, and composite can be removed and redone later if you’d like a change.
Looking after composite
- 1
A polish now and then
A professional polish every so often helps keep the surface smooth and bright.
- 2
Go easy on staining drinks
Coffee, tea and red wine can stain composite over time, so rinsing with water afterwards helps.
- 3
Avoid biting hard things
Ice, pens and fingernails can chip the edges of composite.
- 4
Keep your regular check-ups
Your dentist can spot small chips or wear early and touch them up.
Little or no tooth preparation
Can be repaired or redone
Free cosmetic consultation
How much do composite veneers cost?
$750
per tooth
The final cost depends on how many teeth are involved and how much shaping each one needs. Your dentist gives you an exact quote at the free consultation, before you decide anything.
A written plan and quote
Your quote sets out each stage of treatment, so you know the full cost before you commit.
Interest-free payment plans
Spread the cost with interest-free plans through Humm, with approval and terms assessed by Humm. Afterpay, Zip and TLC are also available. See our payment plans →
Private health insurance
Composite veneers done for cosmetic reasons usually aren’t covered. Bonding to repair a chipped or broken tooth may be, depending on your extras cover, so it’s worth checking with your fund.
Request a composite veneers price guide
Want more detail on pricing first? Our treatment coordinator will send you a price guide for composite veneers and bonding.
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Why Choose Avenue Dental for Composite Veneers?
Composite is as much art as it is dentistry – it’s sculpted freehand, right there on your teeth, so the skill is in the hands doing it. Our dentists take the time to understand what you’re actually after, then shape each veneer directly onto the tooth with a proper eye for detail, rather than rushing to a finish.
Using high-quality composite resin, we can refine the shape and look of your teeth in a way that feels natural and genuinely yours – not a copy-paste smile that could belong to anyone.
Veneers, including composite, are a cosmetic treatment worth understanding fully before you commit. Your dentist will talk you through the options, what’s realistic for you, and the risks involved at your consultation. You can read more on our Treatment Risks page.
Flexible payment plans
At Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, we understand that dental treatment can be difficult to fit into your budget, which is why we offer a range of different dental payment plan options.
Composite veneers FAQs
Questions people ask us most. Anything else, your dentist can answer at the free consultation.
What are composite veneers?
Composite veneers are thin layers of tooth-coloured resin applied directly to your teeth and shaped by hand. They can change the shape, length and colour of teeth, repair chips and close small gaps.
Is composite bonding the same as composite veneers?
Yes. Composite bonding and composite veneers are the same treatment. Both use tooth-coloured resin that’s applied to your teeth, sculpted by hand and polished.
How long do composite veneers last?
Composite veneers often last around 5 to 7 years, though they can last less depending on your bite and habits, such as grinding or biting hard objects. Chips can usually be repaired in the chair.
Do composite veneers damage your teeth?
Composite veneers are usually done with little or no tooth preparation, to keep as much of your natural tooth as possible. Your dentist will explain what’s involved for your teeth.
Can composite veneers be removed?
Yes. Composite veneers can be removed and redone, for example if you’d like a change or decide to move to hybrid or porcelain veneers later.
How many appointments do composite veneers take?
Composite veneers usually involve a consultation and 3D scan, a smile design appointment, then a sculpting appointment where the veneers are built up by hand. The sculpting appointment can be long, as each veneer is shaped to each tooth.
Do composite veneers stain?
Composite can pick up stains over time, more than hybrid or porcelain veneers. Rinsing after coffee, tea or red wine and having a polish every so often helps keep them looking fresh.
Can composite veneers chip?
Composite is more prone to chipping than hybrid or porcelain, especially if you grind, clench or bite hard objects. Small chips can usually be repaired in the chair.
What’s the difference between composite and porcelain veneers?
Composite veneers are sculpted by hand directly onto your teeth with little or no preparation. Porcelain veneers are made in a dental lab and usually need a thin layer of enamel removed. Porcelain is more stain-resistant, while composite can be repaired more easily.
What’s the difference between composite and hybrid veneers?
Composite veneers are sculpted by hand in the chair. Hybrid veneers are 3D printed from a blend of ceramic and composite resin, need no tooth preparation and are fitted after a scan and one fitting appointment.
Can I whiten my teeth before composite veneers?
Yes, and it’s usually recommended. Composite doesn’t whiten, so any whitening is done first and your veneers are matched to your new shade.
Does composite bonding hurt?
Composite usually needs little or no tooth preparation, which many people find comfortable. Your dentist will talk you through what to expect and whether any numbing is needed.
How much do composite veneers cost?
Composite veneers start from $750 per tooth. The final cost depends on how many teeth are involved and how much shaping is needed. Your dentist gives you an exact quote at the free consultation, or you can request a price guide from our treatment coordinator. Interest-free payment plans are available.
