Composite bonding can make slightly overlapping teeth look straighter, but it doesn't move them. The dentist adds resin to build out the tooth that sits back, or reshapes edges, so the front of your smile reads as one line. 3Dental says it works best for minor overlaps and that more severe overlaps may need orthodontic treatment first (3Dental). Truly Dental and Colm Smith Dental say the same: bonding hides minor misalignment, and braces or aligners are recommended for anything more pronounced (Truly Dental, Colm Smith Dental).
Every clinical point and price on this page links to a page we read on 31 October 2026.
Key points
When one tooth sits slightly behind its neighbour, composite can be added to the front of the tooth that sits back, bringing its surface forward to line up with the others. Edges at different heights can be built up or reshaped so they're level. The roots, and the teeth themselves, stay exactly where they were. The change is in what you see from the front.
Niamh's case in our before and after gallery shows this: crowded lower edges reshaped and levelled. Her teeth are in the same position; the edges now form an even line.
Many people do both: straighten first with aligners, then bond to fix shape, chips or small gaps left at the end. Bonding done before orthodontics may need to be redone once the teeth move.
Bonding is priced per tooth. Across 75 Irish clinics the published range is €125 to €800 and the median is €250 (price survey). An overlap often involves the teeth either side as well, so ask how many teeth the plan covers. Prices in your area: composite bonding near me. How long it lasts: the studies.
Every clinic we found publishing a bonding price in your county, what each figure covers, and an introduction to a Dental Council registered dentist near you.
We are not a dental practice and we do not give clinical advice. We may be paid a fee by the clinic you choose to see.
It can disguise a slight overlap by building out the tooth that sits back so the front of the smile looks even. It doesn't move teeth, so a pronounced overlap usually needs aligners or braces first.
Only for minor misalignment, where the aim is how the teeth look. Braces and aligners move teeth; bonding changes their shape. Clinics recommend orthodontics for more pronounced crowding.
Sometimes. Our gallery includes a real case of crowded lower edges reshaped and levelled. Lower teeth depend heavily on how your top and bottom teeth meet, so the bite is checked first.
Yes. Many people straighten first and then bond to fix shape, chips or small gaps. Bonding placed before orthodontic treatment may need to be redone once the teeth move.
The same per-tooth price as other bonding: €125 to €800 across 75 Irish clinics, median €250. Ask how many teeth the plan includes.
Send one selfie and see what composite bonding could look like on your teeth, then meet a Dental Council-registered dentist near you. Free, no obligation.
Free smile previewPrices and facts on this page were checked against these published pages on 31 October 2026. We are not affiliated with any clinic or organisation listed.