Composite Bonding vs Veneers: Which is Right for You?

What is Composite Bonding?

Composite bonding, also referred to as tooth bonding or dental bonding, is a type of cosmetic dentistry that uses tooth-coloured composite resin to improve the appearance of your teeth.

The resin is bonded to your teeth using a special adhesive and then shaped and polished to give you the desired look. A UV light is then used to harden the resin, resulting in a tooth that is beautiful, stronger, and more durable than before.

Composite bonding can be used to correct a variety of dental problems, including:

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Stained or discoloured teeth
• Worn down teeth

What are Veneers?

Veneers are thin, ceramic shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They are designed to comfortably match your natural teeth' size, shape, and colour.

The process of getting porcelain veneers usually starts with your dentist grinding down the teeth and making an impression for a mold. They'll then send the mold out to a lab, where experts will create the veneer from it. When it's ready, your dentist can place it on your teeth and cement it in place.

While there are many different types of veneers, the two most common are porcelain and composite resin. Let's take a closer look at each one.

Porcelain veneers

These are the most popular type of veneer. Porcelain veneers are basically thin layers of porcelain that are bonded to your teeth. They're strong, durable, and resistant to staining better than composite veneers.

Composite resin

Unlike porcelain veneers, composite resin veneers are made from a tooth-coloured composite material that is bonded to your teeth. Composite veneers and bonding use the same material, which is composite resin.

The only difference between them is how they are applied. Bonding usually covers part of your tooth, while composite veneer covers the total surface.

The Difference Between Composite Bonding and Veneers

Now that we know exactly what composite bonding and veneers are, it's time to figure out which one is right for you. Here's a quick overview of the key difference between composite bonding and veneers.

Cost

On average, composite bonding costs between £250 and £500 per tooth. Veneers, on the other hand, cost between £800 and £1,800 per tooth, depending on the type of veneer. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, composite bonding is the way to go.

Time commitment

The amount of time it takes to get composite bonding or veneers varies depending on the number of teeth being treated. However, in general, composite bonding is a quicker and less invasive procedure than veneers. It usually takes one to two visits to get composite bonding, while veneers typically take two to three visits.

Durability

Veneers are more durable than composite bonding. With proper care, veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years, while composite bonding usually lasts between 5 and 10 years.

Maintenance

Composite bonding is easier to maintain than veneers. Composite has a tendency to chip or stain over time, but it is easier to repair than veneers. On the other hand, veneers are more resistant to staining and chipping, but they are more difficult to repair once damaged.

Check out our guide, ''How to Clean Composite Bonding for a Fresh, Gleaming Smile'', for a few tips on keeping your composite bonding looking its best.

Composite Bonding vs Veneers Which One is Right for You?

Composite bonding and veneers are two popular options for improving the appearance of your smile. However, they both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Ultimately, the best way to decide which one is right for you is to consult with a qualified dentist.

For now, we hope this overview has helped you better understand the key differences between composite bonding and veneers. Best of luck on your journey to finding the perfect solution for your smile!