Composite bonding vs veneers: What’s the difference?

What is composite bonding?

Composite bonding is when your dentist applies a special tooth-coloured resin to the surface of your natural tooth and carefully shapes it. It’s also sometimes known as dental bonding, tooth bonding, or cosmetic bonding.

It can help to:

• cover over a chip or crack in your tooth
• close small gaps between your teeth
• reshape your tooth, for example if it’s uneven or pointed
• build up a tooth that looks shorter than the rest
• improve the colour of your teeth

What are veneers?

Dental veneers are very thin shells of porcelain or composite that are bonded to the front surface of your tooth. Veneers can be used to change the appearance of a single tooth or a whole row of teeth. They can also help to:

• hide chips or cracks in your teeth
• improve the colour of your teeth
• cover small gaps between your teeth
• change the shape or length of your teeth

There are two main types of veneers.

• Porcelain veneers. These are thin shells of porcelain that are custom-made in a lab. Porcelain veneers are usually strong, stain-resistant, natural-looking, and long-lasting. Often, some of your natural tooth will need to be removed to cement them in place. So porcelain veneers are difficult to remove without some small changes to the tooth underneath.


• Composite veneers. These are made from a thin layer of composite resin material that matches the colour of your natural tooth. Your dentist will apply the resin directly to the surface of your tooth, harden it with a special light, and shape it.

How do composite bonding and veneers work?

Composite bonding

Composite bonding can usually be completed in one appointment. Your dentist will apply a thin layer of tooth-coloured resin directly to your tooth and harden it with a special curing light. They’ll shape and polish your tooth until it matches the rest of your teeth. Your dentist might need to slightly roughen the surface of your tooth beforehand, to help the resin bond to it.

Veneers

If you’re having porcelain veneers, the veneers process usually requires two appointments. During your first visit, your dentist will prepare your teeth by permanently removing a very small amount of the hard outer layer of your teeth (enamel). You might have an injection with a local anaesthetic to help ease any pain. They’ll also take a mould or scan of your teeth and send this off to a lab to custom-make your veneers.

Once your porcelain veneers are ready, you’ll return for a second appointment, and your dentist will bond them to your teeth using a strong dental adhesive.

If you’re having composite veneers, they can usually be completed in a single appointment. Just like composite bonding, your dentist might need to roughen the surface of your teeth a little first. They’ll apply a tooth-coloured resin, harden it with a light, then shape and polish them to create a natural-looking finish.

How much do composite bonding and veneers cost?

Composite bonding cost

Composite bonding usually costs less than veneers because it’s done in a single visit and your teeth don’t need as much preparation beforehand. But the cost will depend on how many teeth need treating and how much work they need. Your dentist can let you know the exact cost during your initial consultation. If you decide to go ahead, you may be able to spread your payments out.

Veneers cost

Porcelain veneers are usually more expensive than composite bonding. This is because you’ll need at least two appointments, porcelain veneers are custom-made in a lab, and your teeth often need preparing for treatment. The cost will also depend on how many veneers you want. Your dentist will give you a full breakdown of the cost before you consent to treatment.

How long do composite bonding and veneers last?

Composite bonding

Composite bonding can last for many years if you take good care of them. They can also be repaired easily if they do get damaged. However, over time, they can become stained from things like tea, coffee, and tobacco.

Veneers

Veneers can also last a long time with proper care. They’re very durable and resistant to stains, but may occasionally chip or break and need replacing.

Here are ways to help your composite bonding and veneers last as long as possible.

• Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. Even with veneers, your natural teeth and gums still need proper care to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
• See your dentist for regular check-ups and hygiene appointments to help keep your teeth in good condition.
• Reduce any food and drinks that stain your teeth, like tea, coffee, and red wine.
• Avoid biting hard objects that could damage the resin or porcelain, like your nails, pen lids, or ice.

Finally, if you’re thinking about getting composite bonding or veneers, make an appointment to see your dentist. They can go through all your options, answer any questions, and recommend the best treatment for you.