Articles
Composite Bonding vs Veneers: Which Treatment Is For You?
When it comes to improving the appearance of your smile, composite bonding and veneers are both popular and effective cosmetic dental treatments. Both options are quite different from one another and offer great benefits to enhancing the aesthetics of your teeth.
Image: Before and after of a patient, following treatment for composite bonding.
In this blog article, we’re diving into the main differences between composite bonding and dental veneers, and which treatment option may be best for you.
Composite Bonding
Composite bonding is non-invasive, and involves a tooth-coloured resin being applied and shaped to your teeth. Once applied, the composite material is then hardened to restore your tooth and transform your smile!
The benefits of composite bonding
- Long-lasting: Generally, if you look after your teeth and maintain good oral hygiene, composite bonding can last for years.
- Non-invasive: Bonding typically involves less preparation of the teeth, making it non-invasive compared to dental veneers.
- Versatile treatment: Composite bonding can be used to address various cosmetic dental concerns, from chipped or cracked teeth to discolouration.
- Quick procedure: The treatment can usually be completed in one single visit, so we can transform your smile in no time.
Considerations for composite bonding
- More prone to stains: Composite is more likely to stain over time compared to veneers.
- Durability: Bonding may not be as durable as veneers therefore requiring more frequent maintenance. This, in particular, applies to those who have a history of grinding their teeth.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or composite materials, but unlike composite bonding, veneers are a more invasive procedure.
The benefits of veneers
- Durability: Dental veneers tend to be more durable than composite bonding, which makes them a great option for people who have a history of tooth grinding or clenching.
- Natural appearance: Veneers are custom-made so can be crafted closely to match the shape, size, and colour of your teeth.
- Stain-resistant: Generally, porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining. This means you can enjoy a bright smile for longer.
Considerations for veneers
- More invasive: To place veneers, your teeth require more preparation than bonding. Your dentist is required to remove a layer of enamel from the surface, removing the outer protective layer.
- Non-reversible: Once veneers have been placed, it’s difficult to remove and replace them due to the preparation needed to place them in the first place.
Composite bonding or veneers – which treatment option is for you?
The cosmetic dental treatment for you is dependent on your individual requirements and preferences. Our team of experts in cosmetic dentistry recommend a handful of factors to be considered. These include:
- Your budget: Composite bonding is typically more cost-effective than veneers, therefore, if cost is a concern, bonding may be the option for you.
- Your desired smile transformation: Bonding and veneers both offer an opportunity for a smile transformation. Veneers provide a more natural look and are typically more stain resistant, so could be the option for you.
- Invasive vs non-invasive: While composite bonding may be less durable, they can be easily repaired. Dental veneers are more invasive since they involve removing the enamel from the surface of your teeth, therefore can only be replaced if they become damaged.
- Your dental history: If you have a history of grinding or clenching your teeth, then dental veneers may be more durable long-term.
It’s essential before making a decision to consult with your dentist to discuss your options, and to determine the best treatment for you. But if you’re looking for a smile transformation, composite bonding and dental veneers are cosmetic dental treatments that could be right for you.
Unsure if bonding or veneers are right for you? You can find out more here, or why not contact us today to book an appointment to discuss your options.