Composite bonding vs Veneers (which one is better?)
Composite bonding is becoming very popular. You don’t have to spend a lot of time on Instagram before you hear influencers and dentists talking about it, but is it really the best option for you?
In order to get the most value for money and keep your teeth healthy, it’s important to choose what treatment you have wisely.
In this short post, I’ll explain exactly what composite bonding is, what veneers are and when you should choose which option.
No one can deny the power of a bright white smile
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What is composite bonding?
Composite bonding is when a dentist uses a tooth-coloured material (called composite) and adds it to your teeth in order to change their shape. It is done whilst you sit in the dental chair and normally in a single appointment.
There are 2 types of composite bonding:
Edge bonding
Composite veneers
Edge bonding is where the composite material is only added to the edges of your teeth to make them longer, more even or smoother.
An example of composite edge bonding
Composite veneers involve adding the material over the entire surface of the teeth.
An example of composite veneers
What are porcelain veneers?
When people talk about veneers they usually mean porcelain veneers, which are thin porcelain coverings that are stuck onto the front surfaces of your teeth, like a false nail.
Rather than being made in your mouth, they are designed and made in a dental lab.
Example of porcelain veneers
What veneers look like outside the mouth
So which one should I choose?
Choosing between the different options can be confusing but here is a general guide.
Composite edge bonding involves the least amount of work and maintenance. So, if your teeth just need some slight changes to the edges, then this is the best option for you.
If you want to change the entire look of your teeth then you will need veneers and you can choose which material to go for.
Composite veneers are cheaper and quicker, but they don’t look as good as porcelain veneers and will require replacing every 5-7 years.
Porcelain veneers are more expensive and take slightly longer to make. However, they look much better than composite veneers and will only need replacing every 12-15 years. This actually makes them a cheaper and better option in the long run.
To be clear (because many people think this is the case). Your teeth will not need to be drilled down into pegs to have porcelain veneers placed. When planned properly, veneers can be done in a safe way.
Need some more advice?
If you still have questions about composite bonding, veneers or anything else, you can get some free personalised advice by speaking to one of our dentists. They will have a look at your teeth and help you decide which treatment will be the best fit for you.
