Composite bonding and veneers are both dental treatments that cosmetically enhance the teeth.
While they can be used to treat similar issues, they are very different treatments. Read on to find out everything you need to know if you are considering enhancing your smile.
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What are they
A veneer is made of a thin coating of ceramic material, called porcelain. It usually covers the front of the tooth, but can also sometimes cover the bite of the tooth.
Composite bonding uses composite, which is a tooth coloured material which is expertly moulded to your teeth.
Both techniques can drastically improve your smile, making it whiter and straighter.
What issues can they be used for
Veneers can be used to improve size, shape and alignment of teeth, fill minor gaps and chips, and cover damage from teeth grinding.
It also can drastically change the colour of your teeth, if desired, as they cover the whole front of the tooth.
Composite bonding can also be used to enhance colour, shape and alignment of teeth. Unlike veneers, composite can just be applied to a small area of a tooth to fill in a chip.
In some instances, you may need to have Invisalign or another form of braces before getting composite bonding to straighten the teeth.
Veneers and composite bonding can both only be used to correct the front of the teeth, and if there is damage to the back of the tooth, it is likely crowns will be needed.
When you visit a cosmetic dentist, they will be able to clearly advise you on what the best course of treatment for you would be.
Procedure
Veneers require a thin layer of enamel to be removed before the porcelain is fitted. The veneers are created by a technician in a dental laboratory for the dentist to then fit them to your teeth.
With composite bonding, the teeth are cleaned and then small amounts of composite are carefully applied to your teeth.
The material is hardened using a blue light and the dentist then carefully polishes it, until it reaches the perfect shape.
Veneers generally require two appointments to be fitted, however composite bonding can usually be done quickly in just one appointment.
What lasts longer
Veneers are expected to last around 15 years if they have been taken good care of. Composite bonding doesn’t last as long, usually around 5-7 years before you may need to get it redone.
Veneers are more durable than composite, which can stain and chip if it’s not taken care of. It can get stained from coffee, red wine and smoking and weakened from grinding teeth.
Composite is however very easy to alter once it has been applied, and can be changed, removed or repaired at any time.
Because no enamel is shaved down, the tooth will look exactly the same if you decide to get the composite bonding removed, meaning no permanent damage will be done to your teeth.
It actually preserves the teeth from damage and can even make them stronger!
Because of the shaving down of the teeth, veneers are a permanent option which you are not able to remove and live without.
This means you will have to get them redone after a certain amount of time.
Cost
‘Each dentist has different costs, but generally veneers are more expensive than composite bonding due to the extra work needed.
In the UK, composite bonding usually costs between £100 and £400 per tooth, and veneers usually cost between £400 and £1,000 per tooth. However, if you’re on a budget but still crave a smile transformation, clip-on veneers offer a fantastic and affordable alternative.’
Discomfort
With veneers, there is no painful drilling or tooth removal, however there may be some sensitivity due to the removal of enamel.
Composite bonding is completely painless as it is not a particularly intrusive procedure. If you have sensitive teeth, you can get your teeth numbed before the procedure so you don’t feel the cold of the water and air as much, but it is not necessary.
Each treatment has positives and negatives, so it is important you clearly understand all factors before making a decision.
Every situation is different, so you need to first speak with a cosmetic dentist who will be able to give you further information on what would work best for you. You can check out this one who does bridges, veneers, and dental crowns in Harrisburg to get started.