Composite Bonding vs Veneers: What’s the Difference?

For fast and highly effective smile upgrades, veneers and composite bonding offer some of the best results. While the results of the treatment plan might be quite similar, how we achieve them is very different. If you’re curious about how you can address smile imperfections with either composite bonding or veneers, read on to learn more about the key differences between these treatments.

What is composite bonding?

Composite bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment that addresses the small imperfections in your smile. It is commonly used for things like discolouration, small gaps, thinning enamel, chips or cracks and minor rotations.

It is a minimally invasive treatment that is completed in just one visit. A soft resin is applied directly to the teeth and then shaped as required. We then use a UV light to cure the resin, which makes it strong and durable. We then polish and refine the shape to finalise the smile makeover.

With good care, composite bonding can last for around 5 years, and then the material will start to wear away.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells that fit over the front of the teeth. These are used to change the appearance of the smile, often focusing on the top front teeth, although they can also be used for the bottom arch.

To apply veneers, we first have to remove a small amount of the enamel from the front of the teeth. This creates a surface that the veneers can bond to, while also making space for the veneer so that the teeth don’t appear bulky.

The treatment takes a few visits, first to prepare the teeth and take impressions, and then to apply the veneers once they have been prepared in an external laboratory. Veneers are incredibly durable with good care, and can often last in excess of 12 years before they need to be repaired or replaced.

What is the difference between composite bonding and veneers?

If you’re interested in either treatment, it’s important to be aware of the differences between the two so you can make a confident choice.

The lifespan of these treatments is quite different, as composite bonding is only designed to last for around 5 years before the resin starts to wear away. In contrast, veneers can last for 10-12 years and sometimes as long as 15 years.

The materials used are quite different. Porcelain offers a very natural appearance, as it offers a slight glossy translucence that is similar to natural tooth enamel. In contrast, composite resin can be quite flat with a slightly opaque look.

With composite bonding, you can complete the treatment in one visit since the treatment is applied directly to the teeth. With veneers, you can expect multiple visits with a wait between as the porcelain veneers will need to be created in an external laboratory.

Due to the materials used, veneers will be more expensive than composite bonding. 

Which treatment is right for you?

Both veneers and composite bonding will deliver a dazzling smile makeover that will address any of the imperfections in your smile that might be impacting your confidence. The main things to consider will be your budget and the lifespan of the treatment.

Once you opt for veneers, you’ll need to wear a veneer for the rest of your life due to the preparation required. With composite bonding, you can choose to allow the resin to wear away, or replace the resin over time. 

Book an appointment with our cosmetic dental team today to learn more about your options.