Composite bonding and veneers are two of the most common procedures used to improve the appearance of teeth. So which is best – composite bonding or veneers?

Composite bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment used to correct cracks, gaps and other tooth imperfections. It is a non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure that uses a special light-activated bonding agent and a tooth coloured resin material to create a composite veneer that is applied directly to the affected tooth. The special light hardens the bonding agent and allows it to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Composite bonding can also be used to correct chips in teeth or gaps between teeth without using invasive cosmetic dental procedures such as veneers.

Dental veneers are thin shells made from porcelain or composite resin material that cover the front surface of a tooth. They can be used to correct minor stains, gaps, chips, and even misalignment of individual teeth. For traditional composite and porcelain veneers, your dentist will shave down your enamel.

Veneers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so be sure to ask your dentist about which material will benefit you the most:

• Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain adhered to the outer surface of the tooth that mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. They are both stain-resistant and gum-tolerant. Once bonded to a healthy tooth, porcelain is extremely durable.
• Composite veneers are veneers that are not quite as durable as porcelain but are more easily replaced and repaired. The resin is added to your teeth as a liquid before being cured and polished. While porcelain veneers are not reversible, composite veneers are.
• Lumineers are minimally invasive porcelain veneers made of a thin laminate layer applied seamlessly over your existing teeth. This typically requires no shots, drilling, and less preparation than traditional veneers. Like composite veneers, they can last between 10 and 20 years but may be removed if needed.

Composite bonding is a popular choice because it requires no alteration of the existing tooth structure, making it an ideal choice for correcting minor flaws in the smile. It is also generally cheaper than Veneers. That said, Veneers tend to last longer than bonding, so consider a veneer if your bonding needs ongoing maintenance.

Both these procedures offer dramatic aesthetic improvements in smiles while preserving natural tooth structure. Dental veneers are an ideal option for minor cosmetic problems such as minor stains and chips on individual teeth while cosmetic bonding is ideal for whole mouth makeovers that involve multiple cosmetic issues across multiple teeth.

With both procedures, you can expect years of wear and tear on your teeth before having to repair or replace them. Composite bonding is also becoming a fashionable move among those who want to improve their smiles without having to invest in expensive treatments such as dental implants.

J&B Dental Group provide a range of cosmetic dentistry services at our practices in Darlington, Thornaby (Stockton) and Easington (Durham). For more information, please view our full range of treatments, or contact your nearest practice.

Finance is available through our finance partner Chrysalis Finance.