As cosmetic dentistry becomes increasingly popular, more people are considering options such as veneers and composite bonding. Both veneers and composite bonding are popular options for people seeking a more attractive and healthy smile. In this blog post, we will be exploring the differences between veneers and composite bonding to help you have an overview of both treatments prior to having your clinical assessment here at Ora Dental.
What are veneers?
Dental veneers, also known as porcelain veneers, are thin shells made of porcelain or ceramic material that are custom-made to fit over the front of your teeth. They are designed to improve the appearance of your teeth by covering chips, cracks, and gaps, as well as improving their shape and color.
What is composite bonding?
Composite bonding is a procedure where a dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin to the surface of a tooth, then hardens it with a special light. This procedure is used to repair chipped, decayed, or discolored teeth, or to close gaps between teeth. Composite bonding is also used to change the shape and color of teeth.
Appearance
Porcelain veneers and composite bonding both offer the same goal, which is to improve the appearance of teeth. Porcelain veneers provide more natural-looking results. Porcelain veneers are also more stain-resistant than composite bonding and don’t discolor as quickly as composite bonding. Composite bonding does tend to stain more easily than porcelain veneers since the composite material is more porous.
Durability
Porcelain veneers are typically more durable and last longer than composite bonding. When cared for properly, veneers can last an average of 15-20 years. Composite bonding, on the other hand, usually lasts between 5-7 years before it needs to be repaired or replaced. It should also be noted that veneers are a more invasive procedure than composite bonding, meaning that more of the natural tooth structure must be removed before they are placed.
Cost
In general, composite bonding is less expensive than porcelain veneers. The cost of composite bonding varies depending on the extent of the procedure. While composite bonding may be more affordable, the cost should not be the only factor when deciding between these two cosmetic treatments.
Process
The dentist will prepare the tooth by removing a small amount of the natural tooth structure to make room for the veneer. They will then take impressions of your teeth, which will be sent to a dental laboratory to create your custom veneers. Before placing the veneers, the dentist will place temporary veneers on the teeth to protect them from damage. At the second appointment, the temporary veneers will be removed and the permanent veneers will be bonded to your natural teeth.
With composite bonding the dentist starts by roughening the surface of the tooth, then applying the composite resin in layers. Each layer is hardened with a special light before the next layer is applied. Once the full amount of composite material has been applied, the dentist shapes and polishes it to match the natural teeth.
Both procedures can be carried out in the same- day at Ora Dental.
Which is right for me?
At Ora dental, the treatment path is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the specific needs and goals of the patient. In general, veneers are a more appropriate option for patients with more significant cosmetic issues or who are looking to make more dramatic changes to their teeth. Composite bonding is a good option for patients with mild cosmetic issues, or those who are looking for a more affordable solution.
It’s also important to consider the condition of the patient’s natural teeth. Porcelain veneers require the removal of more natural tooth structure than composite bonding. If a patient has weakened or damaged teeth, composite bonding may be a better option because it requires less natural tooth structure to be removed.
Conclusion
Both veneers and composite bonding provide excellent, long-lasting results for people looking to enhance their smile. The decision to choose between the two cosmetic treatments should be made on an individual basis with the guidance of a dental professional. At Ora Dental, we consider factors such as cost, durability, process, and patient needs should all be considered before making a final decision.
Please get in touch for your free clinical assessment today!
