Porcelain Veneers vs Composite Bonding
The Differences Between Composite Bonding and Porcelain Veneers
If you are looking to improve your smile, cosmetic dentistry is something you are likely to be considering. Here at Identity Smile, we’re proud of the range of cosmetic treatments available at our dental practice in Central London. These treatments can completely transform the appearance of your smile.
Composite bonding and porcelain veneers are two common types of cosmetic dentistry that can help to improve minor dental issues and enhance the beauty of your smile. Although they are two different treatments, they have a lot in common. You may be wondering whether to choose porcelain veneers or composite bonding. We’ve put together some information about both composite bonding and porcelain veneers so that you have everything you need to make the right decision for yourself.
What is composite bonding?
Composite bonding, also known as ‘dental bonding’, involves reshaping or repairing chipped teeth and amending small gaps between them. It can be completed in a single session and give outstanding results. Bonding uses a plastic-like material that can be shaped into the desired shape and made hard and ready to use in one session.
The advantages and disadvantages of composite bonding
It is considered a low-cost alternative to porcelain veneers and a relatively painless procedure. Composite bonding requires no needles or injections and you can see the results on the same day. Composite Bonding is considered a more conservative procedure and with tooth whitening can achieve significant improvement of your smile.
What is worth knowing is that composite bonding is not meant to last as porcelain veneers. A composite bonding is expected to last 5-7 years. Composite is a material that will stain more easily and is more breakable. It is therefore something worth taking into consideration while making your decision. Yes composite bonding is more affordable but it is less durable and less lifelike looking than porcelain veneers. Composite is more likely to stain and change colour if you smoke, frequently drink coffee or eat spicy food.
To learn more about composite bonding and how we can help at our practice in Central London, please click here.
What are porcelain veneers?
Veneers have been the gold standard of smile makeovers for years. Porcelain is a marble-like material that gives an incomparable resemblance to the natural tooth lustre and luminousness. As with composite bonding, shape and colour can be changed. With porcelain veneers, the exact shape of the tooth can be established before the start. Porcelain veneers allow more precision in the making. As with composite bonding, gaps and alignment can be corrected to a certain extent.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers come with a lot of advantages. They are definitely more durable than composite veneers. They are estimated to last 10 to 15 years and are less likely to stain. They do require maintenance and, as with composite bonding, frequent hygiene visits and thorough home routines are required to increase their longevity.
Porcelain veneers are more costly and this is often the reason patients tend to choose composite bonding. Another rationale to opt for composite bonding is that often, but not always, tooth structure can be left intact when having composite bonding treatment.
To learn more about our porcelain veneers treatment, please click here.
Composite Bonding vs Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers and composite bonding both aim to achieve the same outcome but there are some clear differences that may influence your decision.
When choosing porcelain veneers, they will need to be custom made. This process can take several weeks and requires at least two visits to your dental practice. Composite bonding will require two visits – an initial consultation and then the bonding procedure, providing you with immediate results.
Composite bonding is a cheaper, non-invasive treatment. Porcelain veneers are a more expensive option that requires tooth preparation and is irreversible. However, porcelain veneers are expected to last a lot longer than composite bonding, with results lasting up to 15 years. Results from composite bonding can sometimes only last up to 5 years.
At Identity Smile, your dentist will sit down and discuss your options with you when wanting to decide between veneers and bonding. What may be the right treatment for one person, may not be the right treatment for another.
Choose Identity Smile Today
Here at Identity Dental Clinic, our team of dentists enjoys discussing with each patient all of the treatment options available to improve your smile. Different plans are always presented so that patients can be empowered to make their own decisions. Every member of our team can always make themselves available to our patients.
Speak to a member of our team today on 020 3997 1616 to discuss whether porcelain veneers or composite bonding might be right for your desired results. Let us make your journey to your best smile an enjoyable experience.