COMPOSITE BONDING VS VENEERS: WHICH ONE’S THE BEST?

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, there are a lot of options that you can choose from.
However, of them, two are quite popular: teeth composite bonding and veneers.
Both of them can help hide any chips, cracks, gaps, or discolouration, but there are a lot of differences between the two treatments. Composite bonding uses putty-like resin to bond to the problem areas on the teeth.
Veneers, on the other hand, are thin shells that cover the entire front surface of the tooth. Let’s deep dive into the details of the differences between these two dental procedures.
What Are The Differences Between Composite Bonding and Veneers?
It’s important to understand what composite bonding and veneers can and cannot do for you so that you don’t have regrets about your decision later on.
Tooth Preparation
Tooth preparation refers to the shaving of the natural tooth to make space for restoration. That way, it sits more naturally. As far as composite bonding is concerned, it doesn’t require any kind of tooth shaving.
The tooth under treatment will only be etched with acid so that the resin can adhere better. For this reason, this treatment is also reversible. Veneers, on the other hand, require minimal tooth preparation. Less than a millimetre of the original tooth is shaved so that the veneers don’t end up looking too bulky. Here,
keep in mind that the enamel doesn’t regrow, so the procedure is irreversible.
Candidates
Composite bonding is better suited for those who’re looking to fix very minor cosmetic
problems with their teeth. For instance, it could be a small gap between the teeth, a slight chip or a crack. It could
also hide hairline fractures on the surface of the tooth. However, for moderate to significant cosmetic issues, veneers do a better job. That’s because they’ll cover the entire surface of the tooth.

So, for instance, if there are large gaps between the teeth, veneers can close them more easily. Similarly, if you have large cracks or fractures, veneers will give you better results.
Results
There is no doubt that porcelain veneers look far more natural than composite resin. In fact, it closely resembles natural teeth, which is why it blends in quite easily. You’ll notice that they have a glossy sheen on them.
Composite bonding, on the other hand, doesn’t look as natural as porcelain veneers. And
one of the biggest giveaways of this bonding material is that it stains quite easily, unlike veneers which are stain-resistant. That’s because composite resin is porous, so if you eat or drink something that stains the teeth, like berries or red wine, the bonding material will stand out in stark contrast to the rest of your teeth.
Strength
The difference in materials between veneers and composite bonding is also reflected in their durability. Porcelain is, of course, far stronger than composite bonding. For instance, porcelain veneers can last for 5-10 years, but composite bonding doesn’t last for longer than 2-3 (that too when you take really good care of your teeth).
So, you need to factor in the cost of multiple visits to the dentist if you’re considering composite bonding.
Cost
Veneers cost almost twice as much as composite bonding because of the differences in their materials and procedures (tooth preparation). And since both composite bonding and veneers are cosmetic treatments, they’re not available on the NHS, so you’ll have to get them privately. The total cost will depend on the number of teeth that require “repair work.” If it’s extensive and costs too much, you can consider becoming a dental tourist.
Conclusion
Both veneers and composite bonding treatments are quite popular for a reason. They’re
good at meeting specific aesthetic needs. However, if you’re confused about the two, it’s
always a good idea to consult a dental professional.