Porcelain Veneers vs Composite Bonding: Which Is Right for You?
If you’re deciding between veneers vs composite bonding, then keep reading to decide which option is right for you.
Both veneers and composite bonding can transform your smile, helping you look and feel more confident. Any cosmetic dental treatment is a big decision and something you want to feel completely comfortable about.
Both of these options have their advantages so our job as leading cosmetic dentists is to equip you with all of the information you need first to make an informed choice.
We don’t push any particular treatment – it’s about working out your desired look and choosing the option that suits you best.
In this guide, we’ll explore veneers vs composite bonding including answers to some of the most common questions we hear in our clinics:
- How long do veneers last?
- Should you choose composite or porcelain veneers?
- What is composite bonding?
- Do veneers stain?
- Can I finance my veneers?
As a trusted cosmetic dentist based in London, we have treatment plans to suit every type of smile and every type of budget. Since opening our doors in London, the Sensu team has helped nearly 20,000 patients transform their smiles, with over 2,500 five-star Google reviews from patients who trust us with their cosmetic dentistry.
Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Composite Bonding?
Starting with composite bonding this involves a tooth-coloured resin being applied to the selected teeth to change their shape or size. It’s an effective way of improving your smile without more invasive treatment as it focuses on smaller improvements.
Depending on the desired result, composite bonding can be applied in three different ways, including edge bonding (adding material to the edge of the tooth), partial coverage (reshaping an area of the tooth), or full veneer bonding, where the composite covers more of the front surface.
Composite bonding can help with many issues such as closing gaps between teeth, covering a chip or crack, reshaping teeth, building teeth up to make them more even, and smoothing out uneven edges.
What Are the Benefits of Composite Bonding?
- Treatment tends to be completed in a single appointment so it’s quicker and easier to achieve results
- Minimally invasive as your dentist does not have to remove natural tooth enamel
- Creates natural-looking results as the resin is matched to the colour of your own teeth
- A cost-effective option for those looking to improve the shape of their teeth with a smaller budget
- Usually no tooth preparation or drilling or injections are required
How Long Does Composite Bonding Last?
Composite bonding typically lasts around 5-7 years depending on how well you care for your teeth and bite. As the resin is placed on the edges of the teeth (an area that takes a lot of biting pressure) it can sometimes chip sooner.
TOP TIP: Avoid things like biting into hard foods (i.e, apples) as this can put more pressure on the resin. Also, grinding your teeth (bruxism) can cause the bonding to wear down more easily. Regular polishing appointments can also help maintain the appearance of your bonding. At Sensu, we guide patients on how to care for their bonding so they can enjoy their new smile for years to come.
How Much Is Composite Bonding?
At Sensu, composite bonding starts from £250 per tooth. That said, the final cost depends on the number of teeth you’re having done to achieve the desired result.
Composite Bonding Results
The below images show the results of composite bonding, giving you an idea of how this treatment can transform your smile.
What Are Veneers?
There are two different types of veneers:
- Composite veneers
- Porcelain veneers
Both options can improve your smile and the way you feel about yourself; it really comes down to cost and longevity.
Composite veneers use tooth-coloured composite resin which is applied directly to the full front surface of your teeth, and is shaped during your appointment. Composite veneers are built up directly by one of our skilled clinicians and contoured on the front surface of the tooth to improve colour and shape, usually all in a single appointment.
Porcelain veneers on the other hand are created by skilled ceramists in a laboratory and usually require at least two appointments to ensure their perfect fit.
What Are the Benefits of Composite Veneers?
- Complete smile overhaul – As opposed to composite bonding, composite veneers cover the entire front surface of the tooth, so they’re better for changing the shape, size, and colour.
- Uniform appearance – Composite veneers create a more even look as they are designed to cover the full surface.
- Improve multiple cosmetic issues at once – If you have several issues you want to address such as the colour, shape, and alignment of teeth, this is a better solution as opposed to bonding on just a few teeth.
How Long Do Composite Veneers Last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, composite veneers typically last 5-7 years.
Over time, the material may become slightly stained by foods and drinks such as coffee, red wine, and curry. This doesn’t mean avoiding these foods altogether- it simply means keeping up with regular oral hygiene, which is where Sensu can help.
Regular hygiene appointments with your dentist will help keep your teeth clean and polished. At Sensu, we recommend a hygiene appointment every 6 months as this keeps everyday stains at bay. Book your next appointment in just a couple of clicks here.
How Much Do Composite Veneers Cost?
At Sensu, the price of composite veneers varies on how many teeth you’re having done.
8-10 teeth: From £2500
16-20 teeth: From £3500
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are made from thin custom-made shells of porcelain that fit over your teeth like a jacket. In contrast to composite veneers, the process usually requires two appointments.
During your first appointment, your dentist will roughen or prepare your teeth by removing a very small amount of enamel to ensure a natural fit. Your dentist will then take a 3D digital scan of your teeth to send to a dental laboratory where your veneers will be made.
At your second appointment, the porcelain veneers are securely bonded to your teeth using a specialised dental adhesive.
What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?
- Strong and long-lasting – Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to wear, making them a long-lasting solution to changing the colour and shape of your teeth.
- Stain-resistant – As mentioned, certain food and drink can stain the appearance of veneers. However porcelain veneers are more likely to maintain their colour over time, despite you drinking things like tea and coffee.
- Long-term value – Porcelain veneers last around 10-15 years or sometimes more, so you won’t need replacements as often.
- Natural-looking appearance – As porcelain mimics the translucency of your teeth, it creates a more natural smile.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
With the right care, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or even more. As they’re made from high-quality porcelain, they’re resistant to chipping, wear, and staining.
How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?
At Sensu, the price of porcelain veneers varies on how many teeth you’re having done.
8-10 teeth: From £6000
16-20 teeth: From £12,000
We make it easy to understand the cost and offer payment plans to help make your new smile affordable. You can view any of our pricing plans here.
Porcelain Veneers Results
The below images show the results of porcelain veneers, giving you an idea of how this treatment can transform your smile.
Reasons to Choose Sensu
Having any type of dental treatment can be daunting, but we want to make the process feel as comfortable and familiar as possible. From your initial consultation, through to your chosen treatment, to aftercare, every part of the process is designed to make you feel at ease.
Our clinics in London Bridge and Wimpole Street are trusted by patients from across London and the UK for cosmetic dentistry.
Patients choose Sensu because we offer:
- Nearly 20,000 completed smile transformations
- More than 2,500 five-star Google reviews
- Diamond Apex Invisalign provider status
- Flexible finance options and free consultations
There are so many reasons to choose your new smile with Sensu, and we’re proud to have so many happy patients.
Porcelain Veneers & Composite Bonding FAQs
Can I finance my veneers?
Yes. At Sensu, we offer a range of interest-free and extended payment plans helping your next smile feel more affordable. Find out more about the cost of veneers and teeth bonding here.
Do veneers damage your teeth?
No – veneers do not damage your teeth when they are properly planned and placed by an experienced cosmetic dentist. However as a small amount of enamel is removed when fitting porcelain veneers, enamel does not regenerate. Therefore, porcelain veneers are a long-term cosmetic solution. At Sensu, we prioritise minimally invasive treatment and we will never remove natural tooth if it is not necessary. Our priority is maintaining the long-term health of your teeth, and we will discuss alternative treatments such as Invisalign or composite bonding.
How many veneers do people usually get?
The number of veneers needed depends on your smile and how many teeth are visible.
Below is a rough guide, however this will be discussed in your consultation:
8-10 veneers for a fuller smile transformation
16-20 veneers for a complete upper and lower smile transformation
Do porcelain veneers work for crooked teeth?
As veneers disguise your natural teeth and can be used to reshape them, they help straighten the alignment of your smile. So if teeth are slightly crooked, veneers can be a great solution, offering almost instant results.
What is the best treatment for misaligned teeth?
We offer a range of treatments for misaligned teeth including braces, veneers, crowns, teeth contouring, and composite bonding. All of these treatments are effective at aligning your smile; it comes down to your bite, look requirements, cost and the longevity that each can provide.
Porcelain Veneers vs Composite Bonding: Which is Right for You?
Veneers vs composite bonding – it’s something a lot of people question when choosing the best treatment for their new smile.
Your smile is more than just a feature; it’s a huge part of building your self confidence by feeling comfortable when showing your teeth.
We understand this first hand at Sensu, having worked with thousands of patients to help them achieve a smile they can be proud to show off. Whether it’s subtle improvements with composite bonding or a more complete smile overhaul with porcelain veneers, we have treatments and pricing plans to suit everyone and every type of budget.
Simply book your free consultation and one of our expert cosmetic dentists will work with you to create your dream smile.