Composite Bonding vs Veneers : Best Smile Option ?

Studies show women are more likely than men to feel self-conscious about their smile. Women are 70% more likely than males to experience a negative psychological impact related to dental aesthetics. 

You don’t need to hide your smile or teeth due to how they look. In fact, many people are considering cosmetic surgery. These surgeries aren’t about chasing an aesthetic; they are confidence boosters and drivers of happiness. 

Composite bonding and veneers are two ways you bring these goals to life. They both address a range of issues, including chips, gaps, and tooth discolouration. While both are very similar procedures, each stands alone in terms of budget, durability, and desired results. 

Here’s an example of how composite bonding can transform a smile:

While this is a before-and-after picture of veneers: 

In this article, we will cover: the definitions of composite bonding and veneers; a cost comparison; durability and lifetime; procedure time and cost; the pros and cons of each; and a final conclusion on which is better.

Composite Bonding

The bonding techniques are demonstrated in five steps.

Composite bonding is a treatment in which a tooth-coloured material is applied to your teeth. Your dentist then roughens your teeth with an acid. This, in turn, helps the bonding material (Resin) stick firmly to your tooth. 

Afterwards, a special light hardens the plastic resin. It is a straightforward procedure that helps you address issues like tooth decay and restore your smile. It is important to note that this is a non-invasive procedure, meaning there is no shaving of your tooth enamel.

Composite bonding has been used for many years. Here are its most common uses and typical duration.

Common Uses

Composite bonding is used as a solution for numerous reasons like; 

• Chipped teeth, cracks
• Small gaps
• Stains/discolouration.
• Minor reshaping of uneven teeth.

Bonding is the more affordable choice, but veneers usually justify their higher cost with longer-lasting results

Let’s define veneers and explain how they differ from bonding.

Dental Veneers

Definition

Dental veneers are custom-made shells that cover the front of teeth. They are bonded to the front of teeth with an adhesive material, thus changing the core colour, shape, size, or length. Veneers are made from porcelain or resin. Unlike bonding, veneers require enamel removal, which makes the procedure irreversible.

Common Uses

Veneers are often called ‘’smile makeovers,’’ as they completely change the way your teeth look and give you a new one. They offer solutions to multiple issues such as; 

• Full smile makeovers (“Hollywood smile”).
• Deep discolouration.
• Worn or misshapen teeth.
• Creating symmetry and uniformity.

Different Types Of  Veneers

Porcelain bonding vs veneers pictures

There are two types of veneers, porcelain (premium) and resin (budget-friendly). Importantly Choosing between porcelain and resin veneers depends not only on cost, but also on the materials and their durability

It is not a simple choice; you must consider the materials and the type of veneer.

We’ll show you an example of porcelain vs resin, highlighting the premium manufacturers and Life-Time.

Now that we know more on composite bonding and veneers, let us explore what are the common price mark-ups for both in the UK and Turkey. 

Cost Comparison: Composite Bonding vs Veneers

Bonding vs veneers pictures cost UK

Average Cost (Composite Bonding vs Veneers Price)

Many of us might be wondering which option is better or more cost-effective. While composite bonding is the clear price winner, it may not be the best option if you’re seeking a long lifespan and a more natural look. 

Each option has strengths that may make it better suited to different goals. The table below breaks it down, but we’ll leave you to be the judge. Coming up, we’ll present a table showing the average cost of each option. 

Let’s take a closer look at durability and lifespan, according to dentists and patient experiences

Durability and Lifetime

Composite veneers after 5 years

Composite bonding & Veneers lifetime

Lifetime and durability are such important factors to consider before fully committing to either of today’s choices; we’ll highlight the expected lifetime of each. 

Composite Bonding: On average, it lasts anywhere from 4-10 years. This range is supported by many clinical overviews and consumer guidelines. 

On the other hand, we’ll identify the average lifespan of composite and porcelain veneers.

Composite veneers:

On average, they last 4-10 years in practice-based reports; longer survival is acceptable, but they will require more reinterventions than porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers:

Porcelain veneers stand out for their durability and natural look. They will last 10-15 years (often a lifetime) when properly made, bonded, and accompanied by good oral hygiene. 

So how can we actually extend the life-times of these dental practices, you might ask?
We’ve got you covered with a checklist to do daily in order to retain maximum value for your veneers or bonding.

Care Tips to maximise the lifetime of your composite bonding or veneers.

We’ve provided a checklist you must follow to extend the lifetime of your bonding or veneers.

This list has many useful habits that you have to implement in your daily routine, such as; 

• Brushing your teeth twice a day. Preferably Soft brushes.
• Flossing every day. Slide it down; don’t snap it to avoid damaging your teeth.
• Don’t eat if you feel numbness in your mouth. You could bite your lip/cheek.
• Avoid hard stuff. You must avoid ice, pens, or unusual objects.
• Skip staining food and drink whenever possible. Go easy on (coffee, wine, curry).
• Avoid smoking. It stains and wrecks your teeth.
• If you grind your teeth, a nightguard can help protect your veneers or bonding.
• Don’t use whitening on composites. It won’t match and could disrupt things.
• Avoid using teeth as tools. Open packages with scissors, avoiding your mouth.
• Get a professional polish/clean every 6 months. maintain things looking new.
• See your dentist ASAP for chips or odd pain. Small fixes = cheap. Waiting = expensive.

Pros and Cons of composite bonding Vs veneers

Composite Bonding 

Composite bonding comes with a balanced set of pros & cons, as it offers you;

Pros;

•  Budget-friendly 
• Quick treatmentReversible
•  Non-invasive

Cons;

•  Chips/stains easily
  
•  Short lifespan

Rebecca, 31, shared her experience on TikTok after switching from bonding to veneers in Turkey. She has been candid about the work she’s had done in Turkey, according to her social media posts. She shared her dental makeover on social media, including before-and-after photos from Turkey. 

She went out to get veneers because she had composite bonding, but unfortunately, they kept chipping. Rebecca then took matters into her own hands and flew to Turkey to have her dental veneers checked.

Veneers 

Porcelain veneers are natural-looking and stain-resistant by nature, they last around 10-15 years (potentially a lifetime), if taken well care of. However, they come with some slight drawbacks

Pros;

• Long-lasting (10–15 years for porcelain)
• Natural, stain-resistant
•  Ideal for dramatic smile changes

Cons;

•  Expensive
•  Irreversible enamel removal
•  Multi-visit process

Real Patient Opinions (Composite Bonding vs Veneers Reddit)

We’ve done some due diligence for you and identified threads that have chosen Turkey as a destination for vacation and dental work. 

‘’I got 20 zirconia crowns (10 top, 10 bottom) done in Turkey. Have zero regrets’’

A user thread highlighting that, after 3 years of use, he has had no issues or regrets. Thread 2– In another Reddit thread, the top comment praised the natural shape of veneers, saying they looked great, though perhaps a little too white. What do you think?

While we acknowledge there is some negativity surrounding Turkish dentists, we agree with it.

If you are going to get tickets and fly over without doing research, you’re going to get bad results, so obviously, do your due diligence before you fly in.

If you’re considering veneers or bonding in Turkey, our team at Cem Baysals Clinic will help you through every step with transparency and care. Contact us today to book a consultation