What should you consider when choosing between composite bonding and veneers? And when should dentures be considered as an option? We spoke to Vhi Chief Dental Officer, Dr Gina Kilfeather, about price, durability and results for each. 

What are the main differences between veneers, dentures, and composite bonding?

The biggest difference between the three is that veneers and composite bonding are procedures that use your own teeth, but dentures are used when you’re missing or replacing your own teeth. For this reason, it’s easier to compare veneers and composite bonding, but look at dentures separate to those. Let’s look at some of the other differences between veneers and bonding first:

Veneers

With veneers, you’re essentially putting a layer of material over the front of your teeth. You could almost compare it to getting a layer of acrylic over your nail. With a veneer (often made from porcelain), you will need to have the front surface of your tooth filed very slightly. Then, a scan or an impression is taken of that tooth, and the laboratory making the veneer will use that impression to create a porcelain layer (veneer) that fits exactly onto the tooth. The veneer is glued into place and will last between 7-12 years, depending on how well they’re looked after. 

Composite bonding

Like veneers, composite bonding places a thin layer of material over the front of your tooth. The main difference between veneers and bonding is that, generally, your tooth won’t need filing when you’re getting composite bonding. So, it’s less invasive than veneers. You also don't need a scan, or an impression made of your tooth because the dentist uses a white filling material on the same day you visit. 

Here are some comparisons between veneers and bonding:

• Durability: Porcelain (used in veneers) is a much stronger material than what’s used in composite bonding. Composite bonding will need to be polished or changed every 5-7 years, maybe sooner. A porcelain veneer should last 7-12 years, depending on the patient’s habits (such as smoking) and oral health (like regular dental visits and wearing night guards). 
• Cost: Veneers are nearly double the price of composite bonding. Porcelain veneers generally start from about €800 per tooth. It’s worth bearing in mind that you’d rarely be getting just one veneer, because things like staining and chipping often affect more than one tooth. Composite bonding ranges from about €250 to €400 per tooth. 
• Aesthetics: Veneers have usually given the best results aesthetically, but more and more, dentists are doing extremely good work with bonding. If you’re unsure which to choose, speak to your dentist for guidance about what’s best suited to you. 

Dentures

Dentures are used when you’re missing teeth and want to replace them. Let’s say you’re missing all your teeth, you will get full dentures, which is generally a set of upper and lower teeth. They aren't glued in, so you remove them each night. Dentures create suction and balance between your gums and your tongue, and this helps keeps them in place. Most people who have full dentures will have gone through the previous 10 or 20 years gradually losing teeth and using what is called partial dentures for these. The alternative to dentures is implants. The biggest difference between dentures and implants is that dentures come out, but an implant is fixed into place. All going well, with good oral hygiene and care, implants last around 10-15 years.

What’s the maintenance like for each of these options? 

It’s important to note that for veneers and bonding, your oral hygiene still needs to be very good and well maintained. You still need to floss and brush daily and attend your dentist regularly for checkups. You’re at a higher risk or having oral health problems if you don’t properly care for veneers and bonding. Daily brushing is essential for dentures and implants too, to protect from bacteria and gum disease. Speak to your dentist about the best options for additional cleaning of dentures and implants, so you can keep yours in good condition. 

Have a look at my blog, ‘5 ways to improve your oral health routine’ for tips on keeping your mouth, teeth and gums in top shape. 

This content is for information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from your GP or an appropriate medical professional if you have concerns about your health, or before commencing a new healthcare regime. If you believe that you are experiencing a medical emergency call 999 / 112 or seek emergency assistance immediately.