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Aesthetic dentistry
Dental Bonding and Composite Veneers
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-coloured resin material is applied to the tooth and hardened with a special light, bonding it to the tooth.
What is dental bonding?
Composite veneers are made the same way: composite material is applied to the front surfaces of the teeth and sculpted to the desired shape. Unlike porcelain veneers, they need little or no tooth reduction and can be completed in a single visit.
Who is it for?
- Improving the appearance of discoloured or stained teeth
- Changing the shape of teeth
- Repairing chipped or cracked teeth
- Closing spaces between teeth
- Making teeth look longer
- Correcting small misalignments and small teeth
- Protecting part of a tooth's root exposed by gum recession
How does the process work?
- Preparation: little advance preparation is needed and anaesthesia is often not necessary. Your dentist selects a composite colour that closely matches your tooth.
- Bonding: the tooth surface is roughened and a conditioning liquid is applied so the material adheres. The tooth-coloured, putty-like resin is applied, moulded and smoothed to shape.
- Hardening: a curing light hardens the material; your dentist then shapes and polishes it.
How many sessions?
Usually one session, about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth, unless several teeth are involved.
Composite and porcelain veneers compared
| Composite veneers | Porcelain veneers |
|---|---|
| The result depends on the skill of the dentist. | The result is more predictable and relies on the dental technician and the dentist. |
| Can be completed in a single appointment. | Usually takes 3-4 visits. |
| More prone to staining. | Resistant to staining. |
| Little or no tooth reduction needed. | Requires some preparation of the natural tooth. |
Limitations of bonding
- Bonding material is somewhat stain resistant, but not as much as crowns.
- It does not last as long and is not as strong as crowns, veneers or fillings.
- It can chip and break off the tooth.
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