Composite bonding and porcelain veneers solve many of the same problems, which is why patients often arrive having decided on one when the other would suit them better. Here is how we think about it.
Composite bonding
Tooth-coloured resin sculpted directly onto the tooth in one visit. No drilling, no injections, fully reversible. From £230 per tooth at Shirland, guaranteed for three years. Best for chips, small gaps, worn or uneven edges and minor reshaping on teeth that are otherwise a good colour. Lasts five to ten years and is easily repaired.
Porcelain veneers
Thin porcelain shells made in a laboratory and bonded over the front of the tooth. Requires a small amount of enamel to be removed and two visits. From £600 per tooth. Best for teeth that are heavily discoloured, badly shaped, or worn, and for patients who want the brightest, longest-lasting result. Lasts ten to fifteen years or more and resists staining.
How we decide
If bonding can achieve what you want, we will recommend bonding, because it keeps your natural tooth intact. If your teeth are dark, heavily restored or significantly misshapen, veneers will give a better and more durable result. Often the answer is a mix: whitening first, then bonding on a few teeth. The right plan comes from a consultation, not a price list.