In The News

Composite Resin Bonding Vs Veneers

IU composite resin bonding vs veneers

If you are interested in refreshing your smile with composite bonding or veneers contact your local YDS clinic to discuss your options, pricing and pay monthly finance.

Composite veneers vs porcelain veneers – what’s the difference? Which lasts longer? Is one treatment more expensive than the other? Let’s compare the two procedures in the following categories: procedure, durability and cost, as well as their respective advantages and disadvantages.

What are composite veneers and porcelain veneers?

Let’s start with composite veneers. Also known as Nanofill Composite Bonding®, our exclusive cosmetic treatment disguises the appearance of chips, cracks, small gaps and discolouration. Porcelain veneers are used when a patient wants a dazzling Hollywood smile, but also has years of dental degradation that needs to be addressed. With porcelain veneers, the shape, size and colour of a tooth is transformed.

Composite bonding resin vs veneers: Procedure

The Nanofill Composite Bonding® process is very simple and quick. Carried out in just one appointment (excluding your initial consultation), patients are able to achieve a complete smile rejuvenation in four hours or less.

  1. No sedation, drilling or injections are required prior to the treatment beginning.
  2. In a few cases, IPR (Interproximal Reduction) is carried out to ensure a natural, non-bulky finish.
  3. The tooth is thoroughly washed, allowing for effective adhesion.
  4. Nanofill™, our ultra-white resin, is hand applied to the tooth.
  5. A UV light is shone onto the tooth to cure the resin.
  6. It’s time to then polish and refine the tooth to the desired aesthetic.

In comparison, porcelain veneers have a longer treatment process that requires two separate appointments (excluding your initial consultation). Unlike Nanofill™, it is an irreversible procedure.

  1. You will first be given sedation, making the process pain free.
  2. Part of the enamel is removed, allowing space for the veneer to be placed on top. This promises an ultra-natural feel.
  3. The tooth is thoroughly washed, allowing for effective adhesion.
  4. Dental cement is applied.
  5. A temporary acrylic veneer is fitted.
  6. Return to the clinic 4-6 weeks later to have your final, custom-made veneer permanently fitted.

To be eligible for the aforementioned procedures, your teeth need to be in a healthy condition. If they are not, you may need additional treatments, like a hygienist appointment, to make you a suitable patient. For some patients, clear aligners are required prior to Nanofill Composite Bonding®, as the resin can look quite bulky on the teeth if they are too crowded or crooked. We also recommend having teeth whitening first to ensure a perfect colour match.

Composite bonding vs veneers: Durability

One of the key differentiating factors of composite veneers and porcelain veneers is durability. Yorkshire Dental Suite’s composite veneers provide up to eight years of wear if well cared for; this longevity can be attributed to our strong, chip-resistant resin. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are a more permanent treatment. The material we have chosen to use is extremely durable and of the highest quality, meaning patients are able to enjoy their beautiful smile for up to 15 years (sometimes even longer).

Composite bonding vs veneers: Cost

Let’s start by breaking down the cost per tooth. The price for composite veneers is £495, whereas porcelain veneers are £895. Moving onto the average, YDS patients opt for eight composite veneers on the top teeth (£3,960). The most popular choice for porcelain veneers is six on the top teeth (£5,370). The cost goes up to £9,900 for a full mouth of composite veneers and £17,900 for a full mouth of porcelain veneers. Every patient is also required to attend a non-refundable consultation (£95). Yorkshire Dental Suite offers multiple finance options to those wishing to spread the price of their treatment over time. Enquire today.

Composite bonding vs veneers: The pros and cons

Both dental treatments have advantages and disadvantages to take into consideration prior to booking your appointment.


Composite pros

Composite cons

Porcelain pros

Porcelain cons

Quick results in four hours or less

Offers a temporary fix, not permanent

Lasts 15+ years if well cared for

Part of the enamel is removed

Treats a wide range of issues

Naturally discolours

Gleaming, ultra-aesthetic finish

Irreversible procedure

No drilling or injections

Requires careful brushing & flossing

High-quality porcelain used

Susceptible to damage

Lasts 5-8 years if well cared for

Has the ability to chip

Pain free with sedation

Two appointments required

Natural structure of the tooth preserved

Cannot be whitened

Addresses dental wear & tear

Cannot be whitened

Low-cost dental treatment

Not as durable as porcelain

Custom-made for each patient

High-cost dental treatment

Immeasurable confidence boost

Unavailable on the NHS

Immeasurable confidence boost

Unavailable on the NHS

Which treatment should I choose – porcelain veneers or composite bonding?

The answer to this question depends on multiple factors. If you are looking for a more permanent smile transformation (and also have several dental issues that need addressing), then porcelain veneers is a great option. Patients wanting a quick fix for minute teeth irregularities may find that composite veneers are more suitable. In addition to this, Nanofill™ is less expensive when compared to porcelain veneers, a factor many patients take into consideration. Overall, both treatments are a great way to restore confidence in your smile. Your dentist will help to determine which is the most suitable based on the condition of your teeth and the desired aesthetic you are hoping to achieve. Conclusion: Both porcelain and composite veneers are available at Yorkshire Dental Suite. Thanks to our state-of-the-art equipment, proprietary technologies and industry-renowned team of clinicians, YDS is the best choice for your smile refresh. Contact us today.