FAQs

Composite Bonding vs Veneers - What's the Difference and What's Right for You?

Choosing the right treatment to improve your smile can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't need to be. Here's a simple, honest guide to help you understand the difference between composite bonding and veneers, and which might suit you best.

• What's the main difference?

  Composite bonding is usually done directly onto your teeth using a tooth-coloured resin with little or no tooth preparation. We sculpt it by hand during your appointment.
  Veneers, on the other hand, are thin porcelain shells made in a dental laboratory and then fitted over the front of your teeth.
  In short, Bonding is applied in one visit, although we usually need an initial appointment to make models of your teeth and provide a mock up on a model of the suggested design of the bonding for your approval. Veneers take a bit longer and involve laboratory work to make the veneers as well as the mock up for approval.

• Which one looks more natural?

  Both can look great – it depends on the skill of the clinician with composite bonding. But if you’re after that ultra-natural, glossy finish that mimics real enamel, porcelain veneers usually win.
  In short: Veneers have that extra ‘wow’ factor and hold their shine for longer.

• How long do they last?

  With the right care:
  Bonding lasts around 3 to 7 years.
  Veneers can last 10 to 15 years, sometimes longer.
  In short: Veneers are the longer-term option; bonding may need touch-ups sooner.

• What's the cost?

  Prices vary by location and dentist, but here’s a rough guide:
  Bonding: £150–£300 per tooth.
  Veneers: £500–£900 per tooth.
  In short: Bonding is more budget-friendly; veneers are a bigger investment and can be made of different materials and different technicians with different levels of experience and skill.

• Will my teeth be damaged?

  Bonding is very gentle usually no drilling or damage at all unless there are large alterations to tooth position needed which is then permanent.
  Veneers would usually require us to remove a thin layer of enamel, which is also permanent.
  In short: Bonding is usually reversible. Veneers are not.

• Can I change my mind later?

  Yes, if you’ve had bonding, we can usually remove or adjust it.
  Veneers are a longer-term commitment once enamel is removed; you’ll always need a restoration on that tooth.
  In short: Bonding gives you more flexibility.

• How many appointments will I need?

  Bonding: Usually just one visit, plus an initial visit for consultation and digital scan to make the mock up.
  Veneers: Typically, two to three visits. One to prepare the teeth once the mock up has been accepted, and another to fit the veneers.
  In short: Bonding takes fewer appointments, but the actual bonding appointment may take longer as the restorations are being made at the time of the appointment.

• What problems can these treatments fix?

  Both options are great for:

  • Fixing chips or worn edges
  • Closing small gaps
  • Smoothing uneven shapes
  • Hiding discolouration
  • Minor misalignment

  Veneers go a step further and are ideal for full smile makeovers of for more complex tooth realignments or shape amendments.
  In short:  For small tweaks, bonding is great. For a full transformation, veneers may be better.

• Do they stain?

  Bonding can stain over time, especially if you love coffee, red wine or curries.
  Veneers are made from stain-resistant porcelain and tend to stay whiter for longer although margins can sometimes be susceptible to staining over time in some cases.
  In short: Veneers keep their colour better. Bonding may need a polish now and then.

• Are they right for me?

  That depends on:

  • How healthy your teeth are
  • Your bite (if you grind or clench, we may need to plan carefully)
  • What you want to achieve
  • And of course, your budget

  Next step: We always recommend a smile consultation we’ll look at your teeth, take photos, and talk through your goals. Sometimes we can even show you a digital preview of your new smile.

Dental Implants - Frequently Asked Questions

If you're thinking about dental implants, you're not alone. It's completely natural to want to know more before deciding on any treatment. Here are answers to some of the questions we're most often asked by our patients at the practice.

• Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

  To be honest, most people are. If you’re missing one or more teeth, have healthy gums and enough bone to support an implant, you’re likely to be suitable.
  Even if the bone is a little thin, modern techniques such as bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration can often make implants possible.
  Certain health conditions (like heavy smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, or specific medications) may mean we need to plan your treatment more carefully, but they don’t automatically rule you out – and in fact there are very few situations where we can’t consider dental implant therapy at all.
  The best way to know for sure is to book a consultation and 3D scan so we can assess everything properly.

• How long do dental implants last?

  Dental implants are designed to last many years often 20 years or more and with excellent home care they can last a lifetime.
  The crown (the visible tooth on top) may eventually need replacing after around 10-15 years due to normal wear and tear, but this can be easily done should the need arise.

• Are dental implants painful?

  Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the whole process is.
  You’ll be completely numb during the procedure, and sedation is available if you’d like to feel more relaxed. Many patients who choose sedation is available if you’d like to feel more relaxed. Many patients who choose sedation don’t really remember much about the procedure at all!
  Afterwards, you may have mild soreness or swelling for a day or two, similar to having a tooth extracted. This is usually easy to manage with standard over-the-counter pain relief and a soft diet.

• How much do dental implants last?

  Implant costs in the UK typically range from:
  Single implant, abutment & crown: £2,400 – £3,500
  Bone volume enhancing treatments (if needed): £300 – £1,500
  Full-arch implants (e.g. All-on-4 / All-on-6): £12,000 – £20,000 per arch

  NHS funding for implants is very limited and usually only available in specific medical cases such as severe trauma or certain congenital conditions.

  We offer clear pricing, finance options, and personalised treatment plans after your consultation, and Kaylie, our treatment coordinator, will make sure you are fully aware of your treatment options and the cost implications of each before we start any treatment.

• What is the dental implant process like?

  Here’s what you can typically expect:

  1. Consultation & 3D scan – We assess your bone, gums, and overall oral health.
  2. Treatment planning – A detailed plan is created using digital imaging.
  3. Implant placement – A small titanium post is gently placed into the jaw. About a week later, we see you again to check the healing and remove any stitches that were placed.
  4. Healing period (usually 2-4 months) – The implant integrates with your bone (a process called osseointegration).
  5. Abutment fitting – This is the connector that links your implant to your new tooth.
  6. Final crown – A custom-made, natural looking tooth is fitted on top.

  In some cases, temporary same-day teeth may be possible  we’ll let you know if this is suitable for you.

• How long is the recovery time?

  First 24 – 48 hours: Mild discomfort or swelling is normal. This can usually be helped with normal over-the-counter pain relief, and many patients report not needing any pain relief at all.
  After 1 week: Most patients feel completely back to normal.
  2 – 4 months: The implant fully integrates with the bone before we fit the final crown.

  Most people return to work the next day unless more extensive treatment has been carried out. We’ll chat with you about what to expect and tailor advice to your specific case at your consultation.

• Are dental implants safe?

  Yes – implants have been used successfully for decades and have one of the highest success rates in modern dentistry (around 95 – 98%).
  Titanium implants are biocompatible, which means your body generally accepts them very well.
  As with any procedure, there are small risks, such as infection or the implant not integrating properly, but these are uncommon and carefully managed with good planning and follow-up.

• Will my implant feel natural?

  Once healed, your implant should look, feel and function like a normal tooth.
  It won’t move, it’s comfortable to chew with, and most patients quickly forget which tooth is the implant!

• What are the alternatives to dental implants?

  If implants aren’t right for you, other options include:
  Dental bridges – Fixed and natural-looking, but they usually require removing a considerable amount of tooth tissue from the neighbouring teeth to support the bridge.
  Removable partial dentures – A more affordable option, but generally less stable and less comfortable than implants.
  Full dentures – For those missing all their teeth, these can work well for some people, but implants generally offer far superior stability and confidence.

  We’ll talk through all the suitable options at your consultation so you can make the choice that’s best for you.

• Still have questions?

  We’re always happy to help.
  If you’d like personalised advice or want to find out whether implants are right for you, simply get in touch to book a consultation – we’ll guide you through every step.