Composite bonding- Composite Veneers Vs Edge bonding
On most dental pages and promotions we see composite veneers and often with taglines such as reversible, pain free and no injections. What is a composite veneer; is it truly reversible and what are the alternatives. We also look at composite used as Edge bonding.
Composite is the white filling material which is bonded or stuck to the tooth and in many cases used in aesthetic or cosmetic cases to change the size, shape and colour/mask the tooth. It is a great material and used in the correct patient can prevent cutting the teeth to make room for porcelain or as alternative to porcelain. However, the material does have a lifespan that is usually between 5-7 years dependent on many factors and it is not truly reversible as a veneer as once bonded to the tooth it cannot be removed to give the untouched surface that was once there. However, edge bonding although uses the same material often can be completely reversible and is often used in addition anterior orthodontics or alignment to create the smile.
Often when multiple composite veneers have been placed simple whitening or bleaching would have be sufficient to satisfy the patient or whitening with some simple edge bonding. In some cases orthodontics will give a more stable lifelong effect (with retention) and prevents a lifetime of replacing many composite veneers. Coined the Align, Bleach, Bond or ABB method by the IAS academy and its founders it involves simple aligning often with removable braces, bleaching of the teeth and some small composite added to the edges of teeth to finish and stabilise the result.
| Treatment | Composite Veneer | Edge Bonding |
| What is it? | Composite or white material is used to cover the entire surface of the tooth; often instead of a porcelain veneer. Can be used with whitening and sometimes used instead of orthodontics. | Composite is added to the edges of the tooth, changing the shape but not covering the complete surface. Often sued in conjunction with whitening and orthodontics. |
| Average Lifespan | 5-7 years | Orthodontics for life if retention adequate- fixed or removable retainers and edge bonding 5-7 years but easy to repair or replace. |
| How many appointments | Can be 1-3 appointments
Often done in one appointment if free hand or two in impressions and wax up or plan for teeth is made. |
May be multiple appointments if having orthodontics, but edge bonding done in one appointment. |
| Pros | Simple and few appointments
Can change the shape, colour and form of the teeth |
More long lasting stable effect |
| Cons | Lifetime of replacing them as normally last 5-7 years. Expensive over course of lifetime | Expense of orthodontics at start but then retained and easy repair/ replace of small edge composite, cheaper long-term |
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