Bonding, veneers and crowns are often presented as cheap, mid-range and premium versions of the same fix. They are not. Each one solves a different kind of problem, and the deciding factor is usually how much sound tooth you still have, not how much you want to spend.
A useful way to start is to describe the problem rather than the treatment. A chipped corner, a set of front teeth you would like to reshape and a back tooth that has cracked around a large filling each point to a different answer.
A small chip, gap or rough edge usually suits bonding
Composite bonding uses tooth-coloured resin that the dentist shapes directly on the tooth and sets with a curing light, usually in one appointment. Little or no enamel needs to be removed, so the tooth underneath stays largely as it was. If the bonding chips later, it can usually be repaired or added to.
The compromise is the material. Composite picks up stains more readily than porcelain and wears faster, so it tends to need polishing, touch-ups or replacement sooner. It works best for modest changes: a chipped edge, a small gap between front teeth, an uneven tip or a patch of discolouration. Our article on bonding versus a filling explains how the same resin is used in two different ways.
Changing the shape or colour of several front teeth points to veneers
A veneer is a thin facing bonded to the front of a tooth. Porcelain veneers are made in a laboratory, so they usually take at least two visits, and a thin layer of enamel is normally removed so the veneer sits flush with neighbouring teeth. Composite veneers are built up in the chair from resin and need less preparation, but they do not hold their polish and colour as well over time.
Veneers suit people who want to change the shape, length, colour or apparent alignment of the teeth that show when they smile, provided those teeth are reasonably healthy. They are less suitable if you grind heavily, if a tooth has lost a lot of structure, or if the bite places strong forces on the front teeth. If you are weighing materials, our pieces on bonding versus veneers and composite veneer costs go into more detail.
A weakened, cracked or root-treated tooth usually needs a crown
A crown covers the whole visible part of the tooth. It removes the most tooth structure of the three options, but it also holds the tooth together, which matters when much of it has already been lost to decay, large fillings, cracks or wear. Back teeth that have had root canal treatment are often crowned because they take heavy chewing loads and a crown helps protect them from splitting.
Crowns can be made from several ceramics, and stronger materials are often chosen for molars. Our comparison of ceramic and zirconia crowns covers that choice, and if you are deciding between a crown and a veneer on a front tooth, see our crowns versus veneers guide.
What each option asks of your tooth
| Composite bonding | Porcelain veneer | Crown | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tooth structure removed | Little or none | A thin layer of enamel, usually | The most of the three |
| Area covered | Part of a tooth | The front surface | The whole visible tooth |
| Usual number of visits | One | Two or more | Usually two |
| Upkeep | Polishing and touch-ups over time | Low staining, may chip or debond | Checks of the edge and gum |
| If damaged | Often repaired | Sometimes repaired, often remade | Usually replaced |
| Typical market range per tooth | $250 to $800 | $1,500 to $2,500 | $1,500 to $2,500 |
The cost row shows typical market ranges in Sydney, not Lumi fees. Prices vary with the material, the number of teeth and how complex the case is.
How long they tend to last
All three can last many years with good care, but none is permanent. For porcelain and glass-ceramic veneers, a 2016 systematic review (Morimoto and colleagues, International Journal of Prosthodontics) reported a cumulative survival of 89% over a median follow-up of nine years. Composite bonding usually needs more maintenance in that time, while still being easy to repair.
How long a crown or veneer lasts depends heavily on the person as well as the material. Grinding, nail biting, opening packets with teeth and gum disease all shorten the life of dental work. A night guard may be suggested if you grind.
One decision rarely applies to the whole mouth
Many people end up with a mix. Someone might have bonding to close a small gap, a crown on a root-treated back tooth and no treatment at all on teeth that are healthy. Choosing the least invasive option that will hold up for each tooth protects enamel you cannot grow back.
At Lumi Dental, a cosmetic assessment includes an examination, X-rays where needed and photographs, and we use a 3D intraoral scanner so you can see your teeth on screen while the options are explained.
Common questions
Can bonding be done instead of veneers to save money?
Sometimes. For small changes on healthy teeth, bonding can give a good result at a lower cost. For larger changes in colour or shape across several teeth, porcelain usually holds its appearance better over time.
Can a veneer fix a broken tooth?
Only if the break is small and the tooth is otherwise strong. A veneer covers the front surface, so a tooth that has lost a large part of its structure usually needs a crown for support.
Will whitening change the colour of bonding, veneers or crowns?
No. Whitening works on natural enamel only. If you are thinking about whitening, it is usually done first, so new work can be matched to the lighter shade.
If you are unsure which option fits your tooth, the simplest next step is an assessment in person. You can book a free cosmetic consultation with our dentists at Lumi Dental in Melrose Park, or see the current offers.
This article is general information and not a substitute for personal dental advice. Please see a dentist for care tailored to your situation.
