Cosmetic dentistry
Veneers and bonding in North York
Two ways to change the shape, colour or size of your front teeth.
Veneers and bonding
Veneers and bonding are two ways to change the shape, colour or size of your front teeth. Bonding adds tooth-coloured resin directly to a tooth, usually in one visit. Veneers are thin shells that cover the front of a tooth. At our studio on Sheppard Avenue East, near Yonge and Sheppard, we start by listening to what you want to change, then explain which option suits your teeth, the trade-offs, and the fee.
Uses
What they can help with
Veneers and bonding can improve teeth that are stained, chipped or misshapen, and can cover small gaps or slightly crooked teeth.1
Composite resin
Bonding
Bonding uses tooth-coloured composite resin, shaped and hardened directly on your tooth. It suits smaller repairs: a chip, a crack, a small gap, or an uneven edge. It can usually be done in one visit.1
Porcelain or composite
Veneers
Veneers are very thin shells of porcelain or composite resin attached to the front of your teeth.1
- Porcelain veneers are made in a dental lab and usually take at least two visits. They generally last longer and resist stains better than composite.1
- Composite veneers are built directly on the tooth, often in a single visit. They may need less enamel removed and are easier to repair, but they resist stains and wear less well.1,2
Porcelain veneers are not reversible
To fit porcelain veneers, a thin layer of enamel is removed from the front of each tooth. That enamel does not grow back, so the teeth will always need a veneer or other covering.1,2 We make sure you understand this before you decide.
Side by side
Bonding or veneers: a quick comparison
Lifespan
How long they last
- In a systematic review of porcelain and glass-ceramic veneers, 89% were still in place after a median of nine years. Small chips or fractures were the most common problem, in about 4%.3
- In a review of composite veneers, 88% were still in place in randomized trials followed for two to eight years. Common issues were surface roughness, colour mismatch and staining at the edges.4
Over time, a veneer can chip, crack, wear or come loose, and decay can still form underneath or around it.2
Suitability
Who they suit, and who they may not
Veneers and bonding suit healthy teeth and gums. Any decay or gum disease needs treatment first.2 Veneers may not suit people who grind or clench, have a deep overbite, or have too little enamel.2 If your concern is crowding or crooked teeth, Invisalign or braces may be a better first step, with less change to your natural teeth.
Shade
Planning the colour
Whitening doesn't change the colour of veneers, crowns or fillings.5 If you would like whiter teeth overall, whiten your natural teeth first, then match your veneers or bonding to the new shade. See teeth whitening.
Treatment steps
What to expect
Consultation
We talk about what you'd like to change, examine your teeth and gums, and take photos. You get a plan with your options and the fee.
Preparing your teeth
For bonding, the surface is lightly roughened. For porcelain veneers, a thin layer of enamel is removed and impressions are taken.1
Placement
Bonding is shaped and hardened on the tooth. Porcelain veneers are tried in, checked, and attached at a later visit.1
Review
We check your bite and how the edges feel.
Visits
How long it takes
Bonding and composite veneers: usually one visit. Porcelain veneers: at least two visits, with time in between while the lab makes them.1
Fees
Cost and insurance
- Fees depend on the number of teeth and the material. You get a written plan and the fee before treatment.
- We never charge more than the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) fee guide.
- Bonding and veneers done for appearance are often not covered by dental plans.1 Bonding to repair a broken tooth may be covered. We can send a predetermination (pre-treatment estimate) to your insurer.
- 0% financing is available on larger treatments; the term depends on the case. Ask us whether your treatment qualifies.
Aftercare
Aftercare
- Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth once a day.1
- Avoid biting ice, fingernails, pens and other hard objects.2
- Wear a mouthguard for sports2, and a night guard if you grind.
- Keep regular check-ups and cleanings.
Repairs
When to call us
Call (647) 474-7980 if a veneer or bonding chips, cracks or comes loose (keep any piece and bring it), if your bite feels uneven, or if a tooth becomes sensitive or painful. Call us and we'll see you at the earliest available appointment.
Book a cosmetic consultation.
New to seesmile? Start with our new-patient visit.
A consultation is required to determine whether veneers or bonding are right for you. Results vary from person to person.
Questions
Questions, answered.
References
Sources
Related pages: Cosmetic dentistry · Teeth whitening · Invisalign · Emergency visits
- Canadian Dental Association. Bonding and veneers. https://www.cda-adc.ca/for-the-public/understanding-your-oral-health/procedures/bonding-veneers
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy. Veneers. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/veneers
- Morimoto S, Albanesi RB, Sesma N, Agra CM, Braga MM. Main clinical outcomes of feldspathic porcelain and glass-ceramic laminate veneers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of survival and complication rates. International Journal of Prosthodontics 2016;29(1):38-49. PMID 26757327. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26757327/
- Lim TW, Tan SK, Li KY, Burrow MF. Survival and complication rates of resin composite laminate veneers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice 2023;23(4):101911. PMID 38035903. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38035903/
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy. Teeth whitening. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-whitening