Posted on: 01 January, 2024
Dentists may recommend bonding or veneers depending on the restoration needed and your smile goals.
3 minute read
If any of your teeth are worn or damaged, or there are aesthetic changes you'd like to make to your smile, your dentist may discuss options such as composite bonding or veneers.
Both treatment options may use composite resin to correct a number of functional and aesthetic issues with teeth, from filling cavities and closing gaps to improving their colour, shape or alignment. The main difference between the two treatment options is how much of the tooth they cover and the tooth materials used, though veneers can address a wider range of concerns.
To find out more about your options, and whether composite bonding or veneers might be right for you, book a consultation with our dentists in Mount Lawley. Call (08) 9227 8777 to speak to our team today or book online.
Composite bonding or tooth bonding is the application of composite resin (a mix of acrylic and powdered glass) to specific areas of teeth surfaces. Once applied, the resin is hardened using a beam of light and polished to blend in and look like part of the tooth. Your dentist will customise the shade of composite resin to match your natural tooth colour.
Bonding may be used to repair minor damage or wear on teeth, such as small chips and cracks. It can also be used to make aesthetic changes, such as covering discoloured patches or smoothing rough edges of teeth.
Composite veneers are thin layers of composite resin that cover the visible part of a tooth to alter its appearance. Composite resin is applied directly to the tooth in layers by the dentist. Similar to bonding, the material is shaped and moulded to blend in with teeth, hardened with light and then polished for a finished result.
Composite veneers can be applied in one shade (monoshade) or layered in different shades for aesthetically superior results.
Composite veneers can treat the same issues as bonding across a whole tooth surface. They may also be used to address other concerns, including misaligned or misshapen teeth, though this will depend on the individual case.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are fabricated in a dental laboratory by an experienced ceramist and then applied over the surface of prepared teeth by your dentist.
Some minimal tooth preparation may be required before your dentist can apply porcelain veneers (unless you are already missing some tooth surface). Between 0.2mm to 0.5mm of the enamel is removed (about the same thickness of a fingernail) and the surface is slightly roughened before veneers are glued in place.
Porcelain has a unique aesthetic quality that mimics the translucency of real enamel and is often the preferred choice when it comes to treatment with dental veneers.
Like composite veneers, they can address a wide range of cosmetic concerns but offer several advantages:
Bonding and veneers are both minimally invasive treatments that can usually be completed in one to two visits. Both treatments may be used together on different teeth as needed, and may be combined with other cosmetic procedures as part of a smile makeover.
Your dentist may recommend bonding or veneers depending on the type and extent of changes you want to make. Generally, a restoration or repair that only covers a small part of the tooth surface is classed as bonding, while one that covers most of the surface is classed as a veneer.
For a reliable and long-lasting result, our cosmetic dentists prefer to restore a majority of your front tooth's surface.
It's important to note that you may not be immediately suitable for bonding or veneers if you have active decay, gum disease or if you grind your teeth. Your dentist will assess your suitability for treatment and may suggest preventive dentistry treatments to improve your oral health before starting cosmetic treatment.
Got questions? Speak to the team at Mount Lawley Dental today, call (08) 9227 8777 or book an appointment online.
Whichever treatment you choose, it's important to care for restored teeth and your oral health. Composite resin is weaker than tooth enamel, and its surface may chip or stain over time, which can affect its strength and appearance. You can look after your restorations by:
Composite restorations can last an average of 5 to 6 years before they need to be replaced, though your dentist may make minor repairs during this time if they damage or fade.
The cost of bonding and veneers depends on how much work is being done. Veneers cost more generally, as the restorations are larger and require more time.
At Mount Lawley Dental, prices start from:
Your dentist can give you a detailed breakdown of how much your treatment will cost during your consultation. At Mount Lawley Dental, we offer flexible payment plans through trusted providers including Zip if you would prefer to pay for your treatment in smaller instalments.
Depending on the cosmetic issue you want to address, there may be other treatments that are more suitable for your needs than tooth bonding or veneers, or that offer comparable results. These may include:
Your dentist will make sure you have all the information you need about your treatment options so you can make fully informed decisions.
Our experienced dentists at Mount Lawley Dental offer a wide range of cosmetic and corrective treatments, including composite bonding and composite and porcelain veneers in Perth.
To find out more about our treatments and how we can help you achieve your smile goals, call our team today on (08) 9227 8777 to schedule a consultation or book online. We serve all nearby areas, including Highgate, Inglewood and North Perth.
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