Discolouration, cracks, chips and gaps can all undercut our self-confidence. At Aurora Dental Clinics, we want everyone to be able to smile at themselves in the mirror, which is why we offer an extensive list of cosmetic services, from teeth whitening to tailor-made smile makeovers. However, two treatments stand out in cosmetic dentistry.
Veneers and composite bonding are two established and extremely effective treatments which conceal imperfections, from extensive discolouration to a single chipped tooth.
Despite their popularity, people often don’t appreciate the distinction between the two. By breaking down the differences between composite bonding vs veneers, we hope to help you in your quest for the best cosmetic treatment for your smile!
What are Veneers?
This treatment has been a superstar of cosmetic dentistry for decades. Patients afflicted by gaps and multiple imperfections have gained flawless smiles by having porcelain or resin bonded to the front of their teeth, improving their appearance for years! As well as improving size, shape and colour, they provide weak teeth with extra strength which allows the patient to enjoy all their favourite foods.
Two types of veneers exist; porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain is stronger and stain-resistant, making it a very sensible long-term investment, but it also requires enamel to be removed in order to create a better surface for the veneers to adhere to. This is no obstacle for composite veneers, which perform the same function as their porcelain equivalents.
Benefits of Composite Veneers
- Teeth can often be filled and shaped in a single visit
- The results produced look and feel natural
- Composite veneers are a minimally invasive treatment, and teeth aren’t permanently altered
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
- Porcelain veneers look and feel extremely natural
- Maintenance is simple, you just need to brush and floss your teeth regularly as you would with your normal teeth
- Porcelain veneers are the most durable, but with that comes a higher price
What is Composite Bonding?
Composite veneers confuse the distinction somewhat, as they use the same material as composite bonding to achieve a dazzling smile. However, bonding only covers a small surface area, whereas veneers coat the entire tooth. Bonding resin is carefully chosen to match your existing teeth and then sculpted to create a pleasing, natural aesthetic, rendering the transition from enamel to resin invisible. With composite bonding, you can have whiter, more shapely teeth for between three and 10 years, without anybody noticing it’s the result of cosmetic dentistry.
This treatment is straightforward, non-invasive and often very swift, making it a much more suitable and potentially less expensive choice for smaller cosmetic adjustments. However, for multiple issues, we recommend investing in veneers, which are stronger and last longer.
Benefits of Composite Bonding
- It’s fast and can usually be completed in a single visit
- Unlike other restorative treatments, the main structure of the tooth is left untouched
- It’s generally pain-free
- Composite bonding is reversible, so if any problems occur it is easily rectifiable
Choosing Between Composite Bonding vs Veneers
Your dentist will determine your suitability for each treatment, and you will need to have good oral health to be considered for both. You may be a good candidate if you meet the following criteria:
Veneers
- Your teeth are moderately straight. If your teeth are extremely misaligned, this can put too much pressure on veneers and cause them to crack
- You have healthy tooth enamel, as veneers are bonded to your enamel, so it needs the strength to support them
- You’re looking to correct issues such as chipped, fractured, or discoloured teeth
Composite Bonding
- You want to correct minor concerns such as small gaps, chips, fractures or misshapen teeth
- You have enough of the tooth for your dentist to build from
Maintenance for Composite Bonds and Veneers
Both treatments require similar care to ensure they last, this includes:
- Limiting or avoiding food that can stain your teeth, such as coffee and wine
- Brushing your teeth twice a day
- Arranging regular check-ups and hygiene appointments
- Wearing a mouth guard if participating in contact sports, as it could damage treatment
- Wearing a mouth guard at night if you suspect you grind your teeth
- Avoid biting on hard objects that may chip the tooth
Consultations for Composite Bonding or Veneers at Aurora Dental
We appreciate that your situation may be more complicated, but there’s no need to worry. We provide you with a consultation with our team of experienced professionals, who will assess your concerns and determine the best course of action.
Our team have a knack for making every patient feel relaxed, confident and informed so that even the most nervous of visitors can undergo treatment feeling comfortable. We’re so proud of the experience we provide for every client, from the moment they pick up the phone to talk to us.
Quality Treatments at Aurora Dental
Whether you choose composite bonding vs veneers, our team will ensure you receive the highest quality treatment. Alongside our cosmetic treatments, we also offer general dentistry services, including Airflow polishing and dental hygienist appointments.
Book an appointment at Aurora Dental practice Chippenham today, we can help you start your journey to a more confident smile. Aurora Dental provides dental services locally covering areas such as Lacock, Calne, Melksham, Castle Combe and more. We also have three more clinics in Wiltshire, located in Chippenham, Corsham, Swindon and Devizes.
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