Veneers and Bonding
Veneers are a fantastic way to improve the shape, size, colour or straightness of teeth – a great jack of all trades if you want to enhance your smile.
We will focus on creating the style of smile you would like, as appropriate to your mouth. Suppose you look closely at a natural tooth. In that case, you will see slight variations in colour, opacity, and pigmentation. When light hits the tooth, these “characterisation marks” make a tooth look natural.
Really fabulous full-coverage composite bondings and porcelain veneers will have artistically built-in minute characterisation marks to give you a “flawless finish” smile. This is one difference between average and superior cosmetic results.
We work with leading UK Porcelain Technician Tony Laurie, who reproduces natural beauty using his artistic talent to help create our patients’ smiles. www.dentalexcellencetech.com
Your natural teeth are incredibly precious, so we don’t automatically “prepare” or drill teeth to put veneers on. You can discuss no-prep veneers, where no tooth structure is removed or minimal-prep veneers, where only a sliver of the tooth is removed. We are conscious that teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and we are keen to support people with this concept; accordingly, we will suggest tooth-friendly treatment options. For instance, if your teeth are crowded, opting for prebonding braces moves teeth so that the bonding and veneers don’t end up with that “bulky” look and are easier to clean.
Composite Veneers / Bonding
Composite veneers, also known as composite bondings, are faster and more affordable than porcelain veneers. Around six to ten bondings/veneers can be placed in a single visit. A special layering technique is used to incorporate subtle characterisations which mimic nature. We use the best bonds, composite materials and techniques to produce superb results.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-coloured materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth. The process typically involves minimal tooth preparation, where a small amount of enamel is removed to ensure a good fit.
Porcelain veneers are known for their durability and stain resistance, making them a popular choice for cosmetic dentistry. They can be crafted to match the natural colour of your teeth, providing an aesthetically pleasing result. The application process often requires multiple visits to the dentist, including consultations, preparation, and finally, bonding the veneers in place. Proper care can help maintain their appearance and longevity.
A veneer covers the front of a tooth, whereas a crown goes all the way around.
Examples
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between bonding and porcelain veneers?
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Composite bonding (or composite veneers) involves applying layers of tooth-coloured resin directly to your teeth in a single visit. Porcelain veneers are custom-made thin shells created in a dental lab and then bonded to your teeth. Composite is quicker and more affordable, while porcelain offers greater durability and stain resistance.
How long do bonding and veneers last?
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Composite bonding typically lasts 4-7 years, while porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or longer with proper care. Good oral hygiene and avoiding habits like nail-biting or opening packaging with your teeth help extend their lifespan.
Do veneers damage my natural teeth?
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Not necessarily. We focus on tooth-friendly treatment options. Some veneers can be placed with little to no preparation (no-prep veneers), meaning your natural tooth structure remains largely untouched. When minimal preparation is required, only a very thin layer of enamel is removed to ensure a good fit.
How natural will my veneers look?
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Very natural. Both composite and porcelain veneers can be crafted with subtle characterisation marks, colour variations, and translucency to mimic real teeth. We work with highly skilled dental technicians to ensure your veneers blend beautifully with your smile.
Am I suitable for bonding or veneers?
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Most people are suitable, but it depends on your oral health and smile goals. For example, if teeth are crowded or misaligned, we may recommend orthodontic treatment first to avoid a bulky look and make veneers easier to clean. A consultation will help us decide the best option for you.
