If you have chipped, stained, worn, or misshapen teeth, it can affect your confidence. Thankfully, modern cosmetic dentistry has answers to all the issues you may experience with the look of your smile. 

Porcelain veneers and cosmetic bonding are two popular smile-enhancing treatments that use quite different techniques to fix a similar range of problems. Both treatments are highly effective at improving your smile’s appearance while rebuilding your confidence.  

So, what’s the difference between cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers? And, what’s involved in each treatment?

Read on to learn more about these amazing, versatile treatments. 

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Dental veneers are fine custom-made shells designed to cover your teeth and improve their appearance. Each veneer is made of porcelain and is designed to blend into your smile seamlessly. You can think of each veneer as being like a false nail for your teeth. 

What Can Porcelain Veneers Fix?

Once in place, your veneer will look perfect in every way. Natural in colour, shape, size, and texture. We can use porcelain veneers to cover problems like staining, discolouration, uneven wear, chips, and cracks. Additionally, veneers can close small gaps between your teeth and give your entire smile a uniform appearance. 

We use porcelain because of its aesthetic properties and its durability. 

How Are Porcelain Veneers Placed?

We always begin with a consultation to identify the areas of your smile you’re concerned about and to assess your teeth. Once we’ve discussed your options, we can begin the precision planning process. Veneers are typically placed in stages. 

Before placing custom veneers, we’ll need to prepare your teeth. To make way for the fine porcelain layer we will add, we first need to remove a small amount of enamel. This stops your teeth from appearing too large. 

Every veneer is skillfully crafted for a specific tooth. Once the laboratory has produced your veneers, we can bond them to your teeth. 

What Is Cosmetic Bonding?

Cosmetic bonding goes by several names, including composite, dental, and tooth bonding. Essentially, this quick, simple, and painless process uses composite resin sculpted and crafted directly onto your teeth to repair and rebuild damaged, stained, or worn teeth. 

We perfectly match the shade of the resin to your teeth so you can feel great about your smile. Although the results may not last as long as porcelain veneers, the results still look fantastic, giving you an instant dose of self-esteem. 

What Happens During the Cosmetic Bonding Procedure?

As with porcelain veneers, we’ll begin the cosmetic bonding process by discussing what you’d like to change and a thorough smile assessment. 

The actual procedure will be carried out in a single session. Your appointment length will vary depending on how many teeth we’re treating. This painless procedure requires no tools or anaesthetics.

We will begin by applying the composite resin to your teeth. Next, we’ll sculpt and refine the resin with gentle precision, fixing any imperfections in your smile. 

Once we’re happy with the appearance of your teeth, we’ll cure the resin using a special light. Then, when the resin is hard, we’ll polish and tweak it to perfection. 

Cosmetic Bonding Vs Porcelain Veneers — Which Is Best for You?

If you’re deciding between cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers, the best thing to do is come in for a consultation. 

Cosmetic bonding is a  simple, painless, and cost-effective way to fix dental defects; however, veneers are more durable, last longer, and have better stain resistance. 

Cosmetic Bonding and Porcelain Veneers at Canon House

At Canon House, we deliver impeccable cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneer treatments. Whichever option you choose, you’re in the best hands, and we’ll give you a smile you’ll love for years to come. 

Call us today to schedule your consultation.