Veneers vs Composite Bonding vs Whitening: Choosing the Best Cosmetic Option for Your Smile

Investing in your smile is not just great for your confidence. It can also help you to take better care of your teeth, as you’ll be much more likely to take steps to care for your oral health if you have spent money on your smile.

A winning smile could be within reach with the help of a few common dental treatments. In this guide, we’re looking at the perks and downsides of three cosmetic dental treatments so that you can make an informed choice about which treatments you’d like to explore.

Read on to learn more about veneers, composite bonding and teeth whitening.

What are veneers?

Veneers are used to change the appearance of your smile by attaching little shells of porcelain to the front of your teeth. They are commonly applied to the top front teeth that are visible when you smile, but they can also be applied to the bottom teeth to make sure the two arches match.

Benefits of veneers include:

• Fast and effective makeover that will transform your smile in 2-3 visits

• Long lasting treatment, with most veneers lasting for around 10-12 years, or even more

• Can be used to address multiple imperfections at once

• Minimally invasive and offers some protection to the underlying tooth structure

Downsides of veneers include:

• Some foods may be off limits after treatment to help protect your veneer

• This is a permanent treatment, so you’ll always have to wear a veneers

• Porcelain veneers can be more expensive than some other restoration options

What is composite bonding?

Composite bonding offers a cost effective alternative to veneers. Rather than address all of the teeth at once, composite bonding is more likely to be used to address individual imperfections. This treatment uses the same white resin used for cavity fillings, except it is applied to the front of the teeth and then sculpted. The material sets hard with UV light and then the dentist can apply the finishing touches and polish the tooth.

Benefits of composite bonding include:

• Fast treatment that can be completed in just one visit

• Cheaper than treatments like veneers and crowns

• Applying the material directly means the dentist can keep the restoration in balance with the other features

• Treatment will last around 5 years and then start to wear away

• It can provide some protection for the underlying tooth structure

Downsides of composite bonding include:

• Composite resin doesn’t offer the same translucent quality as porcelain, so it might not look as natural

• Like with veneers, you might need to be careful about what you eat so you don’t damage the composite

What is teeth whitening?

If you’re looking for a simple way to upgrade your smile, teeth whitening could be the perfect solution. This simple treatment allows you to lift the shade of your teeth, removing stains and making your teeth appear brighter and whiter.

This can help you to look and feel younger, while also boosting your confidence. Teeth whitening is very safe when handled by a professional, so there’s no risk of damaging your enamel or causing increased sensitivity.

Benefits of teeth whitening include:

• Achieve amazing results in just 2 weeks

• Helps to remove surface stains from food, drink and smoking

• The ideal confidence booster before a special occasion

• Safe and reliable formulations that won’t cause sensitivity

Downsides of teeth whitening include:

• Won’t change the alignment of your teeth, so if crooked teeth are bothering you, you’ll need to address this separately

• Stains will return if you continue the same habits

• Teeth whitening isn’t effective for all patients, and there are some kinds of discolouration that won’t be affected by professional teeth whitening

Which is right for me?

Choosing the right cosmetic treatment for your needs is all about looking at the cause of your insecurities and then exploring the treatments that will deliver lasting results. If you just want a boost, teeth whitening could be ideal, but for a more extensive makeover, consider veneers for a comprehensive smile upgrade.