If you have crooked, stained, or chipped teeth that are making you self-conscious, dental bonding is one of the most effective and quickest options to get back your smile and self-confidence. But, if you are not familiar with dental bonding and you’re wondering how it is done, don’t worry; this article will explain everything you need to know about dental bonding. So, continue reading to find out. 

How Is Composite Bonding Beneficial?

Composite bonding is one of the most commonly used restorative and cosmetic dental procedures worldwide. Previously, dentists had to rely on silver amalgam fillings which, although were durable they lacked aesthetics due to their metallic appearance. Thankfully, tooth-coloured bonded fillings are now available. Some of the advantages of composite fillings are:

• Aesthetics – your dentist can match the shade and colour of the restoration with your natural teeth. As a result, these fillings become virtually indistinguishable. 
• Bonding to Tooth Structure – unlike amalgam fillings, bonded fillings can bond directly to the tooth structure. 
• Tooth-conservation – amalgam restorations require removing healthy tooth structures to accommodate the fillings. On the other hand, composite fillings do not need excessive tooth structure removal; only the damaged tissue is removed, and the filling is applied directly. 
• Repair Potential – minor damage to bonded fillings can be repaired easily. Furthermore, if a bonded filling gets stained, a fresh layer can be applied to restore the facial aesthetics.

How Long Does Tooth Bonding Last?

All dental restorations and prostheses have a limited lifespan. Likewise, the average lifetime of dental bonding is around 7 years, according to Healthline. However, the service life of bonded fillings can be enhanced considerably by ensuring optimal oral hygiene through brushing and flossing and visiting the dentist regularly for checkups.  

How Long Will Front Teeth Bonding Last?

Bonding on the front teeth is slightly different from back teeth as the front teeth as these filings lie in the “aesthetic zone”. Furthermore, the front teeth do not receive heavy biting forces as the back ones. So, for the front teeth, aesthetics are of the primary importance. Since the bonded fillings in the front teeth do not have to bear heavy forces, they tend to last relatively longer than the back teeth fillings. So, you can expect your front teeth fillings to last for about 10 years, even longer with proper care. 

How Much Time Will It Take For The Bonding Of One Chipped Tooth?

The durability of bonded restorations depends on various factors, such as the quality of the material used, patient compliance, and the dentist’s skill. If one does not look after their oral health properly or if they bite on hard and sticky foods directly with their bonded teeth, their life can be reduced considerably. Furthermore, the chances of a bonded filling chipping are increased exponentially if one has a habit of teeth clenching or grinding. 

Is Tooth Bonding Safe And Permanent?

No dental restoration or prosthesis lasts lifelong. Similarly, bonded fillings also have a limited lifespan. Regarding their safety, composite bonded restorations are safe for use in the oral cavity. In fact, many dentists recommend replacing the silver fillings – that carry health concerns – with the safer and aesthetically more pleasing bonded filings. In addition, concerns were raised regarding the adverse health effects of BPA, an ingredient of composite restorations. However, the concentration of BPA in composite fillings is so low that it does not cause any untoward reaction. 

How To Care After A Composite Bonding Operation?

Here are some things that you should consider after a bonding procedure:

• Don’t bite on hard or sticky foods directly with a bonded tooth 
• Maintain optimal oral hygiene, especially around the bonded teeth, to prevent staining 
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups to ensure everything is ok with your bonded fillings

What Can You Eat After You Get Your Teeth Bonded?

Although bonded fillings are reasonably strong and durable, one should avoid biting on sticky or hard foods, such as nuts, caramel, and raisins, with their bonded teeth. The reason is that doing so may crack or dislodge the restoration. Furthermore, one should have a fibre-rich diet as it helps clean the teeth and prevents restoration staining. 

Should I Get Dental Veneers Or Dental Bonding?

Both veneers and dental bonding are excellent options for restoring damaged teeth and improving flawed smiles. However, unlike bonding, veneers are made in the dental laboratory under precise and controlled conditions. This means they will have fewer structural defects, making them more durable and aesthetically pleasing. So, if you want to enjoy the best aesthetics and need a long-lasting solution, you should prefer veneers over bonding. However, if you have a limited budget, then you may consider bonding as veneers are more expensive. 

Do Composite Veneers Look Natural?

Composite veneers are made by precisely matching their shade with the adjacent natural teeth. Hence, they blend in perfectly and become virtually indistinguishable. So, both porcelain veneers and composite veneers have natural-looking aesthetics, even better than bonded fillings. 

Is It Safe To Have Your Two Front Teeth Filed Down?

Dentists sometimes remove a thin layer of the front teeth or “file them down” to create space for bonding veneers. Many people think that doing so will make the teeth weak and cavity-prone; this is not true. The fact is that when veneers are designed and placed by an experienced dentist, there is no damage to teeth. So, it is a good idea to visit an experienced cosmetic dentist when considering smile makeovers with veneers or bonding. 

If you are looking for the best cosmetic dentist in Dublin, Pembroke Dental is the place to go! We offer all general dentistry and cosmetic dental services to our esteemed patients at affordable rates under one roof in a comfortable and relaxing environment. So, book an appointment with our friendly team today to discuss your smile makeover options. 

In today’s world, every aspect of one’s appearance and personality matters – from your clothes, shoes, vehicles, and gadgets to how you walk and talk – people notice everything about you. But, what is most crucial among these things is your smile. People tend to perceive your personality based on your smile and appearance. A survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry showed that people with perfect teeth and beautiful smiles were perceived as more attractive than ones with flawed smiles. So, your teeth and smile are invaluable social assets. 

But, what to do if one does not have perfectly aligned, pearly white teeth? Can they still enjoy a Hollywood smile? Of course, they can! Anyone can enjoy a beautiful, picture-perfect smile thanks to cosmetic dentistry and dental veneers. So, what are veneers and how they can help you get rid of your facial flaws? Continue reading this article to find out more.  

Should I Get Dental Veneers Or Dental Bonding?

The ultimate goal of bonding and dental veneers is the same: to restore the structure of damaged teeth and improve the overall facial aesthetics. But there is a fundamental difference between the two. While bonding refers to placing a tooth-coloured filling material directly on a tooth to restore its function and aesthetics, a veneer is an indirect restoration – prepared in the laboratory – and then bonded to the prepared tooth structure using adhesive. 

Now that we understand the difference between bonding and veneers, let us discuss which one to choose for tooth restoration. Dental bonding is suitable for restoring minor tooth defects, while veneers are more durable and stain-resistant. Hence, they are ideal for restoring more extensive tooth restorative or cosmetic defects. So, whenever possible, one should prefer veneers over dental bonding. 

How Do Dental Veneers Work?

According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or composites bonded to the front surfaces of crooked or stained teeth to restore their shape, structure, or aesthetics. So, dental veneers work by masking cosmetic tooth defects and restoring optimal tooth shape and function. 

What Are The Advantages Of Composite Veneers?

Compared to composite bonded fillings, composite veneers offer various advantages. For example, cosmetic veneers are much more durable than composite fillings. Also, they are more stain-resistant and retain tooth aesthetics for longer than direct tooth-coloured fillings. Another advantage of composite veneers is that they can be easily repaired or replaced if they get cracked or dislodged, respectively. 

How Do Dentists Put Veneers On Teeth?

The process of getting veneers is straightforward. First, your dentist will remove a thin layer of the outer enamel from the front surface of the tooth to create space for bonding the veneers. This process is known as tooth preparation. Afterwards, they will make impressions of your teeth and send them to the dental laboratory for fabrication. Your dentist will first try the veneers on your prepared teeth at the next appointment without bonding. Once satisfied with the fit and aesthetics, they will permanently bond the veneers to the teeth using adhesive. 

Can Veneers Go Over Existing Crowns?

Both veneers and crowns are indirect restorations, meaning that they are fabricated in the laboratory and bonded to the prepared teeth. So, it is not possible to bond a veneer over an existing crown. Instead, your dentist will first remove the crown and replace it with a veneer. It must be noted that crowns or veneers cannot be removed by patients; they can only be taken off by dentists using special instruments. 

Do Veneers Act As A Protective Covering Around The Teeth?

Veneers perform various functions such as aesthetic enhancement, structural restoration, and reinforcement of damaged teeth. So, yes, veneers also provide a protective covering over damaged teeth and prevent them from secondary decay. 

Do Composite Veneers Ruin Your Teeth?

It is a common misconception that dental veneers ruin one’s teeth. This is not correct! The fact is that during tooth preparation for veneers, only a thin layer of the outer enamel is removed. Hence, there are minimal chances of permanent damage to the veneered teeth due to secondary decay. However, dentists must ensure optimal bonding of the veneer with the tooth. Otherwise, if space exists between them, it can lead to food impaction and tooth decay. So, the quality of the veneers is also important in ensuring the long-term health of permanent teeth. 

Do Composite Veneers Look Natural?

Composite veneers are made of a tooth-coloured, plastic-like material that can be bonded to the tooth structure. A beneficial aspect of composite veneers is that your dentist can easily match the shade and colour of the veneers with the neighbouring natural teeth. Therefore, veneers offer a natural appearance, and the veneered teeth are virtually indisitiguishable from the natural ones. However, dental veneers tend to get stained over time and tend to lose their esthetics. That is why, they need to be replaced or repaired after some time. Maintaining good oral hygiene can slow down the staining process of veneers and enhance their service life. 

Dental veneers are an excellent option for restoring damaged or aesthetically-flawed teeth. If you are looking for a reliable and gentle-dental practice in Dublin, Pembroke Dental is the place to go! We offer high-quality general dental and cosmetic dentistry services under one roof at affordable rates. So, book an appointment with us today and begin your journey towards a lasting and healthy smile!

The demand for cosmetic dental treatment in the UK has grown exponentially over the years. And it’s not just the teenagers and young adults seeking cosmetic treatment; adults are equally interested in improving their smile and social appeal. Thanks to contemporary cosmetic dentistry, even the most complicated aesthetic issues can be solved easily, and one of the most powerful tools used by cosmetic dentists is dental veneers. 

If you or a loved one has cosmetic facial flaws that affect their smile and appearance, veneers are an excellent option for their treatment. But, if you want to know more about dental veneers, this article is for you. So, continue reading to learn everything you need to know about veneers and how they can help you achieve your dream smile.

What Is Dental Veneer Treatment?

According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a veneer is a thin shell made of composite resins or porcelain that is bonded to the front surfaces of damaged teeth to restore various aesthetic, structural, and functional flaws. Every day, dentists bond hundreds of veneers to broken teeth worldwide to improve smiles and restore dental function. 

What Are The Various Types Of Dental Veneers?

Depending on their material, there are two main types of veneers: porcelain and composite veneers. 

• Porcelain Veneers – these veneers are made of tooth-coloured dental porcelains. The fabrication of porcelain-based veneers is an intricate process. Therefore, it is carried out in the dental laboratory. The prepared veneers are then bonded to the teeth using adhesive. In some cases, porcelain veneers can also be prepared in the dental laboratory using the CAD/CAM technology. 

• Composite Veneers – these veneers are made of tooth-coloured composite resins, similar to the materials used for dental bonding. Composite veneers can sometimes be prepared at the dental chairside and offer a quicker restorative option than porcelain veneers. However, composite veneers are not as durable or stain-resistant as porcelain-based veneers. 

What Is The Function Of A Veneer?

Dentists use dental veneers to treat various restorative and cosmetic dental problems, such as:

• To restore the aesthetics of fractured or chipped teeth 
• To mask permanent teeth stains 
• To cosmetically close gaps between teeth 
• To cosmetically fix mild tooth misalignment 
• To restore the shape of congenitally deformed teeth 
• For complete smile makeovers 

How Do Dental Veneers Work?

Dental veneers are ultra thin shells that are bonded to the front (visible) surfaces of the teeth. Their function is to mask underlying cosmetic defects and restore optimal tooth structure and function.  

How Do They Put Veneers On Teeth?

The process of getting veneers is simple and is typically completed within 2-3 sittings. First, your dentist will remove a thin layer of the outer enamel of your teeth. This is done to create space for bonding the veneers. Don’t worry, your teeth will not become sensitive as a very thin layer will be removed. This process is know as tooth preparation. 

After tooth preparation, your dentist will make impressions of your teeth and send them to the dental laboratory for fabrication. After a few weeks, when the prepared veneers are received back from the laboratory, your dentist will first try on your veneers without bonding. If everything goes well, they will bond your veneers to the prepared teeth using adhesive. Congratulations on your brand-new smile!

What Are Some Long-Term Consequences Of Veneers?

With proper care, dental veneers can last for a long time. However, optimal oral hygiene must be maintained to prevent unwanted staining of the veneers. Generally, composite veneers stain more readily than porcelain veneers. Similarly, the clinical life of veneers can be enhanced by avoiding sticky foods or directly biting on hard foods with your veneered teeth. 

Are There Health Or Negative Implications Of Dental Veneers?

As discussed earlier, oral hygiene is essential for long-term survival and stain prevention in dental veneers. But, more importantly, poor oral hygiene around veneers can cause secondary tooth decay – a process in which tooth decay forms around the margin of the veneers or within the supporting tooth. Such a situation can be easily prevented through brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkup visits. 

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Dental Veneers?

Pros of Dental Veneers:

• Longer-lasting than composite bonding 
• Stain lesser than composite bonding 
• Do not require extensive tooth removal compared to dental crowns 
• Dislodged veneers can sometimes be rebonded. 

Cons of Dental Veneers:

• More expensive than composite bonding 
• Improper veneer fabrication can lead to secondary tooth decay 
• Veneers get stained over time. 

Is It A Bad Idea To Veneer Healthy Teeth?

Dental veneers are needed to restore the esthetics and structure of damaged teeth. So, if a healthy tooth does not have any structural or cosmetic imperfections, there is no point in sacrificing its healthy tooth structure for veneer bonding. 

How Long Do Veneers Last Before They Need To Be Replaced?

The clinical life of dental veneers depends on various factors, such as the material, the dentist’s skill, oral hygiene maintenance, and diet care. However, on average, veneers can last up to five years before they need replacement or repairs. 

The aesthetic outcome of dental veneer treatment highly depends on the dentist’s skills. So, if you’re considering a complete smile makeover in Dublin, your best option is to visit Pembroke Dental. We provide dental general and specialist services to our esteemed customers at affordable rates and in a relaxing environment. So, book an appointment with us today and walk away with a beautiful and healthy smile you genuinely deserve.