Cosmetic dentistry allows you to smile with confidence. During your cosmetic consultation at Docklands Dental Studio, one of our dentists will explain which cosmetic procedures will work best for your needs and personal goals. Two great options that we offer are cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers. Because these two procedures treat similar cosmetic blemishes, we offer this overview to help you understand how cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers work. 

If you are looking for a dental office in the Docklands, Port Melbourne, North Melbourne, Melbourne CBD, Southbank, or South Melbourne area, we welcome you to join our growing base of satisfied patients. Our staff strives to create harmony and between patients and our team. We adopt the latest dental technologies available, whether providing cosmetic treatments or general dentistry. 

How Does Cosmetic Bonding Compare to Porcelain Veneers?

If you are looking to add symmetry and beauty to your smile, our office offers several methods and materials that can reshape your smile. Cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers can dramatically alter the shape and color of your teeth. Both cosmetic procedures hide visible imperfections on your teeth and deliver the appearance of a flawless smile.

What is Cosmetic Bonding?

Cosmetic bonding, also known as dental bonding, uses the material that dentists use to fill cavities. The composite resin can be color-matched to blend with any patient’s natural teeth. Dental bonding is a conservative, non-invasive, and reversible treatment that can enhance and correct the natural shape of your teeth. 

Cosmetic bonding can be applied in one visit to our Docklands dental office. One of our dentists will prepare the surface of your tooth using an etching liquid. Then, your dentist will artfully apply and shape the cosmetic bonding material to meet your cosmetic needs. The final step involves hardening the bonding material using a special light before small adjustments are made as needed. 

Who Can Benefit from Cosmetic Bonding?

You may be an ideal candidate for cosmetic bonding if you have minor cosmetic blemishes and discoloration. The bonding material can be used to rebuild a tooth after it is damaged or to address:

  • Chips
  • Cracks
  • Minor stains
  • Misshapen teeth
  • Gaps
  • Exposed roots from receding gums

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

If you have noticed a celebrity or model who has perfectly white and even teeth, they have likely undergone porcelain veneer placement. Porcelain veneers, which are placed on the visible portion of anterior teeth, are wafer-thin shells that are made of porcelain or other high-quality material. Veneers are placed through two visits to our office. 

During the first visit, one of our esteemed doctors will gently remove a small layer of enamel after your front teeth have been numbed using local anesthesia. The step, called “prepping,” creates room for your veneers to snuggly fit over your teeth. After your teeth are prepped, a mold of your smile will be made, and a trusted laboratory will begin manufacturing your new veneers. 

During your second visit, your new veneers will be placed over your front-facing teeth using a strong bonding agent. Any minor adjustments that may be needed will be made at that time. 

Who Can Benefit from Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers have gained the moniker of “instant orthodontics” for a reason. Patients who have significant cosmetic blemishes can benefit from this life-changing procedure. Porcelain veneers can address:

  • Chips
  • Stains
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Malformations
  • Misalignment (so braces are not necessary)
  • Uneven teeth
  • Irregularly sized teeth

Which Option Is Right For Me?

Cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers are similar treatments that improve the appearance of your teeth. During your cosmetic consultation at our Docklands dental office, one of our dentists will discuss which treatment may best meet your budget and cosmetic goals. It is important to know that porcelain veneers are considered a more long-term treatment option to repair teeth. Porcelain veneers can last for 10 or more years when properly taken care of while cosmetic bonding generally lasts a few years or several at most. To help you navigate the pros and cons to both dental veneers and dental bonding, we have listed the benefits of both treatment options.

Benefits of Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic bonding can be completed in one relatively short visit to our dental office. If you are looking to restore minor blemishes on a modest budget, cosmetic bonding may be the right choice for you. The cosmetic results may only last a few years, but the process is non-invasive and completely reversible. 

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can address more drastic cosmetic problems than cosmetic bonding. Veneers also offer more drastic results. If you are looking for a treatment that will draw compliments about your smile, you may want to consider porcelain veneers over dental bonding. Veneers do require a more significant investment of money, though, and patients who wish to maintain their natural tooth structure may prefer cosmetic bonding as an alternative. 

Gain the Smile of Your Dreams

If you are looking for a dental office that offers a wide range of general, restorative, and cosmetic procedures, we welcome you to join our growing base of satisfied patients. 

Our office also offers:

  • Teeth whitening to brighten teeth
  • Invisalign to correct dental alignment
  • Natural-looking fillings
  • Natural-looking replacement teeth
  • Gum reduction for “gummy” smiles 

Both cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers can deliver the perfect smile that you have always dreamt of. To schedule your cosmetic consultation, please contact our office online. Once you have undergone cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneer placement, you can enjoy a transformed and more attractive smile.