What’s the Difference Between Composite Fillings, Bonding, and Veneers?

When it comes to improving your smile or repairing damage, many options are available to you, thanks to treatment advancements. Some of the most popular ones include composite tooth fillings, bonding, and dental veneers. Each of these services is beneficial and customizable to meet your unique smile requirements and overall aesthetic goals. But with that said … which one is best? 

Though they may seem similar, these three treatments are quite different. Therefore, it’s important to take your time to do some research and speak with a dentist near you about the cosmetic dentistry treatments available in Millwoods. They can answer your questions and help you choose the best path. 

If this is something you’re interested in, we invite you to visit Agape Dental. Our expert team is ready to work with you and your family. 

What are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings are tooth-coloured restorations primarily used to address cavities. They are colour-matched to the natural shade of your tooth, so they blend in nicely. Some of the key features of this treatment are noted below: 

• Purpose: Recommended to patients who have cavities or minor cracks in teeth caused by decay or wear.
• Material: Composite fillings are created from a mixture of plastic and glass that, once placed, won’t stand out at all; nobody will be able to tell you’ve had work done on your smile. 
• Durability: Results last from 5–10 years depending on where the filling is placed in your mouth and how diligent you are with your daily hygiene at home. 

Understanding the Treatment 

As is the case with most dental treatments, your dentist will take some time to assess your tooth and entire smile to identify if a filling is the correct method of care. If the cavity is too large, an inlay, onlay, or dental crown may be recommended instead. Once you’ve been approved, the first step is to clear away the decayed section of the tooth. You’ll receive local anesthesia to numb the area and keep you comfortable throughout the appointment. Next, the space is filled with the colour-matched composite material before being hardened with a special curing light. The dentist will polish your tooth and make any last adjustments before letting you go. 

The largest advantage of composite fillings is their functionality and subtleness. The treatment is done in one visit. 

What is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a process that involves sculpting or reshaping a tooth with resin to enhance its look or repair minor restorative damage. Some key aspects of the treatment are as follows:

• Purpose: Great for fixing chips, small cracks, and minimal discolouration or gaps between teeth.
• Material: Like with fillings, composite resin is used, but it’s applied to the outside of the tooth as opposed to being fitted inside it. 
• Durability: Bonded teeth tend to last 3–7 years; they are less durable than veneers but a much quicker, more affordable option.

Understanding the Treatment

After you’ve attended an initial consultation with your dentist and they’ve examined the state of your teeth, the treatment process can begin. First, the teeth will be gently prepped before the resin is brought in. The surface of the teeth is roughened up and a conditioning liquid is applied. This step is essential since it ensures the material will adhere to the tooth. Next, the resin is sculpted to the tooth. The dentist will take their time to shape it to look natural. Lastly, a curing light hardens the material in place. 

Overall, dental bonding is a cost-effective solution for patients searching for reliable cosmetic dentistry services. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that it is ideal for addressing minor touch-ups, not major smile problems. 

What are Veneers?

Dental veneers are ultra-thin shells crafted from high-quality porcelain that cover up the front surface of teeth. They function as both a cosmetic and restorative treatment, depending on what a patient requires. Some of the main features of dental veneers include:

• Purpose: Veneers are great at covering up deeper stains, chips, and misshapen teeth. They can also help fill in gaps. 
• Material: Porcelain (which is more durable and stain-resistant) is the most popular choice for veneers, but composite veneers, made from a combination of ceramic and acrylic are available too.
• Durability: Treatment results can last 10–15 years or longer, so long as you practice good daily care and visit a dentist regularly.

Understanding the Treatment

The entire process can take between 2-3 visits to fully complete. 

Once you’ve been approved for this treatment by your dentist, the teeth that need veneers will be prepped, which entails shaving off a minimal amount of enamel from the surface of the tooth (just a few millimetres). This step is critical, otherwise the shells won’t stick to the tooth — however, it’s important to remember that enamel removal cannot be undone. If you have questions or concerns about this, please ask your dentist. Tooth impressions are taken next to ensure the shells meet the dimensions of your teeth. When the veneers are ready, you’ll be asked to return to the clinic so they can be attached. This is done with dental cement. Your dentist may trim the veneers if necessary. 

At the end of the day, if you’re looking for a noticeable, long-lasting transformation, dental veneers are certainly worth considering. That said, they can be costly, and the treatment is more invasive compared to bonding or a filling.

So, Which One Do You Need?

Here’s a summary of each treatment to aid you in your decision:

Visit Agape Dental to Transform Your Smile 

Choosing between composite fillings, bonding, and veneers comes down to what you’re interested in addressing, your preferences, your budget, and the current health of your teeth. 

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, we encourage you to come to Agape Dental Clinic today. Our friendly team of dentists in Millwoods are dedicated to helping patients fulfill all their dental goals. Whatever option you select, know that you are one step closer to a brighter, more confident smile!

Call or Contact us our local dental practice to get started!