Dental veneers are much the same as a furniture veneer, except the material isn’t a natural one, says a Colchester dentist. Much the same as a false nail is a veneer for the fingers; a dental veneer is used and fitted in much the same vein. There are two main types of veneer, one thicker and more permanent that the other. Firstly we have a thin veneer which is used to cover up simple and uncomplicated defects on our teeth, the most common reason for a veneer of this type is cosmetic and to make a discoloured tooth whiter and better shaped. Other reasons are to cover up a chip, gap or a crack, but a crack is a tricky one as the crack needs to be glued first to strengthen the cover up. Digital photos are taken of the tooth and the other teeth; this is so the technician can make the veneer to match the natural shape of the rogue tooth, and the shade of the other teeth. When the patient is ready to have a fitting the tooth is roughed up to make a better bonding surface, then it is simply glued into place. This type of veneer lasts around 3-6 years, and is easily replaced at any time. A porcelain veneer is much thicker and is used for much the same problems, except it is also used to cover up a badly misaligned tooth or a bigger gap. The porcelain version needs to be fitted exactly, and so more of the surface of the tooth is ground down to the same thickness as the veneer, this is then cemented onto the thinner tooth. They last 10-15 years and can be replaced, but the amount of times that can happen are limited due to the amount of enamel removed. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.

Dental bonding is one of the most straightforward and easily affordable of the cosmetic dentistry procedures and is used to repair damage caused by chipped, cracked or broken teeth. It is also being increasingly used to repair cosmetic problems such as unevenly spaced, badly worn or discoloured teeth. In the last twenty years it has also replaced silver amalgam as the filling material of choice to repair cavities.

Dental bonding, also known as cosmetic bonding, is made from a resin and can be coloured to closely match the colour of existing teeth. The resin can be made up on the spot by a dentist and does not require laboratory conditions necessary to manufacture crowns and veneers. This is the reason that dental bonding is so cheap when compared to other cosmetic dentistry treatments. It also means that treatment times are significantly shorter. In fact, unless there is a large area that requires bonding, most treatments can be carried out in only one visit to the dentist.

Unless being applied to a particularly sensitive area such as an exposed cavity, dental bonding is also completely pain-free. It is very rare that a patient will need any kind of anaesthetic before a dental bonding treatment.

Dental bonding is applied by the dentist to the require area and sculpted into the required shape. When satisfied the dentist will use the intense heat of a laser to set the bonding hard. When set the bonding is very durable and resistant to staining. For badly worn or discoloured teeth, dental bonding can completely transform their appearance in as little as a couple of hours and will cost far less than a set of veneers.

Due to its versatility and affordability, dental bonding is a popular choice with both patients and dentists. Basildon dentists are using dental bonding more and more to repair damaged teeth and improve the cosmetic appearance of others. Ask your dentist in Basildon about the possibilities of dental bonding and find out what it could do for you. Call 01245 268 494 to make an appointment with Dr Moore for a free consultation.