Porcelain veneers are still regarded as one of the main cosmetic dentistry techniques. In skilled hands, they can look just like teeth. Now, we are not talking 'Turkey Teeth' here! You may have seen many social media sites showing smile makeovers in Turkey with super white 'veneers'. In reality, these veneers are actually crowns that cover the entire tooth surface after the teeth have been cut down to little stumps. This is not cosmetic dentistry but butchery, to be blunt. 

Porcelain veneer treatment should be minimally invasive preserving as much tooth surface as possible. This way, the results are not only biologically safe but also life like and natural. The key detail is in the planning and close collaboration with the dental laboratory and technicians. Our case of the month for February shows a great case following these key principles.

A smile says a thousand words, as the old saying goes. However, if you never smile what does that tell us?

In most cases, hiding a smile means that one is embarrassed with their teeth and lack overall confidence. This is perfectly understandable and something we see on a daily basis. The good news is that a smile transformation is no longer an arduous process which costs the earth, as our case of the month highlights.
 

Our case of the month for February is a fantastic one which highlights the extent of the versatility of the Invisalign system. It truly is a replacement for fixed braces with many benefits. In the past, it was correct to say that certain cases could not be treated with Invisalign and that fixed ( train track) braces were the only option. However, times change, technology advances and the advent of digital dentistry has changed the landscape of dental care.

Our client came to us after seeing several dentists and being told that multiple teeth needed to be removed and that fixed braces were needed for over 2 years. She was all set up for this but after the first initial comprehensive examination with Dr Nissit Patel, we had alternative options available. The key is in the planning and after careful deliberation and diagnostic projections, we were able to provide a treatment plan that not only kept all of the teeth but one that could be completed using Invisalign as the sole orthodontic technique.
 

To answer this question, we really need to differentiate the two treatments as they are two different treatment entirely. 

Composite bonding is an additive process. In simple terms, we carefully sculpt composite resin over the teeth in question. This can be used to treat chipped, fractured, uneven and gappy teeth. Composite can also be used to replace old fillings on front ( or back) teeth. The great advantage of bonding includes:

1. Treatment is completed in one visit; an instant smile transformation!
2. Minimally invasive. There is little, if any, drilling of the underlying teeth needed.
3. Biologically safe for the teeth and gums. There is no risk of damage to the nerve.
4. Composite can be easily maintained.
5. More affordable than porcelain veneers or ceramic crowns.
6. Composite will protect the underlying teeth from further wear and tear.