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.

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.
 

We celebrated our 15th birthday in style on the 6th December with a packed reception enjoying glasses of English Fizz from Kingscote, Denbies and Balfour winerys and food from Papa Ciccia's in Fulham. It was so nice to see patients who have been with us from the very beginning, new clients and new businesses from Fulham High Street attending.

Our charity raffle was a great success with the winners of some great prizes announced including ZOOM in surgery whitening, take home tooth whitening kits, Oral B electric toothbrushes, a Christmas hamper donated by our neighbour Dr Espresso, a case of High Water hard seltzer donated by the owner and one of our patients, Waterpik air floss units, bottles of English Sparkling wine and beer from Exeter Brewery! Phew, what a list. We managed to raise over £3000 for Alzheimer's Society, a brilliant team effort for a wonderful cause. 

What a journey it has been. Here's to another 15 years, cheers!
 

One of the most topical subjects at the moment is the debate between composite and porcelain for dental restorations. In terms of cosmetic dentistry, this equates to the use of composite veneers and porcelain veneers. It is important to note that composite veneers can either be made by a laboratory or placed free hand by the dentist in the chair. Porcelain veneers can only be made by a dental laboratory or within a dental practice that has the necessary technology such as computer aided design and a milling machine, otherwise know as CAD-CAM.