Cosmetic dentistry has benefited a lot because of the remarkable advancement in dental technology. As per current statistics, the global cosmetic dentistry market is expected to grow 5% annually, increasing its value to an estimated £21 billion by 2026. This led to these procedures becoming increasingly popular. As a result, having that dream smile has come closer to reality than ever before. Out of several cosmetic procedures prevalent today, the most sought-after ones include Invisalign, veneers and composite bonding. Though each of these procedures aims at improving unsightly smiles, each of them caters to different and specific dental issues.

Let’s briefly go through all three treatments.

Invisalign

Invisalign is the pioneering brand that made clear braces popular. This orthodontic treatment specifically caters to correcting crooked or misaligned teeth. Unlike the obvious traditional braces, these are virtually invisible and that serves as its USP. The treatment involves the patient wearing a set of custom-made clear braces that are replaced once every few weeks. As the treatment progresses, the teeth are gradually pressed together into alignment.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers come under the category of prosthodontist treatments. In this treatment, the fronts of one or more teeth are covered with wafer-thin chips that are moulded to match and seamlessly blend in with our natural teeth. The artificial chips can be made up of materials such as composite resin, porcelain or porcelain laminate. It’s a minimally invasive treatment, as it involves filing the affected teeth down permanently to make room for veneers.  This treatment is typically utilised to correct issues such as chipped or damaged teeth, severe discolouration, gaps and spacings between the teeth and mild misalignments.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding similar to veneers is employed to correct chipped or broken teeth, tooth decay, gaps and spacings, etc. In this treatment, a special bond is prepared out of composite resin and applied to the surface of the affected tooth. It is carefully shaped and moulded to match the nearby natural teeth in terms of colour and shape. Once the resin hardens, the bond is firmly in place, giving you a fuller, more beautiful smile. It is a completely non-invasive treatment and doesn’t require any form of tooth preparation.

Now we’ve understood how all three procedures work and what dental issues they solve, we will next draw out a comparison between the three on the bases of several aspects including goals, appearance, durability and cost.

Comparing Goals

Though all three treatments let you smile brightly with more confidence, they cater to different issues altogether. The only common one is the removal of gaps and spaces in the upper front teeth. However, veneers and bonding both can only eliminate gaps no larger than 3 millimetres.

Invisalign Veneers Composite Bonding
 

Primarily employed to treat crooked and misaligned teeth

  

For treating damaged and poorly discoloured teeth.

Unlike bonding, veneers are utilised for more pronounced concerns involving several affected teeth

  

Bonding too treats the same issues as veneers.

However, it is more suitable when the treatment concerns only one or two teeth

Comparing Appearance

Invisalign is a type of clear brace. They are so popular because they help your smile look more natural, making the wearer less conscious. This is not the case with traditional braces. On the other hand, veneers and bonding are designed to look like natural teeth.

Invisalign Veneers Composite Bonding
 

They are essentially braces, made out of medical-grade clear plastic

  

The most commonly employed veneers are made up of porcelain.

It has the same light-reflection property as natural teeth.

  

Bonding is made up of composite resin.

It gives a slightly translucent appearance when compared to natural teeth

Comparing Durability

All three, Invisalign, veneers and bonding are sufficiently durable. However, to compare durability, keep in mind their different applications.

Invisalign Veneers Bonding
 

Invisalign braces need to be replaced once every few weeks.

This is rather to accommodate the gradual progress in alignment. They are quite durable otherwise.

  

Though veneers are made quite thin, they are remarkably durable.

Ideally, veneers are stain-resistant & can last upwards of 10 to 15 years if maintained properly.

  

Bonding is quite durable too, but not as much as veneers.

They can last for about 5 to 7 years and are relatively more susceptible to damage and stain.

Comparing Cost

You can achieve the smile of your dreams through cosmetic dentistry, but some of the treatments such as Invisalign and veneers depending on complexity of the case could start from around £2000. However, there are other less expensive treatments like bonding too.

Invisalign Veneers Bonding
 

Invisalign braces can cost anywhere from £2000 to £5500.

The cost of the treatment depends on whether it includes one or both arches, the number of aligners needed and the complexity of the case.

  

Dental veneers cost by tooth. The cost can approximately range from £300 to £1000 per tooth.

Here, the cost depends on the material and the number of veneers.

 

  

Bonding is one of the more cost-effective cosmetic treatments.

It can cost anywhere between £200 and £600.

All of this tells us that choosing the best treatment largely depends on the particular issue, the complexity of the case, the patient’s personal preferences and often the cost of the treatment too.

Be it Invisalign, veneers or bonding, all three of them are effective enough to correct the specific issues each of them is designed to treat. You can make your choice accordingly. However, your dentist is the best person to suggest the most appropriate treatment for you and you will need a decent one at that. We at Perfect Smile can be one of your best options.

We are one of the most reliable and reputable practices, spread across multiple locations in and around London and across the UK. We offer both private and NHS treatment plans along with flexible finance options for treatments. Our team of highly-skilled and experienced clinicians strive to deliver the best dental care possible.

Why not book an appointment with us or get in touch with your nearest practice today.