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Composite bondings application for a smile makeover is getting popular in European countries especially in the UK and Ireland. It is a popular treatment because it has been offered as an economic alternative to veneers. We are receiving requests from our patients about this treatment often.
But can composite bondings be used as alternatives to real veneers?
We have been doing composite bondings for more than 10 years. Done by good and experienced hands, you can have great results with composite bondings. We generally apply composite bondings just for a few teeth for closing gaps, changing teeth’ lengths, fixing the cracks, etc. We don’t prefer to make a full smile makeover with composites.
So why not?
Durability & Esthetics:
The composite material is developed for teeth fillings. They are not as strong as teeth' enamel or veneer ceramics. They can easily crack on the cutting edges of the teeth and then need to be repaired. They don't have an opalescence effect as enamel and veneers have. Material's life span is short (max 5 years). Its shine and polish end quickly. Most of the patients require re-polish in the short term. Also, life will not be the same. Even with hard brushing, you can easily damage them. You may have to change your eating habits for longer preservation of the bondings and still may not be able to keep them looking good and healthy.
These problems can be sorted with a local clinic easily, if you get this treatment done there. I experienced that many composite bonding patients need further visits at least 2-3 times in 5 years. And even some of them needed to visit in the first few weeks. However, if you get this treatment abroad. Then this will be quite risky for you. Because you don't want to travel back that often for further problems.
Application Difference:
Direct Composite bondings are made in the mouth. The dentist has to build these restorations in a limited time. Because the patient can't wait for long hours with an open mouth. Mostly it's a one visit treatment. Sometimes I spend an hour fixing a crack on a front tooth. I use different composites which have different shades and translucencies to achieve a natural view. But I see on social media how these "smile makeover" composite bondings are done. A very white and opaque composite material is layered over the front surface of the teeth and shaped quickly. Even in 5 minutes, the dentist finishes the application. Is this application a smile makeover? When we are building a veneer, we spend around 20-30 mins for tooth preparation and a technician spends at least 4-6 hours to make it. Can a 5 minutes bonding application replicate a veneer? No it can't.
Conservativeness:
When I try to explain why we don’t prefer composite bondings, I get this response a lot “I don't want my teeth filed.“ However, most of these patients who are looking for cosmetic smile makeovers have crooked teeth or size disorders. Even if they get composite bondings some of these teeth have to be filed. Also for a successful bonding, we have to apply acid "etching" on the teeth. After composite bonding, it can't be removed without zero damage on the enamel surface. So, you can’t return to your original teeth' colour and shape after getting this treatment done.
When to use?
- If you are very young (18- 22 years old).
- Before getting veneers, if you want to use them as a mock-up.
- If you are on a very strict budget.
- If you have a local dentist who can help you if further treatment is needed.
Then you can get composite bondings done as a smile makeover treatment in a foreign country. Otherwise, if you are traveling abroad for treatment you should pick Ceramic Veneers or Crowns for proper and long-lasting solutions.
Why do many clinics focus on composites?
Because of the high prices, patients have been traveling abroad for cosmetic treatments. Clinics start to position composite bonding treatment instead of veneers. However, they can't replace each other completely.
For example, when you want to have a ceramic veneer in Europe, it costs roughly € 900 - € 1200 per unit. But the same treatment costs roughly € 200 - € 250 in Turkey. Your saving will be at least € 700 per unit. If you travel to Turkey for 10 units of veneer treatment, you will save roughly € 7,000.
However, Composite bondings are very cost-effective for clinics and the Europe price for composites is € 250 - € 350 per unit. In Turkey, it costs roughly € 100 - € 150. Your saving will be roughly € 100 per unit. For this treatment, there is no point to travel abroad. Also, it's a very weak material and it's almost guaranteed that you will need a further fix. In this case, getting this treatment done with a local clinic will be a better option.
Finally, as a cosmetic dentist, I like composite bondings and applying them. However, we don’t mean the same treatment. We are against using a single white layer of composite material over teeth as a smile makeover. We believe it's a temporary solution and can't take the place of the ceramics or detailed composite bondings.
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