Veneers, crowns or composite bonding: which is right for your smile?

Are there simpler alternatives? 

Often there are, and they should be considered first: 

• Tooth Whitening if colour is the main concern 

• Orthodontics if teeth are crooked or crowded. Straightening teeth first often means far less, or no, drilling is needed 

• Replacing old stained fillings 

• Doing nothing, which is always a valid choice 

Things to consider before you decide 

• It is a long-term commitment. Veneers and crowns will need replacing at some point, probably more than once in a lifetime, at further cost. 

• Preparation cannot be undone. Each time a restoration is replaced, a little more tooth may be lost. Preparing a tooth also carries a small risk of the nerve becoming inflamed, which may need to be resolved via root canal treatment. 

• Healthy foundations first. Decay and gum disease must be treated beforehand. 

• Grinding shortens the life of all three. A night guard may be advised. 

• Whitening first. Restorations do not change colour once made, so any whitening is done before the shade is chosen. 

• Take your time. You should be given a written plan and a chance to think before committing. A trial mock-up on your own teeth can show the likely result before anything permanent is done. 

“Turkey teeth”: veneers or crowns? 

Some treatments advertised abroad as “veneers” are in fact full crowns, which involve cutting healthy teeth down to pegs. If you are comparing prices, ask exactly how much tooth will be removed. Make sure you are fully informed prior to proceeding with treatment, as some procedures are irreversible and can permanently damage your teeth. See our guide to dental work abroad.