What’s Best for Me — Bioclear, Veneers, or Bonding?

Best cosmetic dental choice for you

Find the right cosmetic solution for your dream smile.

Interested in a smile makeover but feeling lost as to which cosmetic dentistry service is the right choice? We’ve got your back! Here’s a rundown of three very popular services for smile makeovers and how they compare to one another.

Bioclear: An Exciting New Cosmetic Treatment With Many Benefits

How It Works

Bioclear is a method that combines ideas similar to both dental bonding and veneers. Sometimes Bioclear is referred to as composite veneers in reference to the specialized composite resin material used to cover the teeth. The specialized composite material is uniquely placed onto the teeth through the use of very thin mylar forms, creating a mold over the teeth where the composite is injected. Once cured, the new surface is polished and shaped to blend in with your smile.

Advantages

  • From start to finish, your new smile is completed in a single visit
  • No enamel removal or changes to the natural teeth
  • Strengthens your natural teeth rather than weakens
  • Semi-permanent and can be removed without issue
  • Custom-blended to your desired tooth shape and color
  • Resistant to cracking, chipping, and staining
  • Lasts 10 to 15 years with proper oral hygiene
  • May be 25% to 50% less expensive than porcelain veneers

Disadvantages

  • May not be able to address severe alignment issues
  • Can’t replace missing teeth or very significant gaps

Comparisons

Bioclear combines the zero-invasiveness of dental bonding with the longevity, beauty, and durability of porcelain veneers. Compared to dental bonding, Bioclear is a very clear winner. Compared to porcelain veneers, Bioclear offers almost all of the same benefits without any of the disadvantages.

Ideal Candidate

Nearly anyone who is interested in having a more attractive smile is a great candidate for Bioclear. Individuals with sensitive teeth or gums who aren’t candidates for porcelain veneers may be able to get Bioclear without worries.

Porcelain Veneers: The Classic Go-To for a Permanent Smile Makeover

How It Works

Porcelain veneers are created through a multi-step process with your dentist, broken down into three or four appointments. These appointments will involve taking impressions or 3D images of your teeth, prepping your tooth by removing some of your tooth enamel, fitting temporary veneers, and finally placing your permanent veneers. The permanent veneers are made of super-strong porcelain material and are designed by a dental lab.

Advantages

  • Capable of fixing severe dental flaws and even tooth/bite alignment issues
  • Modern techniques require less enamel removal than before
  • Exceptionally beautiful and lifelike
  • Customized to the tooth shape, height, and color you want
  • Highly durable, lasting 10 to 15 years or more
  • Easy maintenance with no oral hygiene changes needed

Disadvantages

  • Multiple appointments — some lengthy — are required
  • You’ll always need veneers due to enamel removal
  • Damage to the veneers requires replacement
  • May cause sensitivity issues with teeth and gums
  • Worthwhile but a fairly expensive investment

Comparisons

Porcelain veneers are the classic smile makeover for good reason. They’re permanent, beautiful, and can transform any smile. They aren’t for everyone, however. Bioclear is a top competitor, as it offers very similarly beautiful results without the high price tag or permanent nature.

Dental bonding may also be a better option than veneers when a patient’s smile has very small flaws that don’t necessarily warrant veneers. 

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for porcelain veneers is anyone who wants a completely new smile and is committed to their decision. There’s no going back after you’ve had veneers, but the truth is many patients love their new smile and are extremely pleased with their decision.

Dental Bonding: A Short-Term Fix for Staining and Minor Flaws

How It Works

Dental bonding is the process of manually applying a composite resin material to the outside surfaces of your teeth. Bonding fills in minor flaws, such as small chips, cracks, and gaps between teeth. It will also brighten teeth that have moderate staining or discoloration.

Advantages

  • One of the most affordable cosmetic dentistry services available
  • Requires zero anesthesia and there’s no discomfort
  • Requires no changes to the natural tooth enamel
  • Completely reversible with no complications
  • Treatment completed in a single appointment

Disadvantages

  • Only lasts about four to eight years
  • Prone to chipping and staining
  • Limited effectiveness 

Comparisons

Dental bonding may sound similar to Bioclear in a few ways, particularly the composite material used and its semi-permanent nature. However, dental bonding lasts half the time or even less than Bioclear. Bioclear dental composite is also more durable and more resistant to damage, such as chipping, cracking, and staining.

Both Bioclear and porcelain veneers can fix a much wider range and severity of smile flaws than bonding.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for dental bonding is an individual who’s already pretty happy with their smile but wants some minor touch-ups. Dental bonding is also a nice option for someone on a budget who would like to dip their toes into cosmetic dentistry without a huge financial investment.

Interested in Bioclear or porcelain veneers? Take the first step by booking a consultation.

The Valley Dental Clinic team offers a full line of cosmetic dentistry services, including Bioclear and porcelain veneers.

If Bioclear or porcelain veneers sound like the smile makeover solution you’ve been wanting, we can help you get started on your journey. All you need to do is call our Wasilla office or fill out this quick online request form to book an appointment with Dr. Rob. From there, we’ll take a look at your oral health, talk about your smile goals, and help you start the perfect treatment plan to match your vision for your future smile!