How often should I see a dentist?

Dentists recommend that you attend a regular check-up and oral hygiene clean once every six months. Depending on your individual needs, your dentist may recommend recurring visits more frequently or less frequently, such as every nine to 12 months. During your check-up, your dentist will look at your oral hygiene and diet, the health of your teeth, lips, gums, and any risk of gum disease, signs of tooth wear and the alignment of your teeth, jaws and bite. Book an appointment online today.

Why do I need to see a dentist regularly?

Making regular visits to the dentist can help spot early signs of tooth decay and gum disease. These issues are easier to treat when caught early. Regular check-ups also allow your dentist to spot risks and prepare a treatment plan to manage them.

Should I spit toothpaste out or rinse my mouth with water?

According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA) it is better to spit out the toothpaste from your mouth rather than rinsing out as this provides on going protection to tooth enamel.

Can a professional dental cleaning damage teeth?

Hygienists and Oral Health Therapists are professionally qualified to clean your teeth safely and carefully and do not damage teeth. it’s common to experience a bit of tooth sensitivity after a professional clean, this is because of the effects caused by decay rather than the process of it being removed.

What are the alternatives to wisdom tooth removal?

If our dentists check your wisdom teeth and are happy with the way they are growing, we may recommend over-the-counter pain medication to help you manage the pain and discomfort and we'll monitor the tooth to check that it comes through normally. We may also prescribe antibiotics to treat an infection if there is one present. For some over eruptions or partial eruptions of wisdom teeth, we may recommend removing part of the tooth or some of the gum tissue covering the tooth rather than extracting the whole tooth. We'll make sure you know all your options so you can decide what's best for you.

How much does wisdom tooth removal cost?

The cost of wisdom tooth removal in Perth can vary depending on the number of teeth to be extracted and the type of sedation required. EVP Dental have agreements with two dedicated anaesthetists. This means for patients with private health insurance hospital cover (having served waiting periods and not exceeded yearly limits), the excess cost for the anaesthetist and hospital may be minimal. For patients without hospital cover, IV sedation can also be an affordable cost alternative for wisdom tooth removal and can be administered at our practice or at Southbank Day Surgery. For more information on wisdom teeth removal pricing at our Perth clinic, contact us today.

Why do I need a custom-fitted sports mouthguard?

A custom-fitted sports mouthguard provides the best possible protection for your teeth, gums and jaw while playing contact sports. While more expensive than over-the-counter types, the cost of treating a dental injury far outweighs the cost of a custom-fitted mouthguard.

What are the alternatives to wisdom tooth removal?

If our dentists check your wisdom teeth and are happy with the way they are growing, we may recommend over-the-counter pain medication to help you manage the pain and discomfort and we'll monitor the tooth to check that it comes through normally. We may also prescribe antibiotics to treat an infection if there is one present. For some over eruptions or partial eruptions of wisdom teeth, we may recommend removing part of the tooth or some of the gum tissue covering the tooth rather than extracting the whole tooth. We'll make sure you know all your options so you can decide what's best for you.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Veneers vs. Crowns vs. Composite Bonding

Posted on: 07 July, 2025

The best treatment for your smile depends on the changes you want to make

5 minute read

Are your teeth discoloured, chipped or crooked, or are there other aspects of your smile you’re not happy with? Dentists offer several cosmetic solutions to help you smile with confidence, depending on your needs, goals and budget. Three of the most popular options in Perth are veneers, crowns and bonding.

Each of these treatments has its own advantages, making them more or less suitable depending on the case. In this guide, our cosmetic dentists in East Victoria Park explain the differences between veneers, crowns and bonding, and how to decide which option is best for enhancing your smile.

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What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are thin coverings placed over the front surfaces of teeth to improve their shape, size or colour. Veneers are a popular choice for achieving a straighter, whiter smile with a natural-looking finish.

Types of veneers

Veneers come in different materials that influence their look, durability and price. The two most common types are:

Porcelain veneers: Porcelain is a strong, stain-resistant ceramic with similar light-reflecting properties to natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are more expensive but tend to last longer and look more natural.
Composite veneers: Made from tooth-coloured resin, composite veneers are more affordable and usually require less enamel removal. They can be ideal for minor cosmetic improvements but are more prone to wear and staining.

Who can benefit from veneers?

Veneers can be used to treat a range of cosmetic concerns, such as:

Discoloured or stained teeth
Small chips or cracks
Uneven or misshaped teeth
Minor gaps or crowding

However, veneers are only suitable for healthy teeth with enough enamel to support the restoration. If you grind your teeth (bruxism), have gum disease, or need more extensive repairs, other options may be recommended.

How are veneers placed?

Veneers-at-EVP-Dental (3)

The process for veneers depends on whether you’re having porcelain or composite veneers. Your dentist will usually need to remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth to prepare them for veneers.

Porcelain veneers are manufactured in a dental laboratory. This usually involves two visits to the dental clinic: the first to prepare your teeth and take impressions, the second to bond them into place. Temporary veneers will be fitted in between.

Composite veneers are applied directly to the teeth. This can usually be completed in a single visit.

What are dental crowns?

Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover the entire surface of a damaged or misshapen tooth. They can strengthen weakened teeth and restore their appearance.

Types of crowns

Crowns can be made from:

Acrylic or resin (typically temporary restorations used while you wait for a permanent restoration to be made)
Porcelain (for a natural lifelike appearance, especially at the front. Porcelain may be reinforced with zirconia for added strength)
Zirconia (strong white metal used for back teeth or bite pressure)

Who can benefit from crowns?

Crowns may be recommended for:

Restoring heavily decayed or damaged teeth
Building up worn-down or short teeth
Protecting a weak or thin tooth after root canal therapy
Covering a dental implant or anchoring a bridge
Modifying the shape or alignment of teeth

Your dentist will take x-rays of your teeth to determine whether you're suitable for a crown. There must be enough of the tooth’s healthy structure remaining to support a crown. If a tooth is heavily cracked, it may be too late for a crown and the tooth may need to be removed.

How are crowns placed?

Getting a dental crown typically takes two visits to the clinic. At your first appointment, your dentist will prepare the affected tooth by gently removing a small amount of enamel and taking impressions of your mouth. These impressions are sent to a dental lab, where your custom crown is carefully crafted. You’ll wear a temporary crown while you wait for your custom crown to return from the lab. Once your crown is ready—usually within 10 days—you’ll return for your second visit, where your dentist will check the fit and securely bond it into place.

What is composite bonding?

If you only want to make minor changes to your teeth, your dentist might suggest composite bonding. This involves applying tooth-coloured composite resin over the tooth to cover stains, fill in small chips or cracks, close gaps, or make other minor cosmetic enhancements.

Who can benefit from bonding?

Bonding is typically best for:

Filling small chips or cracks
Closing minor gaps
Covering stains or discolouration

It’s only suitable for healthy teeth that are free of decay with superficial imperfections.

How is bonding done?

Your dentist matches resin to your natural tooth colour, applies it to the tooth surface in layers, then shapes and hardens it with a special light. Teeth are then polished for a final finish. It can usually be done in one visit.

Want to know if tooth bonding is right for you? Book a cosmetic consultation with our team today.

Book a Cosmetic Consultation in Perth

Veneers vs. Crowns vs. Bonding: How to Choose

Here’s a quick comparison to help guide your decision:

Purpose
Bonding: For minor repairs or touch-ups
Veneers: To improve tooth shape, colour or alignment
Crowns: For structural repair or major cosmetic changes

Durability

Porcelain veneers and crowns are more durable than composite resin.
Crowns tend to be stronger than veneers.
Composite bonding may need more frequent maintenance.

Procedure Time

Bonding and composite veneers can be completed in one visit.
Porcelain veneers and crowns usually require two visits.

Cost

Bonding: From $198 per tooth (based on a single surface chip #521)
Composite veneers: From $525 per tooth (#526)
Porcelain veneers: From $1,560 per tooth (#556)
Crowns: From $1,802 per tooth (#613

Our Perth clinic offers flexible payment plans to help you manage treatment costs.

*Final costs vary depending on individual treatment needs and applicable private health insurance rebates. An itemised treatment plan with estimated costs will be provided after a clinical examination and assessment of suitability. Not all patients are suitable candidates for treatment, and results vary between individuals

Longevity
With good care and regular check-ups, porcelain restorations can last 10+ years. A 50-year follow-up study found high survival rates for both crowns and veneers.*

*Olley RC, Andiappan M, Frost PM. J Prosthet Dent. 2018;119(6):935-941.

Cosmetic Dentistry in East Victoria Park

Want to improve your smile? Our cosmetic dentists in East Victoria Park can help you explore your options. Call EVP Dental today on (08) 9470 3944 or book online for a consultation.

We welcome patients from East Vic Park, Kensington, Victoria Park, Burswood and surrounding Perth suburbs.

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