Like their name suggests, reversible cosmetic dental treatments can be reversed. This is because there are no major changes made to the tooth structure. Reversible treatments are ideal in cases where you are not entirely ready to commit to cosmetic dental treatment or if you are looking for a temporary solution while you save up for a more permanent option. However, reversible cosmetic treatments have shorter lifespans and may be more susceptible to damage.
Reversible Cosmetic Treatments
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is a simple procedure that bonds composite resin to the enamel as a way of improving the tooth’s appearance. It is generally used for minor cosmetic concerns such as small chips and cracks, gaps, and minor alignment problems. Since the composite resin can be removed by a dentist without damaging the tooth, teeth treated with composite bonding can eventually be treated with a different cosmetic treatment.
Composite Veneers
Veneers made from composite resin tend to be thinner than traditional porcelain veneers. For this reason, they do not require the same type of enamel modification for placement and can be adhered directly to the tooth. Although many cosmetic dentists recommend porcelain over composite for veneers, composite veneers provide a temporary cosmetic solution that can eventually be reversed.
Irreversible Cosmetic Treatments
Unlike reversible treatments, irreversible cosmetic treatments cannot be reversed because the tooth structure has been altered. This ultimately means that once a certain restoration wears out, it must be replaced with another restoration of the same type. However, because irreversible restorations are made for long-term use, they are made to be highly durable and aesthetic.
Dental Crown
One of the most common irreversible restorations are dental crowns, which are tooth-shaped caps that fit over the top of an existing tooth. To fit a dental crown, the natural tooth structure must be reduced in size. Due to the amount of natural tooth structure that needs to be removed to place a dental crown, they are generally only recommended for cases where damage or decay has affected the majority of the tooth.
Porcelain Veneers
Unlike composite veneers, porcelain veneers are thicker shells adhered to the front of visible teeth. Since they require a thin layer of enamel be removed for placement, they are also considered an irreversible treatment.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from titanium that are placed into the jawbone. They will eventually fuse with the jawbone and cannot be easily removed. In fact, implants are generally only removed if they do not heal properly, otherwise they will remain in the jawbone. The dental prosthetic attached to the implant will likely need to be replaced at some point, however the implant itself will usually last around 20 years or longer.
