Choosing Dental Bonding or Porcelain Veneers
When it comes to improving the appearance of your smile, the right choices regarding a cosmetic dentistry treatment can make all the difference. Whether you are looking to fix a small flaw or a widespread problem, it’s important to consult a dentist you trust and come to an informed decision.
At Scripps Dental Care, we want our patients in the San Diego area to know all of their options, along with the benefits and limitations of each procedure. Two common cosmetic treatments we offer are dental bonding and porcelain veneers – both of which can provide long lasting aesthetic improvements for the right candidates.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a method of applying layers of composite resin over the surfaces or edges of teeth. Unlike other cosmetic procedures, bonding does not require the removal or alteration of any preexisting tooth tissue, but rather adds on to a tooth’s shape to conceal flaws or replace lost tissue. The procedure is simple and relatively inexpensive, proceeding as follows:
First, a composite resin will be picked to match your natural tooth color.
The surface of the tooth will be made rough, to prepare it for proper adhesion to the resin. For most patients, the procedure is virtually painless and requires no anesthesia.
The resin will then be applied in thin layers and hardened through an ultraviolet light or laser. This step is repeated until enough resin has been used for treatment.
Finally, the resin will be polished to properly match the appearance of tooth tissue.
Similar to tooth restorations that also use composite resin, a bonding procedure can provide stunning results, but may need to be eventually replaced or restored. With proper hygiene, it can be expected to retain its color and shape for up to 10 years.
Candidates for Dental Bonding
The best candidates for dental bonding are those looking to correct minor problems in a less intrusive and expensive way than alternative treatments. As opposed to porcelain veneers, which cover teeth, bonding merely touches up the appearance tooth tissue. Therefore, candidates should want to improve their natural teeth, rather than conceal them entirely. Bonding can be used to fix, conceal, or protect the following problems:
Stains and discoloration
Chips and cracks
Gaps between teeth
Misshapen teeth
Erosion
Exposed roots from gum recession
Although composite resin is color-matched to teeth and polished, larger areas of bonding may be more noticeable. Therefore, dental bonding is best reserved for smaller problems or ones that are not conspicuously located.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers serve as a replacement for a tooth’s front surface, masking underlying problems. Because porcelain is translucent, stain resistant, and is customized to match your teeth, it is an aesthetically superior material. For one or more porcelain veneers, the procedure entails a few basic steps:
A layer of enamel will be removed from the front of the tooth, in order make room for the veneer.
Digital impressions will be taken, which will be used to customize the porcelain into a size and shape that complements the rest of your smile.
A temporary veneer will be placed on the tooth, while the porcelain is being crafted.
When ready, the permanent veneer will be positioned and cemented on, giving the tooth a permanently attractive surface.
Although the process is more involved and expensive than dental bonding, porcelain veneers can provide the most dramatic and natural looking results, which can potentially last a lifetime with the right care.
Candidates for Porcelain Veneers
Candidates for porcelain veneers may have similar problems to those for dental bonding. In some cases, treatment options may be similarly effective. However, porcelain is a higher quality material, allowing it to last longer and blend in more seamlessly with surrounding teeth. Because it replaces a tooth’s surface, a porcelain veneer can also be used for larger problems that may not be concealed as easily through bonding. Common uses for veneers include:
Stains and discoloration
Chips and cracks
Gaps between teeth
Erosion
Crooked teeth
Overlapped teeth
In order to assess the extent of your problem and determine whether it is better addressed through bonding or veneers, you should speak with your cosmetic dentist. Contact our office to inquire further about our cosmetic treatments or to set up a consultation with one of our highly qualified and knowledgeable specialists.
Contact Us