It’s no surprise that nearly everyone considers their smile to be one of their most important assets. Ascertaining that yours is the best it can be means knowing what your options are if your teeth are chipped, stained, or crooked.
Dental veneers and enamel bonding are becoming popular choices in cosmetic dentistry. Understanding the differences will enable you to determine how you can best improve your smile and your overall appearance.
The process of tooth bonding provides a custom shell that covers one or several teeth, creating a new color, texture or shape that looks like your actual tooth. Your new composite or porcelain surface is as strong as the original enamel and can dramatically improve your appearance.
Whether to choose composite bonding or porcelain veneers depends upon the specific problem you are trying to correct. You also will want to consider the cost and the time commitment required for each.
Bonding
For a minor correction involving just one or a couple of teeth, composite bonding can be a great option. The process uses the same composite resin used for white dental fillings. The material is fitted to the front of your tooth and it is molded to the desired shape using a drill. The pliability of the material makes it easy to correct chips, gaps between teeth, uneven teeth, and minor stains in just one visit.
While composite bonding is not quite as durable as porcelain veneers and it can stain, with proper care they can last 10 years before needing to be replaced.
Veneers
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are manufactured in a lab and fitted to the front of your teeth. They are a great choice if you are dealing with multiple crooked or chipped teeth, you would like to correct a gummy smile, or you have extensive or dark staining on your teeth. This is because they are custom made and cover the whole tooth.
The process typically involves multiple appointments, with the first step being to file down the enamel and make impressions of the teeth to be bonded. You will be fitted with temporary veneers while yours are made. The permanent veneers are applied over one or two additional visits, depending on how many teeth you are having done.
Porcelain veneers are resistant to staining and can last up to 20 years with proper care. They generally cost a little more than composite bonding, but they often are chosen because of the great results and their durability.
For those looking for a permanent solution to dental imperfections that have a negative impact on their smile, veneers are likely the best choice.
At Thomas & Associates, cosmetic dentistry is our specialty. If you have minor or major imperfections you would like to correct, our professionals can help you determine which options are best for you.