Do you typically hide your teeth whenever you’re grinning or laughing? Are you struggling with one or more dental flaws in your smile? If you’re unhappy with the way your pearly whites look, then you might consider undergoing cosmetic dentistry to enhance them! Two of the most effective treatments available are veneers and dental bonding. But what can you expect from either option? Read on to learn the difference between veneers and dental bonding when choosing the right procedure to improve your smile.
What Is Dental Bonding?
This popular cosmetic treatment involves using composite tooth-colored resin to sculpt your teeth into your desired results. Whether this is to cover up stubborn stains or reshape crooked teeth, your dentist can effectively transform your pearly whites for a more ideal look. Once they’re finished molding the material, they can then use a special light to harden it and bond it to your smile. Not only is this option minimally invasive and can address minor dental imperfections, but patients can also expect to enjoy their new and improved teeth for 10+ years with proper care.
What Are Veneers?
These super thin porcelain shells can be cemented to the front of any affected areas to correct dental issues like chips, cracks, discoloration, and misalignments. Veneers are durable enough to withstand excessive forces from chewing, and they also provide a virtually permanent teeth whitening solution. You can expect these completely personalized layers to last 15 years or more with minimal dental maintenance.
4 Essential Factors to Consider
While these two treatments address similar dental concerns, they do have several noteworthy differences. Here are the following distinctions you should consider:
- Material: Dental bonding uses composite resin while veneers are made out of porcelain material, which is what allows your results to be durable, stain-resistant, and long-lasting.
- Tooth preparation: Your dentist will need to remove a small portion of your tooth enamel to make space for your veneers to fit seamlessly. Dental bonding, on the other hand, doesn’t require any preparation of your smile and can be completed in a single visit.
- Treatment concerns: While dental bonding can treat minor dental flaws, veneers are the more ideal solution for more severe aesthetic issues.
- Overall cost: Veneers may have a higher initial cost, making dental bonding a more affordable option for those on a budget. However, these results will need more frequent touchups, whereas the porcelain shells are more enduring and only require minimal care to maintain.
If you’re interested in getting rid of any dental imperfections in your smile, feel free to speak with your dentist about veneers and dental bonding. They’ll be more than happy to assess your situation and recommend the best treatment option to help you achieve a dazzling smile!
About the Author
Dr. Victor Beck, Jr. is a proud member of several prominent organizations such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Tennessee Academy of General Dentistry. He graduated from the University of Tennessee and regularly seeks advanced training to expand his skills. He offers numerous high-quality and all-inclusive treatments, including veneers and dental bonding. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call 931-236-2141.