Do you find yourself hiding your smile because you’re unhappy with how your teeth look? Do you dream of the perfect Hollywood smile? The good news is two common cosmetic dentistry procedures can help you achieve that goal. Dental bonding or dental veneers give you the option of addressing a tooth problem or allow for a complete smile makeover. But how do you know which option is best for you?
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that applies a tooth-colored resin directly to the tooth’s surface. This resin goes on soft and can be shaped according to your needs, often helping to even out a smile. Dental bonding often requires no change to your tooth’s surface and once hardened, provides a natural-looking finish. This procedure can address tooth discoloration, chips in the tooth surface, and even cover roots exposed due to gum disease.
Advantages
There are many advantages to choosing dental bonding. First, it is a minimally invasive procedure that involves little to no change in the surface of the original tooth. In many cases, this allows your smile to see the difference in a single dental visit. Once applied, the resin helps to provide added strength to your tooth. When trying to improve your smile, dental bonding is often the more affordable option but can provide the same aesthetic results as veneers or implants.
Disadvantages
When it comes to dental bonding, the main disadvantage is that the composite resin used on the teeth is not as durable as the porcelain shell used with veneers. It is more susceptible to chipping and is not as stain-resistant as other cosmetic options. This means you may need new bonding every few years to maintain the appearance, but additional bonding is not necessary to maintain oral health because no changes were made to your tooth.
What are veneers?
Dental veneers work to provide the same cosmetic changes as dental bonding but work differently. Veneers are a wafer-thin porcelain material that creates a shell over the surface of your tooth. They are custom-made to fit onto the surface of your tooth and create a natural look that blends with your surrounding teeth. To attach veneers, the dentist must remove part of the tooth surface so that the veneer fits snug and even with your other teeth. They are a perfect alternative to crowns and can work to correct tooth color, size, shape, length, and even alignment to help improve your smile’s appearance.
Advantages
The biggest advantage of veneers is durability. The porcelain is stronger than bonding resin and can last more than 15 years when taken care of. Another advantage to veneers is their stain-resistance. Unlike bonding, veneers will maintain their color and brightness, keeping your smile looking its best for years to come.
Disadvantages
While veneers are often more durable than bonding, they do cost more. However, because they last longer, this initial cost can save money in the long run. While bonding may be cheaper for the initial application, you may need to replace the bonding over time.
While veneers are durable and can last for years, they can sustain damage. Unfortunately, because veneers require changes to your tooth, you must replace broken veneers with another veneer or crown to maintain tooth health.
Choosing between veneers and dental bonding
So, how do you know which treatment is best for you? That answer depends on what concerns you are trying to achieve, and your dentist will discuss your options with you, helping to create the ideal treatment plan. When thinking about either treatment, consider the following:
- Cost – Veneers have a higher initial cost but can last much longer. Dental bonding is less expensive, but you may need to replace the bonding more often to maintain your smile.
- Your goals – What are the things you do not like about your smile? If you are looking to improve color, veneers may offer your best option as they have superior stain-resistance and provide a long-term bright smile. If you are trying to improve the appearance of chipped or uneven teeth, dental bonding may be your best option as it can be molded and shaped to your tooth to achieve the desired shape.
At New Leaf Rohnert Park, we understand how important a beautiful smile can be for your self-esteem, and we want to help. If you would like more information on how dental bonding or veneers can help give you the smile you desire, contact us today online or by phone at (707) 586-1549.
