Should I Choose Cosmetic Bonding or Veneers?
You do not have to go through life hiding your smile. If you have chipped, cracked, or , our Canton cosmetic dentists can help you regain lost confidence with procedures like dental bonding and porcelain veneers.
To help you choose what suits you best, here are the advantages of each procedure, when to choose one over the other, and aftercare tips.
How the Two Procedures Stack Up
Both dental veneers and cosmetic bonding have their merits. The two procedures treat many of the same cosmetic issues but one might fit your needs more than the other depending on your preferences. For example, you have a small piece of a tooth missing and want a quick solution. In this case, bonding would be more appropriate and the application of veneers would make less sense.
It’s important to discuss both options with our dentists prior to any decision. We can take a closer look at your smile and determine what is best based on your specific situation.
Benefits of veneers include:
- Can give teeth a whiter appearance
- More stain-resistant than natural teeth
- Strong and durable
- Longer lasting and permanent
Benefits of dental bonding include:
- Quick, completed in one visit to our Canton, MI, dental office
- Can be an alternative to orthodontic treatment if gaps between teeth are not major
- More affordable than other cosmetic dental procedures
- Minimal, if any, enamel removal
How to Know When Veneers Are Right
Veneers are a more permanent solution to chips, cracks, and discoloration. They are typically more expensive than having bonding performed but they can dramatically change your smile for the better. If you would like to cover the entire surface of your tooth, veneers are right for you. They are also best if you are looking to improve the appearance of multiple teeth at once.
The irreversible nature of traditional veneers is very important to consider prior to moving forward with them. Many patients who set out wanting veneers forget that once they are on, there is no going back to your old smile. Enamel removed in the process will not return, unfortunately.
Procedure
The entire process can be completed in two visits. During the first appointment, a small amount of enamel (about half a millimeter) will be removed from the fronts of your teeth. Dental impressions will then be taken to aid in the construction of custom veneers. Temporary veneers will be placed at this time.
At the second appointment, one of our dentists will start by cleaning, polishing, and etching the fronts of your receiving teeth. After that’s done, the permanent veneers will be cemented in place.
When Bonding Is Most Appropriate
is best for patients who want a quick fix completed in a singular visit. Because the application of porcelain veneers does remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth, it’s reserved for instances where bonding may not be enough.
If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, a small cavity, or minor gaps between your teeth, the dental bonding procedure is ideal. Discoloration or misshapen teeth can also be corrected. Generally, if you have small cosmetic issues, they are best served with bonding.
Individuals with severe tooth damage or decay may not be eligible for bonding. If this proves to be the case, our dentists may recommend that you receive a dental crown or veneer instead.
Procedure
Our dentists will start by using a shade guide to find the color that best matches your natural teeth. Your tooth’s surface will then be prepared through etching and a light application of conditioning liquid. This ensures the composite resin bonds well.
The resin, or tooth-colored putty, will then be applied to the surface of the tooth and fully cured with an LED light. Once hardened, our dentists will trim, shape, and polish the bonded material to match the sheen of the surrounding teeth. The entire process typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth, making it a convenient option for minor cosmetic improvements.
Aftercare Tips for Both
Neither bonded teeth nor veneers require any special care. They do, however, remain in better shape for longer if you maintain proper oral hygiene habits and take general precautions.
Extend the life of your veneers (and care for your natural teeth) by continuing to brush at least twice a day and floss daily. Try to also avoid biting down on hard candies or ice and go easy on beverages capable of staining.
To ensure your teeth are healthy and no serious issues arise, be sure to visit our dentists every 6 months for a professional teeth cleaning. We can check in on the results of your procedure as well as the overall state of your teeth.
Explore Cosmetic Dentistry With Us
If you are dissatisfied with how your smile looks, our , would be more than happy to work with you to change that. Whether you choose cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers, we know you’ll love your renewed confidence. Contact us online to make an appointment or call Hometown Dental today at (734) 667-4941.
This blog post has been updated.