You’re tired of the imperfections plaguing your smile, but you’re unsure which type of treatment will meet your unique needs. After meeting with a cosmetic dentist, you may feel compelled to opt for one particular service over another, but have you considered the various factors that are necessary when choosing between veneers and bonding? If you’re not quite ready to make a decision just yet, read the following article to learn what you should think about when preparing to improve the look of your smile.
Why Should You Consider Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a minimally invasive, conservative form of cosmetic treatment that doesn’t require the removal of tooth enamel. Instead, it uses color-matched composite resin that is applied to the surfaces of teeth to cover flaws.
Minor imperfections such as stains, discoloration, small cracks or chips, and tiny gaps are all problem areas that can be solved with dental bonding. Many patients find it to be an affordable way to improve their appearance without undergoing invasive procedures.
This form of treatment takes only one appointment and can last up to 10 years as long as patients take proper care of their smiles.
Why Should You Consider Veneers?
Veneers are considered to be a more complex cosmetic approach, as they are deemed a permanent solution to addressing cracks, chips, discoloration, stains, misshapen teeth, misalignment, and gaps. Why? Because they do require a small bit of enamel to be removed from each tooth undergoing treatment.
As thin sheaths of porcelain, they are applied to the front surfaces of teeth and custom-made in a lab by skilled technicians. They are then carefully applied by a qualified professional who ensures optimal placement, comfort, and aesthetic quality.
Taking two appointments to complete, these restorations can last 10 years or longer with optimal care.
Which Factors Should Be Considered?
The only way to determine the most appropriate form of treatment is to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist in the area. A thorough examination and discussion of a person’s concerns and goals can help to identify the right method of treatment. But before this can happen, various factors must be considered. Patients should think about:
- Major or minor flaws – If they are considered major imperfections or more visible to others, it might be better to opt for veneers as opposed to dental bonding.
- Timeframe – Depending on when the treatment must be complete, either option might suffice; however, if time is of the essence, dental bonding can be completed in just one appointment, while veneers can take weeks or months.
- Longevity of results – Dental bonding is a great option if a person doesn’t mind replacing it more often. Veneers can last 10-15 years or more, but dental bonding is unlikely to last as long.
- Materials used – Although composite resin is durable, it does not resist staining like veneers. Made of high-quality porcelain material, it can withstand much wear and tear while also minimizing the potential for stains and discoloration.
It’s important to know the various factors that one might consider when choosing bonding or veneers. When meeting with a cosmetic dentist, these helpful components will make it easier to determine which option is right for a person’s future smile.
About the Author
Dr. Jason Herres completed his dental degree at Temple University before finishing a one-year Advanced Education of General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at the Naval Hospital Great Lakes at the Navy Recruit Training Command. With advanced training and commitment to continuing education, he believes in providing patients with optimal results using 21st-century techniques and technologies. If you are looking to boost your appearance and confidence with cosmetic dentistry, allow Dr. Herres and our team to provide the solutions you need. Contact us at (717) 569-3911 or visit us online for more information.