There are many reasons to restore your smile. For example, beautifying your smile can increase your professional image. Or perhaps an accident has damaged one of your teeth and decreased your confidence. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and chipped or damaged teeth can hurt your confidence. Whatever your reason, wanting a healthier, more beautiful smile is valid.
Fortunately, many cosmetic dental services can fix or cover damaged or chipped teeth! Some of the most popular options are cosmetic dental bonding and porcelain veneers. These options are great for fixing:
- Crooked teeth
- Stained teeth
- Broken teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Gaps or spaces between teeth
- Short teeth
With two great options for fixing gaps, chipped teeth, staining and more, which one is right for you? Below, Treasured Smiles Adult and Cosmetic Dentistry experts explore three differences between bonding and veneers.
3 Key Differences: Proven Success with Bonding and Veneers
Material
Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to fill in gaps, cracks or chips in teeth. This resin is the same as what dentists use for fillings. Another option is composite bonds, which are resin and plastic. On the other hand, veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover a section or row of teeth. The porcelain is strong and resistant to stains.
Application
To apply dental bonding, a dentist puts a thin layer of tooth-colored resin on the problem tooth or teeth. Then, your dentist will sculpt the resin to match nearby teeth. To apply veneers, dentists will remove a very thin layer of the tooth or teeth, then use cement to attach the shell to the surface of your teeth.
Purpose
Veneers look natural and can last for nearly 20 years when cared for properly. They’re ideal for larger problems with teeth, such as dead or injured teeth or crooked and stained teeth. Additionally, veneers won’t stain or turn yellow over time. Veneers are a great option if teeth whitening and braces haven’t corrected dental imperfections.
Dental bonding also looks natural but lasts about 10 years. Dental bonding doesn’t require the removal of any enamel and actually protects your existing enamel, which can decrease breakdown and future damage. This procedure can help strengthen your teeth and reshape them for better talking, chewing and more. Additionally, bonding is subtle and can quickly restore your smile, so it is suitable for minor issues like chips and small gaps.
The Proven Option for Your Smile is Out There
A beautiful and healthy smile doesn’t just increase your confidence. Restoring your smile can also protect it from future damage. For example, chipped, cracked or damaged teeth can become infected or even rot, requiring a root canal. But dental bonding and porcelain veneers can protect your teeth and strengthen them.
The best option for you depends on many factors, including your insurance coverage, the extent of tooth damage, cosmetic goals and more. Fortunately, friendly experts at Treasured Smiles Adult and Cosmetic Dentistry can point you in the right direction. Request a consultation today to get started.