About 51% of people say they hate the way their teeth look. Most people are self-conscious about color, crookedness, the size of their teeth, or gaps. If you’re unhappy with your smile, don’t hide it behind closed lips!
Instead, talk to your Richmond, Texas dentist about dental bonding vs veneers.
What do these two cosmetic dentistry procedures entail, and which is right for you? Read on to find out!
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a procedure used to repair cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged teeth. This restorative dentistry treatment is fast and painless. It’s also non-invasive.
There’s no drilling or cutting involved, allowing patients to avoid a lengthy recovery period. In fact, you can schedule your appointment during your lunch break. After the procedure, you can head right back to work.
There are two different types of dental bonding your cosmetic dentist might recommend.
Indirect dental bonding requires your dentist to create a mold of your damaged tooth. They’ll send the mold to a lab. There, a technician will use the mold and composite resin to create your filling.
With direct dental bonding, your dentist will use a tooth-colored, adhesive composite resin. They’ll bond the resin to your tooth using a curing light. With this option, you’ll only need to schedule one appointment.
Make sure to schedule a consultation appointment with your Richmond dentist beforehand. They’ll walk you through the type of dental bonding they offer in-office in more detail. Understanding what the process entails can help you avoid any dental anxiety you’re experiencing.
Ideal Patients
A consultation appointment will also allow your dentist to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for treatment. Dental bonding is recommended for patients with:
- Decayed teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Short teeth
- Cracked or chipped teeth
A dentist might recommend this treatment option to repair a tooth’s tooth if your gums are receding. Otherwise, receding gums can leave the tooth’s root exposed. Your risk of tooth decay or gum disease could increase if you delay treatment.
Pros and Cons
One of the top benefits of dental bonding is its ease and convenience. You can schedule a quick appointment to restore your smile within one visit.
This restorative cosmetic dentistry procedure is also cost-effective. As an investment in your smile, results can last for five to 10 years. Properly caring for your teeth will extend the lifespan of a bonding tooth.
When choosing between veneers or dental bonding, it’s important to note that bonded teeth aren’t stain-resistant. Brush and floss your teeth to keep them clean and stain-free. Keep up with regular appointments at your dentist’s office to avoid issues.
Though bonding is sometimes recommended among alternatives to veneers, they’re not stronger.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers, often made from porcelain, are tooth-colored shells. They’re designed to attach to the surface of an existing tooth. Porcelain (or sometimes resin-composite) veneers can hide aesthetic issues.
Like dental bonding, dental veneers are recommended for restorative cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Whether your dentist uses porcelain or resin-composite materials, veneers are durable and long-lasting. Both materials allow the veneers to blend in with your existing smile.
Your dentist might recommend a veneer if you chipped the surface of a tooth. The veneer will only cover the tooth. If the damage is more extensive, you might require a different treatment.
Common alternatives to veneers include dental implants or crowns (based on the damage).
One of the benefits of veneers is the procedure itself. Unlike procedures for dental implants and crowns, the procedure for veneers is non-invasive. Your dentist may need to shave away a small portion of the tooth’s surface.
Shaving away the surface of the tooth will ensure the veneer adheres to its surface.
With dental implants, you’ll require multiple procedures. Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. If the damage is minor, consider dental veneers instead.
During the procedure, your dentist will make an impression of your tooth. A lab will use CAD/CAM technology to design the veneer. Later, your dentist will attach the veneer to the damaged tooth.
A special light will harden it into place.
Ideal Patients
Your Richmond cosmetic dentist might recommend dental veneers if you have:
- Smaller-than-average teeth
- Broken teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Discolored teeth
Schedule a consultation appointment before choosing between veneers or dental bonding. Your dentist will determine if you’re an ideal candidate for treatment.
Pros and Cons
If you’re interested in repairing minor aesthetic damage with a noninvasive procedure, dental veneers can help. They’re also durable, allowing you to invest in your smile.
However, the procedure can be expensive if you need to treat more than one tooth. This option also isn’t ideal if you’ve sustained extensive damage.
Neglecting to treat a damaged tooth could lead to complications.
Bonding vs Veneers
When choosing between dental bonding vs veneers, consider your needs and goals.
Both treatments will fix a minorly broken or chipped tooth. Veneers are ideal if you’re more concerned about discoloration.
Between veneers or dental bonding, veneers are usually the more expensive option. Talk to your Richmond dentist to discuss local pricing. Determine if your insurance will cover a portion of either procedure beforehand.
Since the procedure for veneers involves shaving off a portion of your tooth, the results are permanent. However, both options are designed to last for years. Though both options are known for their durability, veneers may last longer.
Both options will blend in with your natural teeth. However, dental veneers are resistant to staining, while bonding isn’t. If you drink tea, coffee, or wine regularly, veneers are likely the ideal option.
Both treatments can fix minor cosmetic issues. If you’re unhappy with your smile, discuss veneers or dental bonding with your local dentist.
Visit Your Orthodontist Today
Still unsure whether to choose dental bonding vs veneers? Rely on professional cosmetic dentistry in Richmond, Texas. After a consultation appointment, you can make an informed choice based on your cosmetic or oral health needs!
Ready to improve your smile? We can’t wait to help!
Schedule your consultation appointment at our offices today.
