Did you know that people with dental issues tend to report more feelings of self-doubt and are less socially active than those with healthy teeth? Flaws like cracks, stains, or gaps can leave you feeling like you don’t measure up. After all, no one wants to feel like those imperfections are the most noticeable aspect of their smile!
Thankfully, cosmetic dentistry can help! With solutions like dental veneers and dental bonding, your dentist can give you a grin you’re proud to show off. But which method is best for you? Keep reading to learn more!
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells made of durable porcelain that are bonded to the front of your tooth. They cover up any aesthetic issues all while providing additional protection and support. Your dentist can use them to mask discolored, damaged, or slightly crooked teeth without anyone the wiser!
Keep in mind that in order for veneers to sit properly, your dentist will need to remove a light layer of enamel so they line up with your natural pearly whites.
What Are the Benefits of Veneers?
There are several distinct benefits of getting veneers, including:
- Durability. Veneers are no thicker than contact lenses but are coated with a glaze so resilient that they don’t easily break. They even shield your natural tooth from potential damage.
- Longevity. They can last 30+ years if you practice proper dental hygiene.
- Material. Porcelain isn’t very porous so there’s less opportunity for bacteria to penetrate veneers to cause decay. This also means they can’t easily be stained by dark foods and beverages.
Keep in mind that veneers may cost more than dental bonding, and so if you’re on a tight budget this might not be the best option for you.
What is Cosmetic Bonding?
Another method to treat imperfections is through cosmetic bonding. During this treatment, your dentist places a small amount of tooth-colored resin on your tooth. They then sculpt the putty-like material to the desired shape and harden it with a special light. It can be used to fill in gaps and chips, as well as improve the hue of your teeth if they’ve yellowed or have patches.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bonding?
Though it is used to treat similar issues, dental bonding comes with its own advantages, such as:
- Convenience. Dental bonding doesn’t require the same prep-work that veneers do and so is a much simpler procedure. It often can be completed in a single visit.
- Strength. Though not as durable as veneers, the hardened resin can last decades with the right care.
- Cost. Dental bonding is often less expensive than veneers.
The resin material used is more porous than porcelain, so it’s considered somewhat more fragile and prone to staining than veneers. You might end up needing to repair or replace your dental work at some point in the future.
Only your dentist can help you decide which treatment is best for you based on your unique circumstances. Either way, soon you’ll have newly perfected pearly whites to show for your decision!
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Howard believes restoring your smile can restore your confidence in yourself. He graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1986 and then finished a one-year General Practice Residency at the V.A. Medical Center in West Los Angeles in 1987. Now, he is one of 490+ dentists in the world to become an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. That makes him an expert with dental bonding and veneers! If you’d like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (760) 599-6559.