If your teeth are showing signs of wear including damage or discoloration, you may be wondering what you can do to improve their appearance. You may have even tried whitening strips, toothpastes, or gels all without achieving a successful transformation. But don’t resign yourself to thinking you have to accept them the way they are. With the help of cosmetic dentistry, you can restore your teeth to their original beauty and get back to looking and feeling the way you want.
Two common procedures, dental bonding and veneers can transform your smile, effectively turning back the hands of time. But which one is best for you? Keep reading to learn more about these incredible procedures.
Dental Bonding Vs. Veneers: What’s The Difference?
Dental Bonding
Dental Bonding is a procedure that can change the shape of your tooth if it is chipped or has an uneven border. Your dentist brushes a thin layer of composite resin onto the tooth to essentially rebuild the edge. This durable material can be matched to your natural tooth color, and it blends in so seamlessly with the rest of the healthy tooth you may not be able to tell it’s been bonded.
Dental bonding can be done in one appointment and is completely painless. It is also less expensive than veneers, but it is best used when you only need a few teeth repaired. It also does not change the color of your teeth, and it’s not as long lasting (5 to 10 years) or durable as veneers.
Veneers
Veneers, on the other hand, are porcelain shells that are custom made to fit over the teeth, making them appear whiter and even changing their shape if desired. To get veneers, First, your dentist will need to remove a thin layer of tooth enamel and take impressions of your teeth. The impressions are sent to a lab where your veneers are crafted, and then they are sent to your dentist to be applied.
Once they arrive, your dentist will attach them, but it could be several weeks between appointments. Veneers are stain resistant and create a beautiful, long-lasting appearance, but will need to be replaced in about 15 to 20 years. Though they are more expensive, their shelf life makes them a better value than dental bonding.
Which is Right for You?
Determining which procedure is best for your individual mouth depends on several factors, including:
- Budget
- Type of repair
- Number of teeth needing repair
If you want to change the shape and color of your teeth, veneers could be the better choice, but if you are happy with their shade or only need to repair a few teeth, dental bonding is a great option.
Ultimately, it is between you and your dentist which type of cosmetic restoration is best. If you find your smile looking a little lackluster, speak to them about your cosmetic dentistry options today.
About Our Practice
The father and son team of Dr. Gary Goodman and Dr. Jeremy Goodman want you to be part of their family, too. That’s why they treat each patient with kindness, compassion, and genuine care. Whether they are completing a cleaning and exam, a filling, or a transforming a smile with the help of dental bonding or veneers, they strive to help make your oral health accessible and understandable.
To schedule an appointment for a cosmetic procedure like bonding or veneers, please visit the Goodman Dental Care website or call us today at 410-263-1919.