Dental bonding in wilmington north carolina and veneers are common treatment options for correcting minor imperfections and enhancing the cosmetic appearance of your smile by changing the color, shape, and size of your tooth or teeth. Dental bonding corrects cosmetic issues by using a resin to cover or correct imperfections, whereas veneers correct imperfections by bonding tooth-colored shells over the area requiring improvement. To learn more about dental bonding and veneers and determine which is right for you, please refer to the following overview.
Dental Bonding: Pros and Cons
Cosmetic dental bonding is a safe, minimally invasive, effective and affordable method for correcting gaps between teeth and other imperfections through the application of a tooth-colored composite material. Once the composite color has been selected, the procedure will begin by etching the surfaces of your teeth to ensure they are ready for the application of the bonding composite. Next, the composite is applied and sculpted to correct the imperfection and is then hardened using a high-intensity UV light. Once the material is hardened, it is smoothed and polished.
Dental bonding is commonly recommended for patients who require small changes, such as repairing chipped teeth, protecting the tooth roots, covering discolored teeth, and/or changing the shape of irregular teeth. Benefits of dental bonding include:
- Simpler than other cosmetic procedures
- Does not involve an outside lab
- Preserves most of the original tooth
- Less expensive than other cosmetic procedures
Drawbacks of dental bonding include:
- Composite resin does not last as long as porcelain veneers, which means more frequent replacement
- Bonding material can stain
- Bonding material is weaker than natural teeth or porcelain veneers and is prone to chipping
Dental Veneers: Pros and Cons
A dental veneer is a thin layer of porcelain that, like dental bonding, is used to correct teeth that are discolored, decayed, fractured, or chipped. Veneers can also be used to correct teeth that are too small or irregular. Veneers are often recommended for patients with multiple affected teeth and/or patients who prioritize preserving the natural look of their teeth and want a more durable, long-lasting solution.
There are two types of dental veneers that can be placed: Composite (direct) and Porcelain (indirect). Composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain veneers and can generally be completed in one appointment, but they are also slightly less durable. Porcelain veneers are custom-designed in a lab to match the color of your natural teeth and are much more resistant to staining or chipping.
Once the veneers are ready for placement, your dentist will clean your tooth and roughen the surface, after which the veneer is attached to the tooth with an adhesive. Once it is properly positioned, the veneer is hardened using an ultraviolet light.
Benefits of dental veneers include:
- Designed to match the natural look of your teeth and customized for your mouth
- Highly stain resistant
- Durable and less prone to chipping
Drawbacks of dental veneers include:
- Non-reversible
- Though durable, can still be damaged. Patients who engage in physical activity regularly or who have issues with clenching or grinding their teeth should wear a nightguard
- More expensive than other treatment options, such as dental bonding
Fortunately, both treatment options are effective in correcting cosmetic issues. To learn more about either procedure and determine which one is right for you, schedule a consultation with your dentist or periodontist.
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