You just left a Dallas Cowboys football game with your friends and are continuing to celebrate the team’s victory at a local restaurant. You notice a guy at a nearby table smiling at you, and although you want to desperately smile back, you’re embarrassed by your stained and discolored teeth. Opting to smile with your mouth closed, you say to yourself, “It’s time to do something about this.” If this scenario sounds familiar, let a cosmetic dentist in Carrollton explain the difference between cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers, so you can decide which option is right for you.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin ceramic coverings that fit over the front of your teeth. Acting like a mask, they cover unsightly imperfections that you would rather keep hidden. Veneers are, by far, one of the most versatile cosmetic treatment options available, fixing:
- Chips
- Cracks
- Stains and discoloration
- Minor gaps between teeth
- Minor alignment problems
- Misshapen or undersized teeth
A typical procedure is completed in just two appointments, and depending on the severity of your case, it is up to you as to whether you would prefer to have veneers placed on just a few teeth or your entire mouth. Your dentist will need to remove a small portion of the enamel from the surface of your tooth in order to make sure the veneer bonds correctly to your tooth.
Your veneers are custom-made to your liking, so it is in discussion with your dentist that you will decide on the color, size, and shape.
What is Cosmetic Bonding?
If you’re looking for a less invasive, more affordable option for covering cosmetic flaws, cosmetic bonding is a superb alternative solution. Using a natural composite resin that is matched to your natural tooth color, your dentist will begin by applying an etchant material to your tooth before placing the resin directly onto the enamel and begin to shape and sculpt it into place. Once it is the perfect size and shape, she will use a low-UV light to help harden the resin.
Much like porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding can fix a variety of problems, including:
- Stains and discoloration
- Chips
- Cracks
- Small gaps between teeth
You can expect the procedure to take less than an hour, depending on the number of teeth you are having bonded. The resin blends in naturally with the rest of your smile, making it impossible for anyone to notice a difference in the teeth that have been treated.
On average, with proper care, cosmetic bonding can last up to 10 years.
How Can I Tell Which Treatment is Right for Me?
While both procedures are meant to cover problem areas on your smile, you might believe you are better suited for one treatment over the other. To get a better idea of how these two treatments differ, let’s take a look:
- Office Visits: Porcelain veneers require two appointments, whereas, cosmetic bonding only requires one.
- Cost: Cosmetic bonding is a much more cost-effective option, as it is less invasive than porcelain veneers.
- Longevity: Porcelain veneers can last 15 years or more, while cosmetic bonding can last up to 10 years.
- Stain Resistant: Porcelain veneers are more resistant to stain than natural tooth enamel, so while they can become stained, it takes longer. Cosmetic bonding can stain much more easily if you’re not careful.
Cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers are guaranteed to give you beautiful results, so rest assured that no matter which option you and your dentist choose, you’ll walk out feeling great about your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Moji Chandy earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from NYU College of Dentistry and has been practicing dentistry for more than 12 years. Opening Aegis Dental in 2012, she has extensive training in various areas of dentistry and is always ready to respond to each of her patient’s individual needs. Whether it’s restorative or cosmetic treatment needed, Dr. Chandy can give you a smile that increases confidence and improves your appearance. To learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services, visit our website or call (972) 492-6700.