If you have chipped, stained, or gapped teeth, you may feel uncertain about your smile. If you find yourself hiding your teeth in photos or in social situations, it’s time to make a change. At JM Dental of Westbury, we want all our valued patients to feel comfortable with their appearance. We offer multiple cosmetic dentistry options to give you a harmonious smile.
Two of our most popular options are veneers and dental bonding. Both methods can cover chips, gaps, stains, slight misalignment, and minor differences in tooth shape. However, each method has pros and cons. This article will explain the differences between these two treatments and help you decide which may be best for your individual needs.
Porcelain Veneers: Luminous and Long-Lasting
Many celebrities and public-facing professionals use porcelain veneers. If you want a complete transformation in your smile’s appearance that generally only takes two appointments to achieve, veneers may be your top choice.
How Veneers Work
Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells applied to the tooth surfaces that show when you smile. While you can find veneers in various materials, we prefer porcelain due to its attractive appearance and longer lifespan.
To place veneers, we will first take digital impressions of your teeth and use them to design the final product to match your natural smile. We gently remove a thin layer of tooth enamel to allow the veneers to adhere properly, and then take a second set of impressions to ensure a perfect fit. We provide temporary veneers for you to wear while we fabricate the final version.
At your second appointment, we adjust the veneers for an ideal fit and cement them to your prepared teeth. You will walk out of the office with renewed confidence and pride in your smile.
Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers
Pros:
- Porcelain’s highly polished luster closely matches the look of healthy tooth enamel
- Veneers last longer than bonding and create a more aesthetically pleasing smile
- Chip-resistant, unlike bonding, which can break down easily
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost than bonding
- If porcelain veneers chip, they can be challenging to repair
- Veneers require removing a very thin layer of natural enamel, so you will need to replace them indefinitely
Cosmetic Bonding: Versatile and Affordable
Bonding has many useful applications in cosmetic dentistry. It can fill in a tiny chip in the edge of your tooth or cover a larger area to improve the overall look of your smile. Many dental patients prefer bonding because its upfront cost is significantly lower than porcelain veneers. However, patients should also consider the treatment’s longevity when deciding which cosmetic procedure works best for them. Veneers last considerably longer than bonding.
How Cosmetic Bonding Works
Bonding works by applying a safe composite resin material to the prepared tooth surface and hardening it with a specialized light. Bonding can cover many of the same cosmetic issues as veneers, including chips, gaps, and severe stains that teeth whitening cannot remove.
Cosmetic bonding is a versatile procedure. A skilled cosmetic dentist can sculpt bonding material to correct the appearance of misshapen teeth as well as correct chips and discoloration.
Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Bonding
Pros:
- Lower cost per tooth than porcelain veneers
- Highly flexible option that can cover anything from a small chip to a misshapen tooth
- Easy to repair if it chips or cracks
Cons:
- More prone to stains than porcelain veneers
- Shorter lifespan than porcelain
- Lacks the natural shine of porcelain veneers
Choosing the Proper Cosmetic Procedure
Whether you choose dental veneers or cosmetic bonding, you can improve your appearance and boost your confidence. Your smile and your quality of life are worth the investment. Call us for a consultation to discover your options!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Veneers
Who is a good candidate for dental veneers?
Most adult patients with excellent oral hygiene are good candidates. Before receiving veneers, address issues like tooth decay and active gum disease for best results.
Are veneers reversible?
After we prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of natural enamel, you will continue to need new veneers as they wear out, every 10 to 15 years. Since veneers represent a commitment, we will ensure you are happy with your choice before proceeding.
Do veneers respond to teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening works by entering the pores in your tooth enamel. This means that only natural tooth enamel can be whitened. If you want your other teeth whitened while you have veneers, consult us for the most effective strategy.
How can I keep my porcelain veneers looking their best?
The most important step is to brush and floss as you normally would, paying close attention to the teeth with veneers. Avoid using your teeth as tools. Do not bite ice, hard candy, or other objects like fingernails and pens. Keep all of your scheduled dental appointments to ensure your teeth are healthy under your veneers.
While porcelain veneers are less likely to stain than composite bonding material, it is still a good idea to take care with highly pigmented foods and beverages like coffee, red wine, berries, and dark chocolate.
Can I get cavities under my veneers?
It’s possible for decay to develop in veneered teeth, but it's not common. Please practice excellent hygiene and keep up with your follow-up appointments to check your oral health. We want your oral health to match the healthy appearance of your smile.
JM Dental of Westbury offers veneers and dental bonding among several other cosmetic options. We also offer comprehensive dental care for your entire family. Contact us today to schedule your consultation. We would be glad to meet with you and show you what we can do to create your beautiful smile and boost your confidence!