What’s the Difference Between Dental Bonding and Veneers?
The end goal of these two cosmetic dental procedures are the same, they just take dramatically different avenues to get there. Not only are the procedures different, so are the costs and the benefits.
In both cases the objective is simple, to make your teeth look better. Dental procedures have only two objectives, the first is having a health focus, such as dealing with cavities, plaque build up or pain-causing infections. Or the second is the appearance of your teeth and gums when it comes to affecting your smile. Your smile is an invaluable asset that can play a role in your personality and be foundational in establishing your self-esteem and your self-confidence. If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, a stained tooth, a gap between two teeth, or even a tooth that appears too long, dental bonding or veneers address these cosmetic issues to correct your smile. Let’s look at the two procedures, the differences and the benefits.
The Dental Bonding Procedure
Inside of one hour you can have a front tooth corrected with dental bonding maple grove mn. The dentist will initially rough up the enamel surface of the tooth or teeth and then apply a mild etching solution. Then, using a shade chart, they will choose a composite resin that matches your neighboring teeth in color. This putty like material will be shaped or sculpted on the front surface of the tooth or teeth. Once the material has been smoothed out it will be hardened with an ultraviolet light and then polished. Just like that the tooth looks new.
The Porcelain Veneer Process
The first step now includes an impression made of your teeth. This impression is sent off to a dental lab who will be fabricating wafer-thin pieces of porcelain to match your teeth. The dentist will again remove a thin layer of natural enamel and then glue these custom-made veneers to your teeth. A two-visit process and a far more expensive final product.
Comparing the Benefits, Dental Bonding versus Veneers
As mentioned, dental bonding is quick and therefore far less expensive. But that comes with a price. The veneers are far more durable and have a dramatically longer life expectancy then the bonding solution. The bonding solution is also far more susceptible to stains in comparison to the much harder veneer. If you love coffee, red wine or smoke tobacco this might be taken into consideration.
Which Solution will be Best for You?
A dental examination and consultation will be a great place to start and might deliver your answer for you based on your particular situation. Veneers are non-reversible because of the amount of enamel removed from the tooth. Dental bonding might be an initial solution with porcelain veneers several years down the road. Either way it is a win-win for you. Quantifiable research has proven that if you are happy with your smile it has multiple positive effects on different aspects of your life. So, something as simple as a dental bonding procedure can have a huge impact on your quality of life.
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