The Difference Between Bonding and Veneers For Cosmetic Dentistry

Chipped, stained, and malformed teeth - nobody wants them, but many people have them. The good news is that now there are treatment options for chipped, stained, and malformed teeth. By consulting with a cosmetic dentist, you will learn about the treatments available so you can make the best decision for you. Veneer or bonding treatments are typically suggested during consultations since these common techniques are easier and less painful than placing a crown.

All About Bonding

This process is simpler and less expensive than veneers for repairing a damaged tooth, so it is usually the first recommendation of a cosmetic dentist. The process includes spreading a white composite resin that is made of plastic and has a paste consistency on top of the damaged tooth. The substance can be colored for a custom match to your other teeth, making the repair look natural.

The oral care expert first applies a chemical to the damaged tooth in the process. This chemical makes the existing enamel rough so the material will stick to the tooth's surface when applied. After the bonding material is applied, a special light is used to cure the material and applies additional layers when necessary. The material is flexible, so it allows the cosmetic dentist to put his artist's skills to work, shaping the material and shining it until it looks completely natural.

Since bonding doesn't require any anesthetic and is performed fast, it is less expensive than veneers. A dental expert can even bond more than one tooth in the same sitting and the patient has no recovery period.

Unfortunately, there are a few drawbacks to bonding. It only lasts five to ten years, while a veneer should last twenty years. Therefore, the long-term expense often exceeds the short-term savings when looking at choosing between the two treatments. The plastic stains easier than natural teeth, so patients have to consider the effects of their favorite foods, especially with front teeth.

And Now About Veneers

Veneers are actually a thin layer of porcelain or acrylic material that sits over your natural tooth, giving an improved appearance. The process of veneering starts with the freezing of the affected tooth and then grinding down the enamel. After making a mold and impression of the grounded down tooth, a laboratory manufacturers the veneer. After receiving the veneer from the laboratory, which typically takes a few days, the oral care professional roughens the surface of the tooth, applies a special type of composite resin cement, and places the veneer over the damaged tooth.

Patients have to be careful about certain foods, like blueberries and red wine, because of problems with staining. The tooth underneath the veneer is still subject to cavities and decay, so regular dental checkups and dental hygiene are a must. While veneers cost more, there is no typical fee. Consult a cosmetic dentist for an estimate for a true vision of the costs involved.

Both veneers and bonding can be performed by a Miami Beach cosmetic dentist or in any other major city. Several factors can determine the best treatment for you, including the kind of damage and repair, the amount of time you have to wait for repairs, and your budget. By consulting with a dental professional, you will be able to make an educated decision about the treatment best for you.