Your smile is the first thing others notice about you, so it is important to have the best smile you possibly can. If you have chipped, cracked or stained teeth, you may be considering having dental bonding or veneers installed in order to correct the problem, but which type of dental work do you have done? Is there a difference between bonding and veneers? Deciding on which type of dental work is best suited for your specific needs can be confusing. Basically, veneers are meant to conceal flaws that are more dramatic and dental bonding is usually best for correcting minor imperfections. Still not sure which procedure is the best suited for your needs? Here is a bit more detail on comparing veneers to dental bonding.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are used to cover the front of your teeth. Veneers are typically used to conceal gaps and/or correct crooked, stained or the appearance of misshapen teeth. The installation of veneers typically requires the removal of some of the enamel and reshaping the tooth. The entire procedure may take several visits to the dentist office, but the final result is a long-lasting, natural appearance. Veneers can often be used to correct a range of dental problems, including:
- Cracked teeth
- Large gaps
- Chipped teeth
- Teeth that overlap
- Crooked teeth
- Severe discoloration and stains
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding uses a composite resin to conceal the imperfections in your teeth. The resin used will be made to match the color of your teeth and will be applied directly to the tooth. Unlike veneers, dental bonding usually doesn’t require the removal of enamel or tooth reshaping, but veneers are usually permanent and dental bonding is not. The resin will be hardened and polished to look just like your natural teeth, but in most situations, it will need to be reapplied eventually. Dental bonding is ideal for those who only need a minor “touch-up”, instead of completely concealing their teeth. For example, this procedure is perfect for concealing a chipped tooth or hiding a small gap. Other conditions that dental bonding can be used for include:
- Minor stains
- Chips
- Gaps
- Exposed roots from receding gums
- Cracks
- Misshapen teeth
In most situations, dental bonding does not look as natural as veneers, because the bonding is not translucent. If you have dental bonding, tooth whitening treatments will typically not whiten stained resin. Whether you choose veneers or dental bonding, it is essential that you keep up with your regular teeth cleaning regimen and schedule routine dental visits for a professional cleaning and to ensure the veneers or bonding is in good condition and doing the job it was designed to do. To determine which procedure is the best suited for your needs, it is recommended that you consult with your dentist beforehand.
If you're looking for dental bonding surgery or teeth cleaning services, contact the team at Southfield Family Dental Center today!
