Dental Veneers vs. Cosmetic Bonding: Our Milton Dentist Has the Facts!
Which procedure will give me the perfect smile?
If you’re like so many others, you might have some minor (or major) issues with the appearance of your smile – and sadly, this can have a negative impact on your confidence and self-esteem. The good news is; cosmetic dental treatments with either veneers or composite bonding are capable of transforming teeth into perfect-looking smiles.
But how does each cosmetic treatment option differ? How does a patient choose in order to get the result they’re looking for?
It’s definitely worth exploring!
Below, our dentist in Milton will compare both veneers and dental bonding, so you can get a better idea about which procedure would be most suitable for you and your smile:
PORCELAIN VENEERS
Who are they for?: Porcelain veneers are most ideal for patients wishing to completely transform their teeth into a highly attractive, photogenic and head-turning smile! However, they can still be used on single or few teeth vs. a full row of multiple.
About the material: Veneers are wafer-thin, custom-created porcelain shells designed to adhere to the front surface of the natural teeth, in order to mask imperfections and create a flawless appearance. Veneers are able to correct a range of cosmetic issues, such as dental chipping or wear, stains, disproportionate size, shape or positioning, as well as spacing in between the teeth.
The process explained: The dentist will begin by removing some of the natural surface enamel (roughly ½ millimeter) to prepare the teeth for the veneer fittings. Next, he or she will take impressions of your teeth to be sent to a dental lab for construction. Typically, custom-made veneers will be ready within 1-2 weeks. When your veneers are back from the lab and it’s time for placement, the dentist will adjust and trim them accordingly for a proper fit. The teeth will then be prepared through cleaning, polishing and roughening (etching) to allow for a strong bond. A special cement material will be used to adhere the veneers to each tooth, and is then hardened using a high-intensity light. Any necessary final adjustments are then made to ensure a beautiful result!
Porcelain veneers are a truly wonderful way to enhance the natural appearance of the teeth while creating a very attractive and uniform smile.
DENTAL BONDING
Who are they for?: Dental bonding is most ideal for patients wishing to correct cosmetic flaws on a typically smaller scale, and at a much more affordable price point.
About the material: Composite bonding involves the use of tooth-coloured composite resin material – a moldable material most commonly used today to fill cavities while providing a virtually undetectable result. A dental bonding procedure is capable of correcting the same aesthetic flaws that veneers are able to correct, but are not capable of achieving the same complete “Hollywood”-style smile makeover.
The process explained: The composite bonding process is a lot simpler than the veneers placement process, and can typically be completed in just one visit as opposed to multiple. To begin, the dentist will first determine the correct shade of composite resin to use to seamlessly blend with your natural tooth colour. The dentist will then roughen or etch the natural tooth’s surface before applying a special liquid to allow for a strong bond. The resin material is then applied to the prepared tooth and shaped or molded appropriately, and is finally hardened using an ultraviolet light. If necessary, the dentist will further shape and adjust the tooth after the resin hardens for a perfect result
Dental bonding is an excellent cosmetic treatment option to correct the appearance of minor flaws – which in turn can make the world of a difference for a smile!
To keep the smile in top shape for years to come:
A healthy, attractive and fresh smile is one that’s treated with proper and ongoing care. Aside from your daily at-home oral hygiene routine, periodic visits to the dentist will play a fundamental role in maintaining your smile’s health, vitality, and beauty for life!
I still can’t decide which option is best for my smile!
Still not sure about whether porcelain veneers or composite bonding would be best to correct your smile’s appearance? Our friendly and knowledgeable dentist can help!
Schedule a free cosmetic dental consultation with us today, and you’ll be one step closer to achieving the smile of your dreams.
