Chips, gaps, deep stains, and areas of misalignment are some of the most common cosmetic dental imperfections that people experience. Even just a minor chip or other concern affecting a specific tooth can have a big effect on overall smile aesthetics. Fortunately, there are several treatment options that can effectively address these concerns. Two of the most popular are porcelain veneers and cosmetic dental bonding, which are designed to treat similar aesthetic dental issues. With this in mind, which is the better option? The answer to that question is largely dependent on the needs and goals of each patient. Let’s take a look at some of the basic benefits of these treatments, as well as the distinctions between them:
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are essentially custom-designed “covers” for an affected tooth. A veneer is made of an exceptionally strong porcelain material that is precisely sculpted to fit over the front and sides of the tooth, masking any aesthetic imperfections with results that look and feel natural. With the proper care, porcelain veneers can continue enhancing the appearance of your smile for decades to come.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is an option that has been successfully utilized in dentistry for many, many years. Instead of a restoration that is placed on the tooth, Dr. Jimmy Wu will directly apply a composite resin material to the tooth, carefully molding and shaping it. Once the resin hardens, the results can make the tooth look like it had never been compromised. Like porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding can be used to address gaps, chips, discoloration, and even mild cases of misalignment.
In addition to the distinctions in restorative techniques, there are some other major differences between porcelain veneers and cosmetic dental bonding that can make one option more ideal than the other for some individuals. In most cases, porcelain veneers can last 15 to 20 years or longer; the results of cosmetic bonding typically do not last that long. Porcelain veneers may also be a more desirable option for patients whose concerns are more severe in nature. That said, cosmetic dental bonding can often serve as a more cost-effective option for patients who would like to explore an alternative to porcelain veneers.
The bottom line is that both of these treatments offer a variety of benefits that can truly renew your smile with great results. Once our dentist in La Mesa has examined your teeth and talked with you about your concerns, he can help you determine whether porcelain veneers or cosmetic dental bonding is the best treatment for your needs.
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