Dental Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers
Many times, our patients come to us seeking treatment for cosmetic flaws that have compromised the appearance of their smile. In these situations, our Ridgewood restorative dentists can address these issues with a cosmetic treatment such as dental bonding or porcelain veneers. These are both treatments that can enhance the smile and erase the signs of some common dental blemishes. Our dentists will help you determine which treatment is best suited for your unique situation, but it is a good idea to have a general understanding of the procedures.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a simple procedure that allows our dentists to quickly improve the appearance of a patient’s smile. During the dental bonding process, a resin material is applied directly to the tooth to conceal cosmetic problems. Once it has been applied, the resin will be shaped and then hardened to the tooth to complete the bonding process. Dental bonding is inexpensive and can usually be completed in one sitting. Dental bonding is ideal for patients who need to:
- Cover up small cracks or chips
- Fill in gaps between the teeth
- Improve the color of the teeth or conceal stains
- Lengthen the teeth or improve the overall shape of the teeth
Some patients may prefer dental bonding over veneers because it allows them to keep more of their natural tooth enamel and does not require them to wait while restorations are fabricated in a dental lab. However, the resin used in dental bonding is not as strong as other dental restorations, such as veneers, so many dentists believe that dental bonding is best suited for smaller cosmetic flaws.
Porcelain Veneers
For some of our patients in Ridgewood, porcelain veneers are a better solution for an imperfect smile. Because veneers can be applied to cover the entire front surface of one or more teeth, they can easily improve the appearance of teeth with even more obvious cosmetic flaws. As with dental bonding, porcelain veneers can improve the color of the teeth; improve the shape or size of the teeth; and eliminate the signs of cracks, chips, or gaps. In addition, porcelain veneers can be applied to cover crooked teeth and give patients a straight, attractive smile. While porcelain veneers will need to be fabricated off site, this is still a fairly quick and simple procedure. At Ridgewood Dental Associates, porcelain veneers can usually be completed in just two dental visits. Porcelain veneers may be preferred over dental bonding because,
- Porcelain veneers are made of a stronger material and can be expected to last longer than dental bonding
- Porcelain veneers are made of a thin, glass-like material and tend to look more natural looking than the layers of resin that are applied during the dental bonding process
Schedule an Appointment
If you are unhappy with your smile, let our dentists at Ridgewood Dental Associates help. Schedule an appointment with one of our dentists to learn about dental bonding and porcelain veneers. We will be happy to examine your teeth and advise you on the best treatment to bring your smile back to its natural beauty.