Dental Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers
If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, there are plenty of options available. Two popular cosmetic dentistry treatment options are porcelain veneers and dental bonding. These treatments achieve similar results, and they each have their own specific advantages and drawbacks.
At 38th Street Dental, Dr. C. Mike Meek and Dr. David J. Tasch will listen to each patient’s goals to determine which treatment is best suited to their needs. Here, we provide information about dental bonding vs. porcelain veneers to educate our Austin, TX patients about their options.
Porcelain Veneers
Cosmetic dentistry treatments such as porcelain veneers and dental bonding are designed to address aesthetic flaws. More serious dental problems will require restorative dentistry techniques.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that are designed to conceal flaws on the front of the teeth. The veneers are semi-translucent, so they closely resemble the appearance of the natural teeth.
To prepare your tooth for the veneer, we will remove a small amount of tooth enamel. This allows the veneer to sit flush with surrounding teeth.
Next, we will take impressions of your teeth so the veneers can be custom crafted to your fit and design specifications. We will place a temporary veneer while we wait for the custom veneer to be made.
When the custom veneer is ready, you will return to our office to have it placed. After this appointment, you can enjoy your beautifully enhanced smile for 10 years or more with proper care.
Ideal Candidates for Porcelain Veneers
The best candidates for porcelain veneers are those who have the following dental problems:
- Stained teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Misshaped teeth
- Uneven teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Dental spacing issues
These patients should be in good overall dental health and have realistic expectations about the procedure and what it can achieve.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is another popular treatment option. It involves the use of dental resins that are applied directly to the tooth. This dental resin is carefully color-matched to produce a natural appearance.
Ideal Candidates for Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is an ideal option for people who have stained, chipped, cracked, misshaped, or gapped teeth. Patients should be in good overall dental health before undergoing cosmetic dental bonding. If dental problems such as cavities or gum disease are detected, these will have to be treated before we proceed with cosmetic treatment.
Alternative Treatments to Consider
There are some cases in which porcelain veneers and dental bonding aren't ideal for patients. In these cases, patients may be better suited to teeth whitening or Invisalign®. Or, patients may wish to combine multiple treatments into a comprehensive smile makeover plan.
During your visit to our practice, we will go over all of your options and determine which will be best for your needs.
If you would like to learn more about dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and your many other options in cosmetic dental care, contact 38th Street Dental today. Our team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible results.
