In the realm of cosmetic dental care, several methods can be used to help patients alter the look of their smiles.
If you want to change the shape, colour, or overall appearance of your teeth, dental veneers or dental bonding may be a good option. Both procedures can help to conceal visible flaws in your teeth and give you the appearance of a more uniform smile.
What are dental veneers?
Veneers are thin porcelain pieces that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They can lengthen your teeth, change their shape, and lighten their colour. A single veneer can be applied to one tooth or a full set of veneers can be applied to several teeth to make your smile more even.
Veneers are made-to-order in a lab, then fitted and coloured to match your teeth.
Because they are placed directly on the teeth, they thicken them, necessitating the removal of a thin layer of enamel, the procedure usually necessitates the removal of a thin layer of enamel. Appointments are required for planning, but once that is completed, the actual process can usually be completed in two to three visits.
Who could benefit from veneers?
You are a good candidate for veneers if you have:
- Severe stains and discolouration
- Cracked teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Large gaps in between your teeth
- Crooked teeth (mild to moderate)
- Teeth that overlap
- Worn teeth
Pros of Veneers
Veneers cover cracks, stains, and poorly shaped teeth to create white, uniform smiles. Porcelain is stain-resistant and extremely durable, making it resistant to chipping and cracking.
Veneers are colour matched as closely as possible to your natural teeth. They are made to appear slightly translucent, just like natural teeth, and as a result, are quite realistic in appearance.
Cons of Veneers
Veneers are regarded as a long-term solution. The tooth's enamel is removed and replaced with porcelain, which is then bonded to the tooth's top layer. This indicates that the veneer procedure has permanently altered the tooth.
Veneers can also be somewhat costly. This is because they are custom-made and can often take more time and skill during preparation and placement.
What is dental bonding?
All processes involving the application of white fillings to teeth are referred to as dental bonding. Bonding, like a porcelain veneer, is applied to the front surface of a tooth to change its size, shape, and colour for cosmetic reasons. Dental bonding can be used to repair a single tooth or a group of teeth, all to create a more uniform smile.
Bonding is a good option for people who want to improve a minor dental irregularity. The dentist will colour match the bonding material to your neighbouring teeth, just like with veneers.
Who might benefit from dental bonding?
Dental bonding might be right for you if you have the following:
- Chips
- Cracks
- Minor stains
- Misshapen teeth
- Gaps
- Exposed roots from receding gums
Pros of Dental Bonding
Bonding can usually be completed in one appointment, making it faster than the porcelain veneers procedure, which requires at least two appointments. Bonding is often less expensive than porcelain veneers if the cosmetic work required is minimal to moderate.
If the bonding chips or breaks over time, it is typically quick and easy to repair. If taken care of properly, dental bonding can last for up to 10 years before it needs to be replaced.
Cons of Dental Bonding
One of the disadvantages to dental bonding is that it is not as strong as porcelain. It can chip more easily and is more porous, meaning it is more susceptible to staining.
The challenge of dental bonding is the aesthetic limitations of the material. It can be more difficult to mask very dark and discoloured teeth.
Furthermore, while bonding a single or a few teeth is relatively simple, bonding an entire smile can be difficult. As a result, dental bonding can be nearly as expensive as porcelain veneers, as it may require significantly more time and skill from the dentist.