Some people feel self-conscious about their smile because of dental imperfections. Luckily, cosmetic dentistry offers solutions to these concerns. Two popular treatments for dental imperfections are dental bonding and veneers. These procedures use composite materials to cover teeth imperfections like chips, gaps, and discoloration. But which treatment is the best for you? In this blog post, we will compare dental bonding and veneers to help you decide.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made tooth coverings that are placed on top of the teeth to cover dental imperfections. They are made of either porcelain or composite resin material. Porcelain veneers are stronger and last longer. They offer a natural-looking smile and are resistant to staining. Composite resin veneers are less expensive and can be easily repaired. Both types of veneers require some tooth enamel removal. The process of getting veneers can take two or three appointments, and the patient waits for a laboratory to fabricate the veneers.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding, also known as composite bonding, is a procedure that uses composite resin material to cover dental imperfections. The composite resin is applied to the tooth surface, shaped, and polished to match the natural teeth' color. Dental bonding can fix minor tooth imperfections like chips, gaps, and stains. The procedure is fast and can be done in one appointment. However, bonding is not as durable as veneers and can chip or stain over time.
Cost
Dental bonding costs less than veneers. Since bonding requires no laboratory work, the cost is significantly lower. The cost of veneers varies depending on the material used, the number of teeth involved, and the dentist performing the procedure.
Durability
Veneers are more durable and long-lasting than bonding. Porcelain veneers last much longer than composite veneers. Composite veneers still last longer than dental bonding. Boding also may require touch-up repairs during its lifespan.
Both dental bonding and veneers can be effective treatments for dental imperfections. Veneers are suitable for people with severe dental imperfections that cannot be treated with dental bonding. Bonding is suitable for those with minor imperfections. Dental bonding is an affordable and fast solution for minor dental imperfections. Veneers, on the other hand, offer long-lasting durability and natural-looking results for more severe cases. Therefore, the cost, durability, and extent of the dental imperfections determine which treatment option is the best for you. Consult a cosmetic dentist to learn more or decide which treatment is suitable for you.
Our oral surgery and general dental website offers important information on how to prevent dry socket following a tooth extraction. After getting your tooth pulled, a protective blood clot develops over the extraction site. Many of our blog posts explain how this protective clot helps promote healing after an extraction.
You'll learn that if the clot is accidentally dislodged, dry socket may occur, which can raise your risk for infection and heavy bleeding. We'll provide you with important tips on how to prevent this by avoiding smoking and drinking through a straw. You'll also learn that swishing water around your mouth should be avoided for a couple of days following your extraction because doing so creates a suction that may dislodge your clot, leading to dry socket.