Do you have parts of your pearly whites you wish you could fix? All smiles are unique, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a grin you aren’t proud of. Whether you have a chip, gaps between teeth, or discoloration, direct bonding and dental veneers can correct imperfections and give you the smile you’ve always hoped for. So, how can you know which treatment is the right choice for your smile? Read on to learn the difference between veneers and bonding as well as which one you should pick.
Issues That Direct Bonding & Porcelain Veneers Can Fix
Porcelain veneers and direct bonding are versatile cosmetic treatments that can correct a variety of imperfections. Some common things veneers and bonding are used to fix include:
- Chips, cracks, and other minor damage to the teeth
- Teeth that are worn down or misshapen
- Slightly crooked or misaligned teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Stains or discoloration
The Benefits of Direct Bonding
Also called cosmetic or dental bonding, this simple solution to minor to moderate dental damage uses a biocompatible composite resin that can be sculpted to the right size and shape to cover imperfections. Some of the benefits of dental bonding include:
- Minimally invasive–Unlike other services like dental crowns, direct bonding requires very little enamel removal.
- Cost-effective –Generally speaking, direct bonding can revitalize your smile at a much lower cost than porcelain veneers.
- Quick results – Though other cosmetic treatments may take several weeks to achieve the desired results, direct bonding generally transforms your smile in a single appointment.
The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are custom-made porcelain shells that are permanently bonded to the front of your teeth to change the appearance of your smile. Veneers offer several advantages, including:
- Uniform –Porcelain veneers cover the entire front surface of a tooth, so they make your entire smile look uniform.
- Stain-resistant –Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant, so your smile will stay bright for years to come.
- Red carpet-ready smiles –They create stunning, realistic results that have helped many top celebrities achieve award-winning smiles.
- Minimally invasive –Only a small amount of tooth enamel needs to be removed to attach porcelain veneers. This allows you to maintain most of the structure of your natural teeth.
- Durable and long-lasting results -Direct bonding usually needs to be redone five to 10 years after treatment, but porcelain veneers can last upwards of 15 years with proper care.
Knowing the difference between veneers and bonding will help you decide which one is best for you. Visit your dentist for a consultation so you can be on your way to the flawless smile you deserve!
About the Author
Dr. Karen Littlefield Neil has been providing the residents of Fort Worth with the exceptional oral health care they deserve for over three decades. If you’re unimpressed with your pearly whites and want to give them an upgrade, she offers cosmetic services like porcelain veneers and dental bonding to cover up imperfections. Want more information on the differences between bonding and veneers or ready to schedule an appointment? Visit her website or call her office at (817) 738-3368 today to get started.