Dental Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers
Unattractive teeth can cause patients to feel embarrassed about the appearance of their smiles. But no matter what your dental budget may be, you don't have to live with the insecurity. Our skilled Boston cosmetic dentists at the world-class Dental Associates of New England can help you successfully achieve a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile. Let's take a closer look at two popular cosmetic dental procedures: porcelain veneers and dental bonding.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a technologically advanced dental treatment that perfects your smile. Because veneers are able to address a wide variety of dental concerns, patients who want to change the appearance, color, and alignment of their teeth should consider the use of porcelain veneers.
The following are just some of the issues porcelain veneers can correct or adjust:
- The size of teeth
- The shape of teeth
- The length of teeth
- Discoloration of teeth
- Wide gaps or spacing between teeth
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Teeth that are worn down
- Teeth that are severely decayed
Porcelain dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that are placed on the teeth to mask dental imperfections; the size, shape, and color of each veneer is tailored to complement your new smile. During the veneer treatment process, one of our Boston porcelain veneers dentists will carefully reshape the teeth to prepare them for placement of the veneers. Porcelain veneers offer many advantages to patients. They are durable and resistant to fading, and they provide protection for the patient's natural teeth. With proper care, including good oral hygiene, your veneers will provide excellent smile makeover results for years to come.
Cosmetic Tooth Bonding
Cosmetic tooth bonding is a dental procedure that can treat many of the same conditions as porcelain veneers. These include repairing cracks and cavities, whitening teeth, changing a tooth's length or shape, and filling gaps between teeth. In a dental bonding treatment, the dentist applies a resin that is chosen to match or whiten the tooth. The resin is carefully shaped, and then a special ultraviolet light is used to harden the material and bond it to the tooth. After a polish and shine, the bonding treatment is complete.
One advantage of cosmetic tooth bonding is the speed of the procedure, as it usually requires a single visit. Since tooth bonding is a less complicated cosmetic dental procedure than porcelain veneers, it is less expensive.
A bonded tooth requires regular brushing and flossing, just like a natural tooth. Patients should take care as bonding material can chip under heavy pressure. Avoid chewing on certain foods and objects (such as hard candy, ice, pens, and your fingernails) to prevent damage to the dental bonding material.
For More Information, Please Contact Us
The choice between dental bonding and porcelain veneers isn't one you have to make alone. Discussing your personal dental goals with a highly trained dentist is the best way to decide which procedures are right for you. To schedule a consultation at your convenience, please contact us at our Boston, Massachusetts dental center. Our dental experts are ready to assist you.
