Do you feel unhappy with the way that your teeth appear? Whether you want your teeth to look brighter, straighter, or fuller, your dentist can help you get the smile of your dreams through cosmetic dentistry.
They will come up with an individualized treatment plan that will get you your desired results, each with its own benefits. There will be several options available that may work for you, including tooth bonding and porcelain veneers. Read on to learn more about these two cosmetic dental solutions that can achieve your smile aesthetic goals in different ways.
Sculpting Resin to Your Aesthetic Goals with Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding refers to a cosmetic dental procedure in which a dentist sculpts tooth-colored composite resin to your teeth according to your desired appearance. The dentist must first etch into your tooth enamel to prepare the teeth to receive this treatment. But they will give you a local anesthetic to ensure you do not feel pain.
Then within this same appointment, the dentist applies the resin which can cover dental discoloration, tooth breakage, and irregular shaping in your teeth. They cure it to harden it into place and then give it a final polish for a beautiful finish.
The bonding can stain if you are not careful, so pay attention to aftercare instructions provided by your dentist. This treatment allows you to enhance the appearance of your teeth in an affordable and effective way.
While not permanent, you can enjoy these effects for three to ten years with proper maintenance. Call your dentist if you would like a touch-up appointment for your dental bonding.
Attaching Custom Shells to Teeth with Porcelain Veneers
You can find more durable and long-lasting smile enhancement with the cosmetic dental solution porcelain veneers. This treatment involves custom-made shells that a dentist will attach to the front of your teeth to build a straighter and whiter smile that suits your aesthetic goals.
The dentist will use tooth bonding to secure the veneers into place. So you will experience the same etching and resin application process as you would with dental bonding. It acts as a cement for the veneers, keeping them in place for about fifteen years.
This is significantly longer than dental bonding treatment, and veneers will resist staining and decay. However, they are not indestructible. You will need to maintain good oral habits to ensure the veneers do not become loose, dislodge, or break.
Porcelain veneers will cost more than bonding, but the longer-lasting results make this process worth it. It will also take longer to receive veneers than to complete tooth bonding. Where bonding requires one appointment, you will need two or more visits to your dentist to prepare the teeth and then attach the custom-made veneers.
Some patients prefer a less permanent cosmetic dental solution, which would make bonding more appealing. Consult with your dentist to learn how each of these treatments can assist with your unique dental needs.