Dental Bonding Vs Veneers
Are you concerned about your crooked, stained, or chipped teeth that are ruining your smile and personality? No need to worry; cosmetic dentistry has the answer to all your problems. Thanks to modern cosmetic dentistry, even the most complex aesthetic issues can be solved in a matter of hours. This article will discuss the two most commonly used cosmetic procedures that can do wonders with your smile and facial aesthetics: dental bonding and veneers. Read on to find how these procedures can help you enjoy a smile you have always dreamed of.
Should I Get Dental Veneers Or Dental Bonding?
Both dental bonding and veneers are procedures that are aimed at improving one’s smile. However, they differ in how their method of fabrication and application procedure. According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, dental bonding is a procedure in a tooth-coloured resin is applied on damaged teeth to restore their structure, function, and aesthetics. On the other hand, veneers are defined by the Oral Health Foundation as thin, tooth-coloured shells or porcelain or resins that are applied to the front surface of the teeth, mainly for cosmetic purposes. The choice between veneers or dental bonding to restore your teeth depends on various factors, such as the tooth’s location, the extent of damage, and your budget. Your dentist may recommend the most suitable among the two after a careful clinical examination.
Are Veneers Better Than Teeth Bonding?
Dental veneers offer several advantages over dental bonding. First, veneers are prepared in the dental laboratory. Therefore, they have fewer structural errors and last for a longer time. Secondly, porcelain veneers have a natural translucence, which allows them to offer considerably better aesthetics than composite fillings as they are more stain resistant. Finally, porcelain veneers are stronger and more durable than composite fillings.
Can Dental Bonding Be Whitened?
While natural teeth stains can be easily removed through professional whitening or at-home products, it is not possible to whiten composite bonded fillings. This is because the bleaching agent cannot act in the same way to remove the stains from bonded fillings on natural tooth surfaces. However, there is no need to worry. If you wish to get your teeth whitened - including your bonded filings - then your dentist will first remove or repair the old composite fillings and replace them with fresh filings. Afterwards, they will perform whitening on your natural teeth and match the shade of your newly bonded tooth surfaces.
Can Dental Veneers Be Whitened?
Like bonded fillings, porcelain or composite veneers cannot be whitened. The only option to remove stains from veneers is to repair them - if possible - or replace them with new veneers. After veneer replacement, your dentist will whiten your natural teeth and match their shade with your new veneers. In this way, both your veneered and natural teeth will become virtually indistinguishable from one another.
How Do They Put Veneers On Teeth?
Getting veneers is a simple and straightforward process that is typically completed in 1-2 sittings. During the first appointment, your dentist will remove a thin layer from the surface of the tooth. This is done to create space for attaching the veneers. Your dentist will then make an impression of your teeth and send themto the dental laboratory for fabrication. In the next appointment, your dentist will try the veneers on your teeth without bonding them permanently. Once you and the dentist are satisfied with the aesthetics and fit of your veneers will be bonded to the prepared teeth with an adhesive. In some cases, dentists may also restore teeth with veneers in a single sitting - at the dental chairside.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers offer the following benefits:
- Excellent aesthetics
- Stronger and more durable than bonded fillings
- Can be used to fix a variety of cosmetic problems like small gaps, chipped, cracked or crooked teeth.
- More stain resistant than bonding
The drawbacks of veneers include limited repair potential and high cost.
Can Dental Composite Bonding Cover Severe Fluorosis?
Dental fluorosis is caused due to the exposure of the teeth to a high concentration of fluoride. This problem mainly occurs in people living in areas having a high fluoride water concentration. Since the bonded fillings do not contain fluoride, they do not cause fluorosis. On the other hand, bonded fillings and veneers are excellent options for masking the permanent staining of teeth caused by fluorosis.
Is Tooth Bonding Safe And Permanent?
Tooth bonding is a safe procedure that does not carry any health risk. However, like all other dental treatment options, bonding is not permanent. According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, bonded fillings tend to last anywhere between 3-4 before requiring repair or replacement.
Do Composite Veneers Ruin Your Teeth?
Composite veneers, if done by an experienced and qualified dentist, will not harm your teeth in any way. In fact, it is a minimally invasive procedure in which your dentist will simply remove the damaged tooth structure followed by the attachment of the resin veneer. So, there is no need to worry about
Is It A Bad Idea To Veneer Healthy Teeth?
Cosmetic dentists are trained to recommend a treatment option that offers the best functional and aesthetic outcomes. Porcelain veneers are very thin; they don’t require the removal of a significant amount of healthy tooth structure, and if done correctly, they won’t make your teeth sensitive or prone to secondary tooth decay. So, veneers are not a bad idea as long as it recommended by your cosmetic dentist.
What Are The Reasons Why Dental Veneers Are Worth It?
The biggest reason for preferring veneers for tooth restoration is their stain resistance and the excellent aesthetics they offer. Besides, if looked after properly, your veneers can last much longer than composite bonded filings. So, if you are looking for the best aesthetic outcome, then veneers should be your first choice.
Dental veneers are a fantastic option for rejuvenating your smile. If you are looking for a complete smile makeover with veneers in Liverpool, Crosby Dental is the best place. We take pride in having one of the most qualified and experienced dental teams at Crosby Dental that is fully equipped to take care of all your problems. So, are you ready to get the smile of your dreams?
CIfall 0151 286 0330 today
Author
Dr Peter Doyle
GDC No: 64847
Peter qualified from Manchester University Dental School in 1989 and after returning to his hometown of Liverpool, he established Crosby Dental. He has a special interest in high-end cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic treatments. Peter offers private treatment only.