Porcelain Veneers vs. Composite Dental Bonding
Blemishes on the teeth detract from the beauty of the smile and leave some patients feeling self-conscious about their appearance. At the Cosmetic Dentistry Institute, our experienced dentists offer a wide range of cosmetic dentistry treatments to address flaws and improve the beauty of the smile.
Porcelain veneers conceal the facial surface of the teeth to give patients a brighter, whiter smile. We also offer composite dental bonding to mask flaws and enhance the smile. Our dental team goes over some of the primary differences regarding porcelain veneers vs. composite dental bonding to give our Troy, MI, patients an understanding of which is best-suited to their unique needs and desires.
Porcelain Veneer Candidates
Porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile cosmetic dentistry treatments. Because of the many flaws that can be addressed through porcelain veneers treatment, almost any patient who wants to improve the appearance of the smile is a potential candidate for porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers bond to the front of the teeth to conceal any combination of:
- Chips, cracks, and fractures
- Dental stains and discoloration
- Gapped teeth
- Minor misalignment problems
- Small or misshapen teeth
As long as our Troy patients have good overall oral health, ample tooth enamel, and are willing to commit to the long-term care of their veneers, they are likely ideal candidates for treatment.
Porcelain Veneers Treatment
Porcelain veneers treatment is generally completed over the span of two dental appointments. At the first dental appointment, our dentists design a set of veneers that will address the patient’s specific aesthetic concerns.
The teeth will also be prepped for treatment at this appointment. Preparation involves removing a thin layer of tooth enamel from all the teeth that will be treated. Finally, our dentists will take molds of the teeth so that we can create a set of veneers that fit comfortably over the teeth.
At the patient’s second appointment, completed veneers will be placed. Before bonding the veneers in place, we will test the fit to make sure they fit comfortably and securely. If no adjustments are needed, they will be bonded to the teeth with a special dental compound. Once veneers are in place, they can last for up to 10 years, as long as they are cared for properly.
Composite Dental Bonding Candidates
Composite dental bonding is another versatile cosmetic dentistry treatment. This treatment also addresses a wide range of oral blemishes, including:
- Dental stains
- Chips, cracks, or fractures
- Gapped teeth
- Misshapen teeth
The main difference between dental bonding and porcelain veneers is that composite dental bonding is better suited for smaller, more minor imperfections. If our Troy patients only have a couple of teeth that need treatment, composite dental bonding may be the best option. But, if a large set of teeth require treatment or if numerous imperfections are present, porcelain veneers are probably the better option.
Composite Dental Bonding Treatment
Dental bonding is a quick procedure that is typically completed in under an hour. During treatment, a tooth-colored compound is placed directly over the tooth (or teeth). Our dentist will shape the compound so that it covers cosmetic flaws and blends in with the natural teeth, creating a more attractive smile. When the desired results have been achieved, the compound will be hardened and bonded to the teeth with a special dental light.
Composite dental bonding is more affordable than porcelain veneers, but its uses are more limited and the results do not last quite as long. To maintain the results of dental bonding, treatment will likely need to be repeated within about five years.
Learn More
The experienced dentists at the Cosmetic Dentistry Institute are happy to answer any questions you may have about porcelain veneers and composite dental bonding. Contact us today to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services, or call (248) 519-1919 to schedule an appointment.