Whether you’re interested in a whiter, brighter smile or need to fix minor to moderate cosmetic damage to your teeth, there have never been more options available to improve and makeover your smile. Cosmetic dentistry treatments like bonding and veneers are both minimally invasive and relatively quick treatments that can dramatically improve your smile in just a few visits to the dentist’s office.
At Scott Young, DDS, our dentists offer cosmetic and general dentistry services at our office in The Woodlands, Texas.
Though similar, there are a few distinctions between cosmetic bonding and veneers to consider when choosing the best option for your needs. We can help you find the best treatment for all your oral health and cosmetic dentistry needs.
Cosmetic bonding and porcelain dental veneers overlap in many ways. Both are a cosmetic treatment that changes the size, shape, and color of your teeth, and fix minor to moderate imperfections such as:
Bonding and veneers can be purely cosmetic, but they also correct surface damage to the front teeth, whether it’s a chipped or cracked tooth.
Tooth bonding is the more conservative treatment as it’s usually completed in a single appointment and doesn’t require enamel removal. Bonding works best for minor damage and imperfections and for teeth whitening purposes.
Bonding is usually less expensive than veneers, but the composite resin material is not as durable and strong as ceramic and porcelain veneers so they typically don’t last as long and may fade and become dull over time.
Veneers are made from stronger ceramic and porcelain material, so they’re more expensive and are ideal for moderate damage and imperfections. Since they’re more durable they usually last longer than bonding.
Veneers require a few more appointments, and our team may need to remove a thin layer of tooth enamel to fit the veneer to the tooth.
Our dentists will perform a comprehensive dental exam and recommend the best option for you depending on the extent of damage, your desired results, and your individual circumstances. Bonding and veneers are both great options for correcting common cosmetic problems or making improvements and changes to something you don’t like about your smile.
Whichever option you choose, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll still have to practice good oral hygiene, limit exposure to food and drinks that can stain your teeth, avoid smoking, and get regular dental checkups and cleanings to protect your restorations and your oral health.
For more information about the cosmetic dentistry options available to you, contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, or request an appointment online.
