Dental Bonding or Porcelain Veneers?
A healthy smile is extremely important for maintaining the structure and integrity of the teeth, gums, and jaw bone. While cosmetic dentist Victor R. Siegel dedicates a large portion of his practice to maintaining and restoring oral health, he also recognizes how important the aesthetics of the smile are to patients. Our patients want to be confident knowing that they are sharing a smile that is bright and beautiful. To help patients achieve this goal, Dr. Siegel offers an array of cosmetic treatments that erase the signs of common blemishes and imperfections. For our Bethesda patients, dental bonding and porcelain veneers are two popular procedures that enhance the appearance of the smile by concealing cosmetic flaws. Dr. Siegel explains the difference between these procedures and helps patients determine which is right for them.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is an easy cosmetic solution for a large range of cosmetic flaws. This procedure is fast, affordable, and non-invasive. After creating a slightly rough surface on the tooth, a composite material is applied directly to the tooth in order to conceal discoloration, stains, chips, or cracks. Dental bonding can also be used to fill in a small gap between the teeth. After being layered on the tooth, the composite material is filed and shaped so that it blends in seamlessly with the natural tooth enamel. It is then hardened using a special light. The entire procedure can be easily completed in a single dental appointment. The composite material that is used is carefully chosen in a color that will blend in with the natural teeth. Dental bonding can mask minor flaws to improve the appearance of the teeth and overall smile.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are another option for patients with aesthetic blemishes. Porcelain veneers are extremely thin restorations that cover the front of the teeth. Because the entire facial surface of the tooth is concealed, porcelain veneers can erase signs of discoloration, stains, chips, cracks, gaps, and crooked, overcrowded, or gapped teeth.
The porcelain veneers process takes two dental appointments. At an initial appointment, a treatment plan will be created and the teeth will be prepared for treatment by the removal of a minimal amount of enamel. Porcelain veneers are considered a non-reversible treatment because the surfaces of the teeth are permanently altered. At the second appointment, the completed veneers will be bonded to the surface of the teeth. Each set of veneers is customized in shape, size, and color so that they will complement each patient’s smile and facial features. Porcelain veneers can be applied to just a single tooth or up to several teeth in order to create an aesthetically pleasing smile.
Which Is Right for Me?
There are advantages and disadvantages for patients to consider for each of these cosmetic treatment options. Porcelain veneers offer the most drastic aesthetic improvement, allowing patients to address tooth color, shape, size, and alignment. However, for a patient with minimal cosmetic flaws, dental bonding is a less-invasive and more affordable treatment option. Which treatment is right for each patient will depend largely on the type of enhancement that is desired, the extent of flaws that are present, and personal preference. Dr. Siegel is happy to guide patients through this decision.
Contact Us
Whether your smile could use just a little touching up or is in need of major cosmetic enhancement, Dr. Victor R. Siegel offers cosmetic treatments that can help you achieve your ideal smile. Contact us at your earliest convenience to learn how Dr. Siegel can help you.
