Cosmetic Dentistry: Dental Bonding vs. Veneers

Cosmetic Dentistry: Dental Bonding vs. Veneers

cosmetic dentist San AntonioDo you desire a smile makeover? A visit to our cosmetic dentist for a consultation could help you determine which procedure(s) is right for you. Two popular treatment options we offer are dental bonding and porcelain veneers. While these procedures can produce similar results, their longevity and versatility vary.

Following is helpful information on dental bonding and veneers to improve your understanding of these cosmetic procedures.

Dental Bonding

This is an affordable treatment option that can cover common imperfections like chips and cracks. It can also be used to fill in gaps between teeth. Dental bonding is minimally invasive and relatively affordable, but it does require touch-ups every few years.

This treatment involves placing a tooth-colored compound in liquid form over dental imperfections and hardening it with a curing light. The compound used is the same material used to place white fillings. It is tintable, which means it can match existing biological tooth structure very closely.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can tackle a number of common dental flaws including chips, cracks, and tooth stains. A series of veneers can also be used to make a smile appear straighter and more proportionate. Our practice also offers Lumineers, a popular brand of veneers that require less preparation than conventional ones.

There are major differences between receiving veneers and dental bonding. First, veneers are cosmetic enhancements that are handcrafted to fit over specific teeth. These tooth-shaped and wafer-thin enhancements are permanently bonded over existing tooth structure to hide dental imperfections.

Veneers have a much longer lifespan than cosmetic bonding. With proper care, one can expect their veneers to last more than a decade while bonding may last a few years. Veneers are also resistant to staining and chipping. If a patient suffers from various types of dental imperfections, a set of porcelain veneers can produce a total smile makeover whereas bonding just addresses localized imperfections.

Our cosmetic dentist has extensive experience transforming smiles. We utilize advanced technology and techniques to help our patients enjoy a beautiful aesthetic for years to come. If you have questions about our treatment options, call Aesthetic Dental Partners to set-up a consultation.