You might be considering cosmetic dentistry to look professional, fix a distracting chip or gap in your teeth, or brighten worn, stained, or discolored teeth. There are several cosmetic procedures available to create your dream smile. Two common procedures for individual tooth or whole mouth makeovers are dental veneers and dental bonding. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
CNS-Dental in Arlington, VA services clients across Northern VA and the whole DMV. We expect you to have lots of questions when it comes to investing in your appearance. This article gives a general introduction to the pros and cons of dental bonding vs. dental veneers, but a personal consultation with one of our professional cosmetic dentists can help you make a more accurate decision on what would work best for your goals and smile.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Dental Veneers are a wafer-thin porcelain material placed over your teeth. The shape is specifically made to fit onto your tooth and create a natural look that blends in with surrounding teeth. Depending on your smile goals, a veneer can be used to hide one discolored or injured tooth, or cover several to create a healthy white that does not fade. A bit of your tooth is removed so the veneer fits snugly giving you a smooth even look. Veneers placement is generally painless but may require a few visits to get an accurate fit that will last a lifetime.
Finding a cosmetic dentist in Arlington, Virginia who has experience in placing veneers is very important to get an accurate placement and color match.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure where the surface of the tooth is prepared, and a new resin is applied directly on top. After the resin hardens, it is polished and shaped to complete the desired look. Dental bonding is not made to last forever. Cosmetic dentists often recommend dental bonding for minor imperfections where there is not much biting force such as the front teeth. Depending on how much bonding is required and how well a patient manages their teeth care a dental bonding can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years. As a simple and easy procedure, it can be completed in one office visit.
FAQ: Should I Choose Porcelain Veneers or Dental Bonding?
We are often asked this question and we do our best to inform our clients, so they can make the decision that is right for their goals and budget. Here are three areas to consider:
Cost: Veneers are made from porcelain and will usually cost more than the material used for bonding teeth. Since Veneers are permanent they can save you money over time compared to bonding which may break or will have to be replaced eventually. If you want to cover stains that are not helped by professional teeth whitening, veneers are often the chosen solution. Dental bonding will work better to repair chips or gaps.
Appearance: Both veneers and bonding are made to blend in with the color of your surrounding teeth. Veneers, however, are stain-resistant unlike the bonding resin which may darken over time. Cosmetic bonding is more useful for chipped or damaged teeth since it can be shaped like clay to fit your tooth.
Durability: Dental veneers are made for permanence, lasting 10 to 25 years. While they are not invincible, porcelain is more durable than the dental bonding resin. Again, depending on what your teeth need, bonding is still a strong material that can be used for repairing teeth.
Goals: Depending on the correction you want to make; a combination of dental bonding and veneers may be the best option. If you are looking for whiter teeth, try professional teeth whitening first. If you are not satisfied with the results, veneers may be the next best option for you.
Choose an Experienced Cosmetic Dentist in Northern VA!
Sometimes the biggest question is not what procedure but finding a cosmetic dentist you trust in Northern VA or the DMV to do the job right the first time. Located in Arlington, Virginia, CNS Dental provides compassionate and experienced dental services. We make choosing the right cosmetic procedure an easy choice. Give us a call or schedule a consultation to discover your possibilities!
Find out more about our cosmetic dentistry services in Arlington, VA.