The Choice is Yours: Bonding or Veneers for a Perfect Smile.
Do you have damaged, stained or misshapen teeth? Although these common concerns may be considered cosmetic, they can also impact your dental health and should be addressed by Dr. Becker in our Columbia dentist office.
There are typically two common treatment options for these dental concerns: porcelain veneers and tooth bonding. Dr. Becker, an experienced cosmetic and restorative dentist, will perform a thorough exam and discuss your personal concerns and goals before making a recommendation for the appropriate treatment.
Although tooth bonding and porcelain veneers can treat similar problems, there are distinct differences between the two that affect the procedure, treatment costs and longevity of results. Dr. Becker will discuss this during a consultation but here are some important points to consider when faced with these options.
Tooth Bonding vs Dental Veneers
Tooth bonding
A dentist can use tooth bonding to address minor cosmetic concerns. Dental health concerns such as small chips or cracks in a tooth, cavities and small gaps between the teeth. This dental treatment is typically completed during a single visit to our Howard County dental office.
Tooth bonding requires no tooth preparation and will generally last around 5 years with good dental care and oral hygiene. It is often recommended as a preliminary step to dental veneers for patients who are still growing or who do not want to incur the cost of dental veneers. To learn more about dental bonding, see Tooth Bonding.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can address a wider range of concerns, including tooth stains or spots that can not be treated successfully with teeth whitening. They are a permanent solution to your cosmetic or dental health problems and can dramatically change the overall look of your smile. A multi-step process, porcelain veneers require Dr. Becker to remove a small portion of the tooth’s surface for placement of the custom made dental veneers.
Porcelain veneers are made of an ultra thin, translucent material that reflects light like a natural tooth, providing a beautiful and natural looking smile. They are highly durable and stain resistant, lasting for many years with proper oral hygiene and dental care. To learn more about porcelain veneers, see Porcelain Veneers.