Small Teeth Treatments: Bonding Vs. Veneers
Posted on: 28 June 2016
If you have a tooth, or several, that is smaller than the rest or creates gaps in your smile, there are a few different treatments that you can receive. Dental bonding and dental veneers are two of the common solutions that your dentist may suggest. Here are some details about each.
Dental Bonding
With dental bonding, a composite material is applied to your tooth and molded into shape. The process is called bonding because the process uses a UV light to help the material harden and bond to your tooth. Since the material can be shaped once it is applied to the tooth, you can get a custom fit without the need for weeks of waiting for a custom apparatus to be made for your teeth.
Dental Veneers
Another option is to get porcelain veneers made for your teeth. These veneers will be custom-made and adhered to your teeth to produce an even smile. Porcelain veneers can last a long time because the porcelain material is very durable.
Which is Right For You?
The solution you choose will depend on a few things. First, how much do you have to spend? Bonding tends to be a much more affordable process since the several-step veneer process can take up a lot of time and the materials are more expensive. Speed is another consideration; you can have dental bonding done in a single visit, while you'll have to come back once your custom veneers are made to have them put in place. Ease is another consideration, as bonding doesn't require the dentist to remove as much tooth enamel to put it in place. Dental bonding can be a good solution when you have a single tooth that needs to be fixed; it's a low-cost solution for a small problem.
On the other hand, there are some considerations for when you should use porcelain veneers as your treatment method. One is the appearance; the porcelain material is very life-like and resistant to stain, whereas the bonding material is softer and can be more vulnerable to stains over time. Porcelain veneers are also more durable, so you may not have to have them replaced or repaired as often. If you have several teeth that need to be repaired, dental veneers can be a better solution because there is less maintenance and follow-up to be done. Whichever solution you choose, both can be a great way to correct flaws in your smile's appearance.
For more information and options, talk with a professional dentist in your area, such as those at Sumter Family Dental Center PA.
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