Bonding and veneers are common treatments performed by a cosmetic dentist to fix stained, chipped, and poorly shaped teeth. They are relatively easy to apply and may even be painless. While these techniques are generally used as a substitution for crowns, deciding which treatment is best should be a decision made between the patient and an oral care expert by considering its pros and cons.

Veneers And Bonding

Made from an acrylic or porcelain casing, a veneer sits over your natural tooth. On your first appointment, the oral care professional will use anesthetic to eliminate the pain caused by cutting down the enamel on your damaged tooth. The dental professional will then make an impression of the area and send it to a special lab that will make the veneers specifically for your mouth. A chemical is applied on a second dental visit once the veneers are complete. This chemical scratches the enamel's surface so the glue (composite resin cement) seals the veneer to your tooth properly.

Bonding is a white plastic-like material that is coated on your affected teeth. The cosmetic dentist can even use this material to reshape and fix poorly formed teeth. The surface of the enamel is scratched with a chemical and the resin is applied to the tooth. Then, the dental expert will aim a special light on the resin to cure it. These steps are repeated until the bonding has become thick enough to reshape your tooth. Finally, the oral care expert will shine the medium to make it look more like your natural teeth.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Veneers

The bad news is that veneers do involve a small amount of pain. However, it is easily handled with a little freezing. They can also be a big investment that can stain with the consumption of wine or tobacco use. In addition, this treatment can still allow decay of the tooth underneath its porcelain. It isn't all bad though. Veneers last significantly longer than bonding (up to 20 years) and are one of the most natural looking options, particularly when covering large fillings.

The Ups And Downs Of Bonding

One reason why bonding is so popular is that it is painless and a fast treatment. It only requires one visit and no freezing is necessary. An oral care expert often recommends this treatment when several teeth are in need of repair or for a child whose teeth will grow and change. It is an affordable option that can be redone as the child grows and his or her teeth mature. It is not without its downfalls though. Bonding only lasts between five and ten years, it stains easily, and decay is possible under the resin as well.

A cosmetic dentist in San Jose and oral care professionals throughout the country use these treatments to correct damaged teeth all the time. They aren't the best option for everyone. Which treatment you choose will depend on your cosmetic dentist, the problems being treated, time, and cost. This decision is one best made with careful consideration and discussion between you and your dental expert.