Sciota, Pennsylvania
Spring is on the way and, with it, comes the season of proms, graduations and weddings – all events where pictures are taken. You want to be sure you look your best but perhaps you’re hesitant to show off your smile because of some perceived aesthetic flaw. Cosmetic dentistry makes it possible for most people to have the fantastic-looking smile they always wanted. Two of the most popular treatments in cosmetic dentistry, bonding and veneers, work in a similar fashion. Which one is right for you? Your cosmetic dentists in Sciota explore that topic today on the blog.
Cosmetic bonding
A cosmetic bonding procedure entails the application of a resin-like material to the front of the tooth being treated. At Quiet Valley Dental, we employ a light curable composite material similar to what we use in our tooth-colored fillings. Our dentist sculpts the resin to reshape the appearance of the affected tooth, then matches the material to the color of your other teeth. A bonding treatment is versatile. It can correct small chips, cracks or fractures; address the erosion of dental enamel; or conceal an unwanted gap between two teeth.
Advantages of bonding
- Convenience – A bonding treatment often can be completed in about an hour.
- Price – Because the materials used are less expensive compared to other cosmetic treatments, bonding is one of the most cost-effective options in all of cosmetic dentistry.
- Reversible – You can have a bonding treatment reversed or removed without doing any damage to your teeth.
Disadvantages of bonding
- Limitations – Bonding is not the recommended choice if you want to treat several or all the teeth in your mouth.
- Stains – After a bonding treatment, your teeth remain susceptible to extrinsic stains from foods, drinks, and/or tobacco use.
Veneers
A veneer is a thin shell placed over the front surface of your tooth, creating a new look. Veneers can be used to treat a single tooth, multiple teeth or they can be installed on all the visible tooth surfaces in your mouth. Quiet Valley Dental works with veneers made of dental porcelain. This is a beautiful and durable material that will resist extrinsic stains. Veneers also have a similar translucency to real tooth enamel. During the veneer process, one of our Sciota cosmetic dentists removes a small portion of the existing structure, ensuring the veneer bonds flush against the tooth or teeth being treated. Digital scanning technology takes images of your teeth, and those images get transmitted to our dental laboratory while you receive a temporary restoration. You return to our dental office in Sciota about two weeks later to receive your permanent veneers.
Advantages of veneers
- Long-lasting – With good dental hygiene, veneers can last at least a decade, if not longer.
- Stain-resistant – As mentioned earlier, porcelain veneers will not stain due to tobacco or foods and drinks.
- More versatile – In addition to correcting all of the issues that a bonding treatment can, veneers can permanently whiten your smile. You also can receive veneers on multiple teeth at once.
Disadvantages of veneers
- Not reversible – Once veneers are placed, they cannot be removed without potentially compromising your tooth enamel, which may leave your teeth very vulnerable to damage or decay.
- Expense – Veneers have a higher cost because of the dental porcelain and the technology that is used to make them.
Should I choose bonding or veneers?
The only way to know the answer to this question is to schedule a consultation with one of our Sciota cosmetic dentists, Dr. Brian Chuisano or Dr. David Miller. This meeting will help determine what treatment will help you best reach your aesthetic goals. Are you ready to take the next step? Then schedule a consultation at Quiet Valley Dental today by calling (570) 992-7040 or visiting our website.
