Sciota, Pennsylvania
Are you unhappy with the appearance of your smile? If so, you are not alone; one recent study found that 60% of respondents were unhappy with some aspect of the way their smile looked. Today, cosmetic dentistry can transform the way your smile looks. Using state-of-the-art techniques and materials, the team at Quiet Valley Dental can make smiles more beautiful through their program of cosmetic dental services. Two of the most popular treatment options in cosmetic dentistry are bonding and veneers. Keep reading as, today on the blog, we explore the similarities and differences between these two treatments.
What do bonding and veneers have in common? Versatility
Many of the same aesthetic flaws can be addressed by either type of treatment. These issues include teeth that are chipped, cracked, broken, slightly crooked, misshapen or differently sized. Either treatment also can be used to conceal an undesired gap between two teeth.
Both procedures also are minimally invasive. A bonding procedure involves having a resin sculpted onto your teeth. By contrast, modern porcelain veneers entail having only a small portion of the exterior of your tooth removed so that the veneer makes a flush bond.
Veneers are more expensive than bonding
Arguably the biggest factor that distinguishes bonding from veneers is cost. Our veneer procedure at Quiet Valley Dental utilizes veneers that are made of dental porcelain. This is a durable, beautiful material that resists extrinsic stains and possesses a similar translucency to natural tooth enamel. However, it also is one of the most expensive materials in all of cosmetic dentistry. Meanwhile, bonding is considered one of the more cost-effective cosmetic treatments available. If you have dental insurance, your provider may even cover a bonding treatment, whereas the dental insurance industry tends to consider veneers an elective procedure—and thus, not coverable—across the board.
Bonding is more convenient
Cosmetic dentistry is a great way to improve the appearance of almost anyone’s smile, but cosmetic work can be taxing if you’re impatient or needing to resolve aesthetic flaws in a hurry. This is because most cosmetic procedures take at least two appointments to complete, usually scheduled at least a couple of weeks apart. What if you feel you have an immediate need to improve your smile, such as an upcoming event like a reunion, wedding, or function where photos will be taken? If so, bonding could be the ideal choice. In many cases, your cosmetic dentist in Sciota can complete an entire bonding treatment in less than an hour. Our veneer procedures, however, require multiple appointments to complete.
Veneers can produce certain results that bonding cannot
Brightening your teeth by just a few shades can make a dramatic difference in the look of your smile. A professional whitening treatment remains the most popular procedure in cosmetic dentistry. However, a whitening treatment will only remain effective for a limited period of time and also won’t resolve the appearance of intrinsic stains. Veneers, however, provide the appearance of whiter teeth for the entire effective lifespan of the procedure—usually 10 to 15 years, as long as you maintain a good regimen of dental hygiene.
Are bonding or veneers right for me?
There is no universal answer to this question. Both procedures have multiple advantages and can resolve many of the same aesthetic flaws. Your cosmetic dentist can help you make the decision. That’s why, at Quiet Valley Dental, we schedule a consultation with one of our cosmetic dentists for any patient who desires a cosmetic procedure. Make your appointment today by calling (570) 992-7040 or completing our online contact form.
