In cosmetic dentistry, two procedures are known for their purely cosmetic enhancements on the smile: porcelain veneers and composite bonding. Veneers are sheaths of dental porcelain that are permanently added to a tooth to alter its shape, size, and coloration. Bonding uses the precise application of composite resin—the same material used for white dental fillings—for improving its dimensions.
Because of their shared purpose, a dental patient seeking purely esthetic treatment may not be sure when one treatment is more appropriate than the other. Ultimately, it comes down to the degree of adjustment the patient desires.
Fully Adjust the Tooth with Veneers
A porcelain veneer covers the entire treated tooth. This allows veneers to improve the color of an internally stained tooth, as well as change its overall shape and size for a more uniform smile. Because of the nature of the veneer, the entire tooth will be adjusted during treatment.
As such, cosmetic dental treatments with porcelain veneers are best saved for use when the treated teeth require complete permanent adjustment. A tooth that is too small to be effectively served by bonding would require the level of change caused by veneers; the same is true if the cracks and chips being concealed are too large for bonding. The same can be said of internal staining, which can only be treated by veneers. These treatments will last as long as the veneer does, so the patient must also be sure that they change provided is the exact adjustment they want.
Precise adjustments with Composite Bonding
Alternatively, not every patient wants a complete alteration to their teeth. Some patients only need a small chip or crack remedied to satisfy their cosmetic dental needs. The same can be said about gaps in the smile, depending upon how large or small they are. Simply put, if the adjustment required by cosmetic dental care is mild, then treatment with veneers is not warranted.
Instead, the right treatment to use would most likely be composite bonding. Just as dental fillings can treat smaller instances of decay for less invasive treatment, bonding can treat smaller esthetic concerns without the same level of alteration that a veneer needs. Additionally, bonding can be replaced if it wears down, whereas veneers are permanent and not easy to replace.
Contact Us for Cosmetic Dentistry
Roy Hart, DDS provides composite bonding and porcelain veneers in Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, and Jupiter. We also offer various other cosmetically inclined services to help your smile stay beautiful. To see if bonding, veneers, or other cosmetic dental options are what you need, call our practice and schedule your next dental appointment today!