Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA
When you look at your teeth in the mirror, what do you see? Many of us dislike some aspect of our smile. Cosmetic dentistry makes it possible to transform your smile’s appearance; a well-trained cosmetic dentist in Bloomsburg uses cutting-edge tools and techniques to resolve aesthetic issues with your teeth and produce dazzling results. Two popular and versatile cosmetic treatments available are dental bonding and veneers. In this article, Dr. Joel Hamilton and Dr. Leigh Jacopetti will explore the differences between these procedures, and help you decide which is right for you.
Cost is the major difference between bonding and veneers
A dental bonding treatment is one of the most economical options in all of cosmetic dentistry. This is because a bonding procedure uses less expensive materials, and usually is completed in a single appointment, whereas many other cosmetic treatments at Hamilton Dental Care require at least two office visits. Do not be fooled by the more affordable cost, however, because dental bonding produces some of the most natural-looking results. Bonding even is covered sometimes by dental insurance, depending on your provider and your plan. Veneers, by contrast, are considered by most dental insurance plans as an entirely elective procedure. Veneers also require multiple appointments and use more expensive materials—specifically, dental porcelain.
Bonding is convenient
Bonding and veneers can address many of the same minor imperfections: teeth that are chipped, cracked or oddly shaped. Both treatments also can conceal an unwanted gap between teeth, usually the front teeth. However, as mentioned above, dental bonding is a quicker fix.
A dental bonding treatment often can be completed in an hour or less. It’s a simple procedure that involves applying a cosmetic resin to the tooth or teeth being treated. This resin will be matched to the shade of your other healthy teeth and hardened when exposed to a special light. The results of a bonding treatment are immediate, making this procedure ideal for people who want to improve the look of their teeth in a single day.
Veneers, meanwhile, are handcrafted at our dental lab. This is why it takes two appointments to receive a veneer: one to have your tooth prepared, impressions taken, and a temporary restoration placed, and then a follow-up appointment where your permanent veneer is placed.
Veneers last longer
No cosmetic dental treatment is going to last forever, but if you are diligent about your oral hygiene, your veneers will last for years. In addition to correcting some of the aesthetic flaws listed above, veneers also can brighten teeth that have discoloration that has not responded well to teeth whitening procedures. Veneers also can be a good option for patients who want longer-lasting whiter teeth. Dental porcelain has a luminescent quality similar to natural tooth enamel, and the porcelain is resistant to being stained by tobacco or the consumption of red wine, dark-colored fruits, and other foods and drinks that can stain teeth.
What’s the biggest negative about bonding and veneers?
Honestly, we don’t see a drawback to either procedure. Both address many of the same aesthetic flaws, and both produce similar results—a better-looking smile that gives you more self-confidence. Whether you choose bonding, veneers, or one of the other cosmetic procedures at Hamilton Dental Care, it is important to know that the results of your cosmetic work will last longer if you maintain a diligent regimen of oral hygiene that includes brushing twice per day, daily flossing, and seeing your dentist in Bloomsburg every six months for a check-up.
If you aren’t sure which treatment is best for you, just contact our office at (570) 387-0533 to set up a consultation. Dr. Joel Hamilton and Dr. Leigh Jacopetti can use cosmetic dentistry to improve your smile.
Hamilton Dental Care serves patients in the communities of Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA.
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