Tooth issues, such as cracked, discolored or chipped teeth, can be resolved with dental veneers. The main downside of dental veneers are their cost.
There are, however, effective alternatives to veneers, including the popular option of dental bonding. Both dental veneers and bonding are cosmetic dentistry treatments that can improve your smile and help restore your oral health.
Comparing porcelain dental veneers and dental bonding is helpful to consult with Dr. Yost and identify the best solution for the patient’s unique situation.
Dental veneers are custom produced ceramic shells that adhere to the front surfaces of the damaged teeth. To place them, Dr. Yost typically must remove some enamel from your natural teeth. Once placed, porcelain veneers are not reversible. They will need replacing every ten to twenty years.
Dental bonding, on the other hand, may not require significant enamel removal. As a result, dental bonding is completely reversible. They will likely require touchups every three to ten years.
Dental bonding is great at repairing chips and gaps due to the coverage provided by resin that is applied to the surface of the tooth.
Bonding usually also takes less time to apply than dental veneers since molds do not need to be used to create the material placed on the teeth. The bonding is applied directly and then carefully molded to be the desired shape and size. This allows Dr. Yost to control in real time the application of the resin and how the bonding looks when finished.
There are some downsides with dental bonding too. Bonding is not as durable as veneers and is unlikely to last as long. The bonding resin is also more prone to staining from food and drinks that can cause discoloration, such as coffee, red wine, and berries.
As with most cosmetic dental procedures, the cost varies due to insurance coverage, geographical location and other factors. In many cases, dental insurance will cover dental bonding. If not, dental bonding can still cost much less than dental veneers.
Dr. Yost and the staff at Advanced Dental Artistry work closely with every patient to find the optimal treatment for their situation and provide options for how to cover the cost. Please contact us to schedule a consultation or ask questions about any of our dental treatments.
