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Compare Dental Bonding and Veneers

Do you feel unhappy with the size of your teeth, your dental alignment, or the color of your smile? Dissatisfaction with your smile’s appearance can lead to a blow in your self-esteem that can impact your confidence in other aspects of your life. A dentist can evaluate your smile to find a personalized treatment plan that will give you the smile of your dreams.

Two types of procedures a dentist can employ to accomplish this include teeth bonding and porcelain veneers. Read on to learn how both of these cosmetic dental solutions can help you achieve your smile aesthetic goals though in different ways.

cosmetic dental treatments in Washington DC

Teeth Bonding Sculpts Teeth According to Aesthetic Goals

Teeth bonding treatment refers to a cosmetic dental procedure where a dentist uses composite resin to mold the teeth for a more enhanced appearance. The dentist can help you get a whiter, straighter, and more even smile this way.

The process begins with your dentist etching into the enamel of your affected teeth to make the resin better able to adhere. Then they sculpt the tooth-colored resin to the teeth according to your goals.

This minute level of attention allows for a detailed and more compatible finish. They complete the process by curing and hardening the resin so that it stays put on your teeth. The dentist can do all this during one appointment.

With proper care and maintenance, bonding will last for three to ten years. You can discuss touch-up opportunities if you notice effects beginning to fade.

Pay attention to the aftercare guidelines to get the most out of your treatment. For instance, bonding can stain if you consume staining agents. Many people appreciate that they can use this affordable, quick method to improve the look of their teeth.

Porcelain Veneers Build an Enhanced-Looking Smile

Porcelain veneers feature custom-made caps that a dentist will attach to the front of a patient’s teeth to give them a brighter, more aligned, and otherwise enhanced smile. They use bonding as cement to secure these caps, so you can anticipate a similar procedure at the beginning of the treatment.

But veneers will require more than one appointment at your dentist’s office to complete. A dentist will prepare the teeth as with bonding. But you will need to return after the custom veneers are built to have them attached to your teeth.

Once in place, veneers can endure for fifteen years or longer. They resist staining for long-lasting cosmetic benefits. But veneers can dislodge or break under high pressure, so do not bite down on unnecessarily hard items.

If you do sustain damage to your veneers, call your dentist right away. They will repair and replace them before the underlying teeth can suffer further harm.

Veneers cost more than bonding and will take longer to complete, but you can see more enduring results. Consult with your dentist to find the best cosmetic dental treatment to accomplish your aesthetic goals.