Veneers vs. Dental Bonding: Which Is Right For Me?
Most people want to enjoy a smile that they feel confident sharing with others. Unfortunately, cosmetic blemishes are not uncommon. Even minor flaws can significantly impact the overall appearance of the smile. At his dental practice serving Monroeville and Pittsburgh, PA, Dr. Edward Narcisi offers cosmetic dentistry treatments to enhance the aesthetics of the smile.
Two popular cosmetic dentistry treatments are porcelain veneers and dental bonding. Dental bonding and porcelain veneers conceal imperfections to make the smile more attractive. Dr. Narcisi is happy to help his patients compare veneers to dental bonding so that they understand which treatment is best for their unique needs.
Dental Bonding Treatment
Dental bonding treatment is a fast and affordable way to address minor dental flaws. During the procedure, a tooth-colored compound is applied directly to the affected tooth (or teeth). The compound is shaped to the tooth to hide imperfections while maintaining its natural appearance. Once the desired appearance has been achieved, the compound is dried and hardened so that it bonds with the tooth.
Dental bonding treatment is typically completed in under an hour, and the results can last 5-10 years provided the patient practices good oral hygiene habits.
Dental Bonding Candidates
Dental bonding is able to address many of the most common oral blemishes, including:
- Dental stains and discoloration
- Chips, cracks, and fractures
- Gapped teeth
- Small or misshapen teeth
Dental bonding is ideally suited for individuals with minor aesthetic flaws (problems that do not interfere with oral health or functions). This treatment is also ideal for our Monroeville patients who want a fast and affordable way to enhance their smile.
Patients who choose dental bonding over veneers should understand that while the initial investment is lower, treatment will need to be repeated more frequently to maintain desired results.
Porcelain Veneers Treatment
Like dental bonding, porcelain veneers allow people to cover up imperfections that are detracting from the beauty of the smile. Typically, porcelain veneers are applied over the span of two dental appointments. However, at our dental practice, Dr. Narci utilizes technology that allows him to offer same-day veneers.
To start treatment, a very thin layer of tooth enamel is removed. This creates space for the veneers. Molds are taken of the teeth and design specifications are made. Design specifications are sent to our in-house milling device that creates the veneers while our patient waits.
Completed veneers are tested for fit and then bonded to the facial surface of the teeth with a special dental cement. While veneers treatment is slightly longer than dental bonding treatment, it is still a fast cosmetic solution for an imperfect smile.
Porcelain Veneers Candidates
Porcelain veneers conceal all of the same imperfections as dental bonding, so most patients are ideal candidates for this procedure. In addition, porcelain veneers can address minor misalignment problems, including crooked or twisted teeth.
The added benefit of porcelain veneers is that they are long-lasting. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last at least 10 years, and upwards of 20. This makes porcelain veneers a great treatment for those who want an effective and long-term solution for cosmetic dental flaws.
Contact Us to Learn More
Dr. Edward Narcisi offers a wide range of cosmetic dentistry treatments to enhance the appearance of the smile. If you would like to learn more about these services, and which may be right for your unique needs and desires, contact our dental practice online or call (412) 373-9447 to schedule an appointment.