Helping our patients maintain excellent oral health is at the heart of a family dentist’s mission. We also know that a beautiful smile helps boost confidence and self-esteem. Did you know that many family dentists are also top-notch cosmetic dentists? We love helping patients achieve the smile of their dreams. There are several options for repairing broken, discolored or misshapen teeth. Bonding and veneers are two of the best options. But as a patient, how do you know which one is right for you?
How Can Dental Veneers Improve My Smile?
As their name suggests, veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the front of your teeth. They can cover a range of cosmetic issues, including stained, cracked, chipped or misshapen teeth. Getting veneers is generally a two or three-visit process. We start with an initial consultation to discuss your issues and vision for your new smile. Then we make an impression of your teeth and create a customized veneer for each tooth, incorporating the shape, size and color you want.
What Are The Pros of Veneers?
- Veneers offer a polished yet natural look for a gorgeous smile.
- We customize veneers to meet your esthetic goals and suit your smile.
- Veneers are highly stain-resistant.
- Veneers can last for decades if you take good care of them.
What Are The Cons of Veneers?
- Veneers are a lifelong commitment: your dentist has to remove some of your enamel and reshape the underlying tooth to apply the veneers.
- Veneers are durable but not as tough as your natural teeth, so use caution when eating hard foods.
- Veneers are pricey, costing anywhere from $500 to $2000 per tooth, depending on required work.
How Can Bonding Improve My Smile?
Bonding is an excellent option if you have one or two problem teeth that need repair–or less dramatic damage or discoloration. Your dentist uses a composite resin to cover imperfections in your teeth and matches the color of the bonding to your natural teeth. Bonding is an excellent choice for discolored or chipped teeth–or an uneven front tooth out of line with the rest of the row. We can also use bonding when your tooth has exposed roots because of receding gums.
What Are The Pros of Bonding?
- Bonding has both cosmetic and oral health uses. We can use it to protect exposed tooth roots. The process is more likely to be covered by insurance when there’s an oral health component.
- Unlike veneers, your dentist doesn’t remove enamel to repair your teeth with bonding. Instead, he applies the resin on top of your existing tooth.
- Bonding is less time-consuming and costs less than veneers.
What Are The Cons of Bonding?
- If you have extensive damage or severe discoloration or need a full smile makeover, bonding may not be adequate.
- Dental bonding usually lasts 5 to 10 years, so it isn’t as durable as veneers.
Can My Family Dentist Do Cosmetic Dentistry?
Your family dentist works hard to prioritize preventive care and support you when you have oral health concerns. We also understand the value of a beautiful smile. When patients come to us with cosmetic concerns and goals, we view it as an integral part of their care. There’s nothing like the feeling of seeing a patient look in the mirror for the first time after a smile makeover. Dr. Robert Hall of Hall Family Dentistry is a cosmetic dentistry pro with decades of experience in bonding, veneers, and other options. If you have discolored or damaged teeth and want to improve your smile, Dr. Hall is ready to explain the options and help you choose the approach that’s best for you.
