Are you feeling unsatisfied with your smile? Maybe you have a distracting gap between your two front teeth. Maybe your teeth appear shorter and stubbier than you would like them to. Whatever the case may be, your dentist has options for you – direct bonding or porcelain veneers in State College. Each choice has different advantages and disadvantages when it comes to correcting cosmetic flaws in your grin. So, which one is right for you? Let’s take a closer look to help you and your dentist make that decision.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding, also known as direct bonding or simply bonding, involves your dentist applying a tooth-colored composite resin material to your teeth, sculpting it into the desired shape, and hardening it with a special curing light. The procedure only takes one appointment and can be used to fix small changes that don’t require altering the entire tooth.
The Pros and Cons of Dental Bonding
The advantages of bonding include:
- Simpler than many other procedures
- Can usually be completed in one appointment
- Involves little or no change to the underlying tooth structure
- Less expensive than veneers
However, it also comes with disadvantages, like:
- Composite resin does not last as long as porcelain and will have to be replaced more often
- Bonding material is not as resistant to stains or chipping
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
A veneer is a thin layer of dental porcelain that is attached to the front surface of a tooth to mask flaws such as chips, stains, or gaps. Your dentist will have to remove a small sliver of enamel from the tooth’s surface, then apply a bonding agent that allows the veneers to sit flush against the tooth. Because of this, veneers are considered a non-removable treatment, as your teeth are permanently altered.
Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers
Some of the many benefits of porcelain veneers include:
- Look natural
- Are custom-made for your individual teeth
- Porcelain is highly resistant to stains
- Are sturdy and durable enough to last up to 15 years
Veneers unfortunately also have a few drawbacks, such as:
- Cost more than dental bonding
- Natural tooth structure must be irreversibly changed
- Veneers can be damaged by nighttime teeth grinding or clenching
Overall, porcelain veneers are the better option, as they last longer and can correct more flaws in your smile. However, be sure to talk to your dentist about which option would be better for you.
About the Author
Dr. Donald Marks is a cosmetic dentist in State College, PA. He earned his dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. His practice offers both dental bonding and porcelain veneers to help correct flaws in your smile. To have Dr. Marks settle the debate for you, contact him via his website or by phone at (814) 234-0329.
