No matter how well we care for our teeth, natural wear and tear leaves its mark over time. The foods and drinks we consume daily, chewing and grinding teeth, and decreased bone density due to aging all contribute to minor cosmetic flaws like chips, cracks, and stains. When it comes to correcting smile irregularities, patients have numerous cosmetic and restorative dentistry options. Two of the most popular corrective solutions are cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers. However, many patients are unsure which option is right for their smile, and Dr. Bobby J. Carmen and his Norman, OK dental team help patients fully understand their options, and make a decision that leave them with beautiful smiles for years to come.
Natural Porcelain Veneers Norman, OK
Porcelain veneers are made from thin sheaths of dental grade porcelain that are custom fitted to an individual bite. With minimal enamel reduction, veneers are cemented in place concealing even larger gaps between teeth, large cracks or chips, and dark staining. Veneers are placed in 2 to 4 visits, are stain resistant, and can last between 12 and 25 years with proper care.
Best Dental Bonding Norman Residents
Dental bonding utilizes composite resin that can be shaded to match any tooth color. The resin is applied and shaped directly on the tooth requiring very little if any enamel preparation, and effectively covers small cracks, chips, and light staining. The procedure is completed in one visit, and can last between 5 and 10 years with proper care.
Porcelain Veneers vs. Dental Bonding
Both veneers and bonding have numerous benefits in concealing smile flaws. Before deciding which option is right you, consider the following:
- Personal dental history – patients with weak tooth enamel may prefer bonding since it requires little to no preparation and the composite resin material will not wear teeth more quickly unlike porcelain which tends to increase wear. Patients with strong enamel who want a more durable, stain resistant alternative may prefer porcelain veneers.
- Time commitment – cosmetic bonding can typically be completed in just one visit, but veneer creation and placement requires at least 2 visits. However, veneers can last twice as long as bonding meaning patients will likely need repair to bonding more quickly.
- Financial investment – cosmetic bonding is initially more affordable than porcelain veneers though patients are more likely to need future repair. However, porcelain veneers may cause additional wear to surrounding teeth that requires additional repair and cost.
- Doctor’s skill level – like any dental procedure, the dentist’s skill level must be taken into consideration. Feel free to ask your dentist for photos of past procedures, and ask how many bonding and veneers treatments he or she has completed. Having completed the prestigious LSU Cosmetic Dentistry Continuum, Dr. Carmen is highly trained and experienced with both veneers and bonding, but will be happy to discuss his experience.
Find Out More Today
At the end of the day, the choice is yours. There are certain cases where either bonding or veneers can be eliminated as options, but for the most part, both are viable. If you’re interested in concealing multiple smile flaws, call Dr. Carmen and his Norman, OK team to schedule a consultation today. Our skilled practitioners will help you fully understand your treatment options and make the decision that’s right for you.