Cosmetic Dentist Techniques - A Look at Veneers and Bonding Treatments

A cosmetic dentist uses bonding or veneers to treat malformed, stained or chipped teeth. These are an adequate substitution for crowns in many cases because they are easier and even a painless way to repair teeth. To choose between the treatments, it is best to have a discussion with your dental professional. Here are some things to consider.


Veneers

A veneer is a thin casing made of a porcelain or acrylic material that sits over your natural tooth. This treatment requires two separate appointments. During the first visit, the cosmetic dentist will freeze your mouth and wear down the enamel on the affected tooth before making an impression of the area. This mold is then sent to the lab that will create your veneer. During your second visit, you will have the enamel's surface roughened with a special chemical and glue called 'composite resin cement.' This cement is applied just before the veneer is slipped into place.

Pros And Cons Of Veneers

Besides a small amount of pain involved, veneers carry a wide range of costs that is often higher than bonding. This is not without a benefit as veneers last up to 20 years before needing replacement. Wine, smoking, and certain foods can permanently stain these dental treatment options and decay is possible underneath the veneer. On the bright side, veneers are one of the most natural looking solutions for damaged teeth.

Bonding

Bonding is a composite resin that is 'painted' on damaged teeth. Resembling a paste similar to white plastic, the substance can be customized to match the color of the rest of your teeth to give you a flawless fix. For restructuring teeth, a cosmetic dentist can layer the resin and reshape it to help fill in gaps and fix other misshaped teeth.

A chemical will be coated on your tooth's enamel to roughen the surface and ensure the resin can adhere to your tooth properly. The cosmetic dentist will prepare and color the resin before 'painting' it on your tooth and using a special light aimed at your tooth to cure the resin. This process is continued until there is enough bonding on your tooth. The dental professional can shape and shine the tooth to make it appear natural.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Bonding

An oral care expert often recommends this procedure because it requires no anesthetic and is completed quickly. In fact, numerous teeth can be treated at the same time in a single appointment with no recovery period. It is also a highly recommended treatment for children because it is inexpensive and can be redone as the teeth grow and change.

It may be considerably less expensive than traditional veneers or crowns in the short run, but the overall cost can be more. The resin itself only lasts between five and ten years. Unfortunately, the plastic-like coating stains easier and the teeth themselves can experience decay underneath the coating.

These are common treatments performed by a cosmetic dentist in San Jose and throughout the country. The best choice depends on a number of different factors that include the specific tooth in need of treatment, cost, and time. By discussing it with your dental professional, you will be able to find the right treatment for you.



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