If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach or the surrounding areas, Dr. Mina Girgis is here to help at Brite Clean Smiles. But you may not be sure what treatment is right for you. Should you get dental bonding or veneers? What’s the difference? Get the answers you need.
Veneers are thin, tooth-shaped pieces of porcelain. After your teeth are trimmed, your veneers will be permanently attached to your teeth. Veneers can be used to cover up a wide variety of cosmetic flaws, such as gaps in your smile, minor chips, and discolored teeth.
In fact, their versatility is one of the biggest benefits of veneers. They can treat almost any cosmetic issue, and they are very durable and long-lasting, especially when compared to dental bonding.
Veneers are also completely stain-resistant, since the porcelain used for veneers is nonporous and does not absorb stains from coffee, tea, cola, and other foods and drinks that commonly stain the teeth.
In addition, veneers don’t require any special care after treatment. You’ll just need to brush and floss normally to keep your smile healthy, and see Dr. Girgis every six months for a teeth cleaning and oral exam.
However, veneers can be quite expensive, so they may not be the best choice if you’re on a tight budget. Some patients also don’t like the idea of a permanent cosmetic treatment that involves removing some of their enamel.
Dental bonding reshapes and restores your teeth using dental composite resin. This tooth-colored material is applied directly to your tooth after it’s been prepared, and Dr. Girgis will shape, sculpt, and harden the composite until it looks and feels just like a natural tooth.
Dental bonding can be used to correct problems like misshapen teeth, chipping, gaps in your smile, and discolored teeth.
One of the biggest benefits of bonding compared to veneers is that it is reversible. Veneers require the permanent removal of some tooth enamel, but this is not necessary for bonding.
In addition, bonding is usually cheaper than veneers, and it can be done faster, in just a single appointment. Veneers typically take at least 2 appointments over a 2-3 week time period.
However, bonding is not quite as durable or long-lasting, and is more prone to staining compared to veneers. Keep this in mind when thinking about which treatment may be right for you.
Veneers cost more than bonding and are not reversible, but offer superior long-term results. Bonding is inexpensive, fast, and can be reversed, but it’s usually not as durable as veneers. Still not sure which treatment is right for you? Dr. Mina Girgis can help.
Contact Brite Clean Smiles online or by phone at (949) 777-1005 to schedule your appointment in Costa Mesa, and learn more about the pros and cons of veneers vs. bonding from Dr. Mina Girgis.