We spend all day every day making choices. Should I wear the
red shirt or the black shirt? Should I have eggs or toast for breakfast? Should
I listen to this radio station or that one on the commute? Most of these
decisions make no difference in the long run. However, when it comes to fixing
cosmetic flaws in your teeth, your decision matters a lot. Should you get porcelain
veneers in Lincoln or direct bonding? Let’s look at what they are so you
can choose which one is right for you.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are placed over
the front surface of your teeth to mask any flaws. Before they can be attached,
your cosmetic dentist in Lincoln must remove a small layer of enamel from the
front of your tooth, but once they have been placed, they can hide anything you
might not like about your smile.
What is Dental Bonding?
With dental bonding, your dentist uses a tooth-colored
composite resin to repair a chipped or cracked tooth. Your dentist will apply
the resin and then sculpt it into the desired shape. The resin can be matched
to the exact shade of your tooth, so it looks completely natural.
Are Porcelain Veneers Right for Me?
You might choose porcelain veneers over dental bonding for
many reasons, such as:
- Veneers can conceal more cosmetic flaws than
bonding can.
- Because they are made of porcelain, veneers are
more resistant to stains.
- Veneers usually last longer than bonding.
- Veneers can be applied to multiple teeth in one
appointment.
However, some disadvantages of veneers are:
- The procedure is not reversible since some
enamel is removed.
- They cost a lot more than bonding.
Is Dental Bonding Right for Me?
Dental bonding is the right choice for many patients for the
following reasons:
- The process is simpler and cheaper than veneers.
- Minimal enamel removal is necessary.
- It can solve multiple cosmetic problems such as
fixing chips, filling in gaps, and subtly changing the shape of the teeth.
Here are some reasons that bonding may not be right for you:
- Bonding is not as resistant to stains as veneers
are.
- Bonding does not typically last as long as
veneers.
- Unlike veneers, dental bonding cannot completely
makeover your smile; it can only fix a few minor cosmetic problems.
Ultimately, the choice on which to get is up to you. Ask
your dentist today about the best way for you to fix any flaws in your smile to
make it shine.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Reed has more than 25 years of experience in
the dental field and has been at her current practice in Lincoln, NE since
2002. She is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and
has a passion for reconstructive dentistry to rebuild patients’ smiles. To
learn more about how she can make your smile beautiful, click here or call
(402)-488-5007.
