Cosmetic dentistry has advanced significantly in recent years, providing a range of solutions for patients looking to enhance their smiles. Two popular treatments offered by Barataria Dental, a family and cosmetic dentist based in New Orleans, are porcelain veneers and dental bonding.
Both of these cosmetic dental solutions aim to improve the appearance of your teeth and can do so in a variety of ways. But the procedures for these two treatments differ significantly.
You can meet with your dentist to find the right smile enhancement solution for your unique aesthetic goals. But you can also read on to compare dental bonding and veneers in greater detail.
Porcelain Veneers: A Long-Lasting Solution
Dr. Maria Burmaster and Dr. Valerie Hemphill offer porcelain veneers as an effective solution for patients with chipped or minutely crooked teeth. Porcelain veneers mimic the light reflection properties of natural teeth while also being highly resistant to staining. This ensures that they maintain their bright appearance over time.
The veneer treatment process involves preparing the tooth surface conservatively. A dentist will only remove as much of the tooth’s enamel as necessary for a comfortable fit for the caps of the veneers. Impressions taken during the initial visit allow custom-made veneers to be created at a dental lab, while temporary ones are fitted after tooth preparation.
Once ready, these thin shells are permanently adhered to the front side of teeth using a dental bonding material. The result is an enhanced smile that prominently displays your improved front teeth whenever you grin.
Dental Bonding: An Alternative Approach
For those who wish to address minor cosmetic dental issues, such as chipping or cracking visible when smiling, Barataria Dental offers tooth bonding as an alternative treatment option. In this procedure, a resin material matching the patient’s natural tooth color is directly attached to the affected area of the tooth, resulting in aesthetically appealing outcomes.
Cosmetic dental bonding seems simpler when compared with other procedures, like placing porcelain veneers. Bonding requires the removal of a minute amount of tooth enamel, as does veneer treatment. But dental bonding only needs one appointment to complete, while veneers require three or more visits to a dentist’s office.
However, both these choices have certain limitations. Your dentist might recommend avoiding certain foods and beverages that could stain or discolor dental bonding, such as coffee, tea, or red wine.
On the other hand, porcelain veneers will resist staining, maintaining their beautiful finish despite the consumption of staining agents. Sometimes a veneer might chip or fracture under abnormal pressure. So follow your dentist’s advice to keep veneers looking and feeling their best.
Find Comprehensive Cosmetic Dentistry in New Orleans
Both porcelain veneers and dental bonding serve to improve the appearance of one’s smile. The choice between these two largely depends on the individual patient’s needs and circumstances.
Therefore, it is advisable to schedule a consultation with Barataria Dental in New Orleans, LA to discuss which option would best suit your unique requirements. Reach our dental practice online or by phone at 504.358.8632 to start your smile enhancement process today.