Tooth bonding, a procedure that is synonymous with the term composite veneers, has gained widespread popularity in recent years. This procedure can correct a number of dental problems including misaligned and/or chipped teeth. Such aesthetic nuisances can create an overall displeasing smile. Continued advancements in the dental field have provided patients with a number of options for correcting smile deformities. For the ones we’ve mentioned above, patients can opt to receive orthodontic treatments or can seek the help of a cosmetic dentist. In respect to the latter, tooth bonding provides an inexpensive and expedient fix for cosmetic nuisances.
After a patient’s teeth have been properly prepared by the dentist, a resin is applied atop them and allowed to cure. To arrive at this phase, the dentist will first apply an etching solution to the teeth. This solution creates an optimal surface for the resin to bond to. The chemical solution will roughen the surface of the teeth as to improve adhesion. When the etching process is complete, the resin will be applied and a light will be used to help expedite the curing process. More resin may be applied if required.
When the composite resin has finally cured, the dentist can begin sculpting the teeth. The resin used in bonding procedures is nowhere near as hard to sculpt as natural tooth structure. Since it is softer and more flexible, the dentist can begin shaping it with ease. After the dentist has completed the more artistic aspect of the procedure, the patient can begin to enjoy his or her new smile. The entire procedure can generally be performed within a single dental appointment. Since no lab work is involved, the cost for tooth bonding is generally lower than that for veneers.
Although tooth bonding is an impressive procedure, it does come with its fair share of downfalls. For one, composite veneers don’t tend to last as much as their porcelain counterparts. They will need replacing or repair work far more often than porcelain veneers. Further, they are less stain-proof and look more artificial than porcelain veneers, which happen to be transparent. Many of the drawbacks are quite minor and should not deter you from seriously considering tooth bonding.
Dental veneers, unlike there composite counterparts, are fabricated in a dental laboratory. As a result, they usually require a few dental appointments for installation. The porcelain used in these veneers is similarly custom fabricated for a patient based on a mold taken of his/her teeth. During the patient’s first appointment, assessments are conducted to ensure that everything is in order. If no issues are discovered, the dentist will proceed to take a mold of the patient’s teeth and will thereafter prepare them for the veneers.
Preparation work is not as simple as applying an etching solution. The dentist has to drill off a substantial amount of tooth enamel and has to shape the tooth as to accommodate the added bulk of the veneers. Temporaries will then be installed on the patient’s teeth up until the veneers arrive from the lab.
Once the lab has finished fabricating your veneers, your dentist will perform a test fit and make any necessary adjustments. The veneers will then be bonded to the teeth. The dentist will warn you of increased sensitivity to heat and cold and will inform you of specific foods to avoid. Attending regular dental checkups is extremely important with veneers as decay can readily form on the reshaped tooth structure. Patients who maintain their veneers and overall oral health can expect to enjoy their smile for ten or more years, whereafter they will be outfitted with a new set. Veneers require very little maintenance, and as such, the initial investment is a relatively small one if looked at from a long-term perspective.