Christine OKelly recently asked:


Nobody wants to have stained, chipped, or malformed teeth, but often they have no idea of the treatment options that are available to them. A consultation with a cosmetic dentist will allow them to gather the information and make an informed decision. Bonding or veneer treatments may be suggested as these are often two common techniques that will be suggested as they are less painful than undergoing a crown.

The Bonding Process

This is an easier and less expensive process to repair a damaged tooth. As a result, a cosmetic dentist will often recommend this process. Bonding is performed by spreading a composite resin on the damaged tooth. The material is a white plastic that has the consistency of a paste. This material allows coloring to be added so a custom match can be performed with your existing teeth. This process makes the most natural looking repair possible.

The process begins when a special chemical is applied to the affected area. This chemical will make the existing enamel rough so when the bonding material is applied it will be able to stick to the tooth surface. Once applied, a special light is used to cure the material, allowing additional layers to be applied if necessary. The material is flexible and allows the cosmetic dentist to become an artist, shaping and shining the tooth until it takes a natural appearance.

Because the process doesn’t require the use of anesthetic and can be performed rather quickly, it also is less expensive than other processes. The doctor is even able to bond more than one tooth at the same sitting and there is no recovery period to worry about.

As with most things, there are also a few drawbacks. This treatment will usually last between five and ten years whereas a veneer is expected to last about 20 years. As a result, the long-term expense may exceed the short-term savings. The material also stains easier than a natural tooth so you have to be more aware of the foods that may stain the bonded tooth, especially if they are front teeth.

The Veneer Process

The porcelain veneer as it’s often called is actually a thin coating of porcelain or other acrylic material. As the word suggests, this thin coating sits over your natural tooth to give an improved appearance. The process begins when the the natural enamel is ground down, after freezing the affected tooth. An impression and mold is then made of the grounded down tooth and sent to a laboratory where the veneer is manufactured. Since this will take up to a few days to deliver, a return visit is required where the cosmetic dentist will roughen the surface of the tooth so a special composite resin cement can ensure the cover will stay put once it is slipped over the damaged tooth.

Just like the bonded tooth, you have to be somewhat careful to make sure certain foods and activities don’t stain the tooth. Red wine, blueberries, and smoking are examples of what to avoid. In addition, the tooth is still subject to decay under the covering so regular check ups and normal dental hygiene is to be expected and recommended. Although the cost is higher than bonding, there really is no typical cost figure. You would want to consult with your dental professional ahead of time to have an estimate done.

Both bonding and teeth veneers may be performed by a Miami Beach cosmetic dentist or in any major metropolitan area. Many factors will determine which treatment option is the right one for you. These will include your budget, the type of damage or repair you wish to be done, and the time you have to allow for the process. A consultation will help you decide which treatment option is the right one for you.



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