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Bonding vs Veneers: Which Is Right for Me?

Patients have many options when it comes to correcting their smile. The two most requested procedures we offer are bonding and veneers. Downtown Dental Studio has all the answers to the questions you may have about these procedures. Together we can offer you the best procedure for your teeth. 

Veneers

Veneers gained their popularity among actors during the golden age of Hollywood. Back in an age before proper dental hygiene, there was a new way to restore a perfect smile. Veneers are a dental treatment that involve thin porcelain shells meant to perfectly fit over your existing teeth. They’re designed to look and feel like natural teeth. 

Veneers can be made from porcelain or composite resin. They’re the best way to maintain a perfectly white smile for a long time because the porcelain is stain-resistant. They can cover up imperfections in your natural teeth such as gaps, stains, and cracks. They can even help restore weak or frailed teeth. 

Getting veneers

First we take a mold of your teeth and send it to a dental lab that designs veneers to perfectly match your teeth. We may also need to remove surface enamel to shape your existing teeth in preparation for your new veneers. A week or two later, your veneers are ready. We custom fit your veneers to each tooth. After a thorough cleaning of your teeth,  we apply an adhesive to bond your veneers in place. 

Bonding

Bonding is a procedure in which a special resin (plastic) mold that can take any shape is applied to your natural teeth to give you a perfect smile. Bonding can be used to alter and improve the shape of your teeth. It can be used to help teeth that have decayed or chipped. Teeth bonding can be used for discolored teeth or those that have lost their enamel. They can even cover up roots that are exposed due to gum disease. 

How bonding works

Tooth bonding is done within one visit. We first match the resin with the shade that resembles your natural tooth. Anesthesia is usually not necessary, except in cases when we bond resin to a tooth that has decayed. 

We apply an adhesive liquid directly to your natural tooth.Then we apply the resin to your tooth, molding it right into place. A special laser then hardens the resin. The final step is to trim the resin into the right shape for your tooth and then use a gentle polish to seamlessly blend your tooth with the rest of your natural teeth.  

Benefits of veneers

One of the benefits of veneers is that they are custom-made for you. Veneers fit perfectly into place for a clean finish that feels comfortable and looks natural. 

The porcelain protects your teeth from stains. Your teeth will remain white for a long time with your veneers. 

Veneers are durable; they can usually last up to 15 years. This makes them a secure investment that will have a lasting effect on your smile. 

Benefits of bonding

Bonding is perfect for all minor cosmetic dental problems. The procedure is versatile, and the application is quick and simple. 

Bonding requires little to no change to the natural tooth. This means you can preserve your natural tooth from any lasting changes. 

Typically much less expensive treatment than veneers, bonding is accessible to more patients. 

Still undecided about what is the best option for you? Please call our offices at Downtown Dental Studio located in New York, New York, or book an consultation online.

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