Missing Teeth: Replacing Them is Easier Than Ever

I have always been an avid hockey player, and my love took a bad turn one day when I got struck in the mouth with the puck. It was a painful moment that left me with two teeth knocked out of my mouth. Had I taken the right steps after the accident, I could have possibly saved the teeth, but I did not know I had that option at the time. Thankfully, I worked up the courage to visit a dentist and ask what my options for teeth-replacement were. I was worried I would would have to live the rest of my life without smiling, but I was ecstatic to learn that I was the perfect candidate for dental implants. I created this blog to help others realize that there are so many options to replace missing teeth today that no one has to "just live with" an imperfect smile!

To Bond Or Not To Bond - Deciding Between Dental Bonding And Porcelain Veneers

Dentist Blog

People with teeth that are discolored, cracked, chipped, or misshapen and those who have gaps between their teeth may have their appearance improved through the use of a few different dental procedures, including dental bonding and veneers. Each of these methods have their pros and cons, and understanding these may make it easier to decide which treatment is right for you.

Time Necessary

With dental bonding, a tooth can be given a new look in just one visit. In this procedure, the tooth is made slightly rough, and then a substance called composite resin that is about the same color as your tooth is applied in layers until the tooth has the desired look, with each layer being cured with the use of a laser or UV light to harden it. In the case of veneers, multiple visits are typically necessary. First, some of the tooth is removed to make room for the veneer, then impressions need to be taken to produce the custom porcelain veneers that will be cemented onto the tooth. While these veneers are being created, a temporary veneer will be used to cover the front of the tooth in question. People who want to get veneers but who are scared of dental treatments may want to go to a location that offers sedation dentistry to make the experience more relaxing and less stressful.

Cost Involved

Dental bonding is much cheaper than getting porcelain veneers. It typically costs anywhere from $300 to $600 per tooth, while porcelain veneers usually cost around $900 to $2,500 per tooth. Keep in mind that, if this work is being done for purely cosmetic reasons (and not as part of a procedure to fix a broken tooth or a cavity, for example), it probably won't be covered by dental insurance.

Durability

Bonding tends to last between three and seven years. Veneers last longer than dental bonding, averaging approximately 10 years, although some can last even longer than this with good care. Not only are they more long-lasting, but veneers also are better at resisting stains and are less likely to chip or break. Eating foods or drinking beverages that cause stains, such as red wine, or smoking can cause the bonding to stain more quickly than the actual teeth. With either treatment, avoid chewing on very hard items, such as ice cubes, pencils, or fingernails, as this can cause the bonding or veneers to break.

Contraindications

As with many types of procedures, there are some conditions that may make one or both of these dental procedures less likely to be successful. For example, those who need a root canal or have gum disease or tooth decay can't get veneers or dental bonding until these underlying conditions have been cleared up. Those who have very little enamel or who are trying to repair a tooth that has a significant portion missing may also have to use another option, such as a crown, and those that grind their teeth may find that veneers or bonding will become chipped and damaged quickly. While dental bonding can be used for many of the same types of situations as porcelain veneers, it's better for fixing smaller problems, rather than concealing larger issues, as the more bonding that's used, the more likely it is to be noticeable. Check out the sites of dentists in your area for more information.

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11 October 2016