Porcelain Veneers vs. Direct Bonding – Which Method is Better?

Are you unhappy with the way your teeth look? If so, you may have come to believe that you’re doomed to endure this for the rest of your life. With the advancements in cosmetic dentistry, you now have options to quickly and effectively alter the appearance of your smile. Two of the most innovative methods available are porcelain veneers in Chaska and direct bonding. How can you determine which is best for you, though? As you read on, a local cosmetic dentist provides some expert insight so you can finally smile with confidence!

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Instead of enduring a time-consuming and complicated procedure to correct your bite, the porcelain veneers method provides an effective and relatively quick solution. In just two visits to your cosmetic dentist, you can have such issues as gaps, misalignment, mild crowding, stains and crookedness masked to leave you with a gorgeous smile that looks like you were born with it.

The process involves the placement of thin porcelain shells that fit directly over the teeth in the “smile zone.” The first step, though, is to prepare the teeth that will be altered, which starts with the removal of a thin layer of enamel (outer layer of the teeth) to allow for a perfect fit. Then, bite impressions are taken and sent to an in-network lab that will create the permanent set of veneers.

Meanwhile, you’ll be fitted with a temporary set of veneers to protect your teeth from the dynamic environment inside your mouth and from being damaged during your normal daily activities. Once your permanent fixtures return from the lab, you’ll be invited back to your cosmetic dentist for the final bonding, leaving you with a brand-new smile!

How Direct Bonding Works

An alternative to porcelain veneers is the direct bonding process. Using tooth-colored composite resin material, this procedure allows for your smile to be remade in just one visit. It starts with your cosmetic dentist in Chaska etching the surface of your teeth to allow for the resin material to adhere properly.

Then, the compound is applied directly to the surface and sculpted to match the size, shape and overall appearance of your other teeth. The final step is for the new applications to be hardened using a special light.

Which Procedure is Best for Me?

While both porcelain veneers and direct bonding offer a host of benefits, there are situations where either is a better choice than the other. Ultimately, it will depend on your specific needs and desires, and the condition of your teeth.

Here are some factors that should be considered, though:

• Severity – With porcelain veneers, more smile flaws can be corrected, and it is typically the better choice for more complicated situations.
• Budget – If you’re more budget conscious, then direct bonding may be the route to take, since it is generally less costly than porcelain veneers.
• Longevity – For results that last longer, porcelain veneers have an advantage over the direct bonding process. With proper care, which includes brushing and flossing at least two times a day and maintaining regular visits to your cosmetic dentist, they can last up to 15 years.
• Time – If you’re looking for a smile enhancement procedure that requires less of your time, then direct bonding is the winner. As mentioned earlier, the process only requires one visit to your cosmetic dentist.

To eliminate any guessing, you simply need to reach out to your local specialist to schedule a visit. You’ll be afforded a chance to express what type of look you want, and you’ll also be thoroughly examined so your cosmetic dentist can make the best suggestion for how to achieve the smile of your dreams!

About the Author

Since graduating from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Dr. Mark M. Stapleton has not wavered in his commitment to providing his patients with the highest quality of dental care available. A member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he creates beautiful smiles by placing porcelain veneers and performing direct bonding at White Oak Dental. He can be reached for more information through his website.