Keeping Ladera Ranch smiling: Bonding vs Veneers

Cosmetic dentistry is a broadly defined term. It includes any kind of dental care that visually enhances your smile. As you might imagine, many procedures fall in this category. For people with oral health issues such as broken, infected, decayed, or missing teeth, the treatment is both restorative and cosmetic. For individuals with healthy yet unattractive smiles, treatment may be performed for purely cosmetic reasons. Often, the solution is porcelain veneers or dental bonding. What is the difference?

The most notable differences between veneers and bonding include:

• Materials – Veneers are made of porcelain, which is durable and resistant to wear and stains. Bonding utilizes composite resin, which is applied here in the office and sculpted by your dentist.
  
  
• Time – Veneers typically take two or three weeks, and involve a few appointments. Bonding can be completed in just one day.
  
  
• Tooth preparation – Veneers are known as a conservative treatment because they involve very little reduction of natural teeth structure. Bonding is even more conservative, and usually does not require any healthy tooth structure to be removed.
  
  
• Area covered – A dental veneer covers the entire surface of the treated tooth. Bonding is applied as needed; only covering the problem spot.
  
  
• Strength – Veneers are especially strong and durable, as the hardness of porcelain is comparable to natural tooth enamel. Composite is very durable, but it is a bit softer than porcelain or tooth enamel, which may compromise the results in a large area.

The first step in the procedure is a complete aesthetic analysis of your smile, as well as an evaluation of potential oral health issues. Your dentist will discuss the findings, learn about your treatment goals, and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each choice. We are always happy to answer your questions, and work with you to choose the best procedure, or combination of procedures, to fit your needs, schedule, and budget.

Let Drs. Alex and Nina Basti help you love your smile! Call to schedule an appointment at 949-427-2096, our Mission Viejo practice today. We are conveniently located near communities such as Ladera Ranch and Laguna Niguel.