Imperfect teeth often result in a missing smile. Chipped teeth, gaps between teeth, crooked teeth, cracked teeth, and misshaped teeth can leave a person feeling self-conscious and afraid to share his or her smile with the world. The dental team at Germantown Dental Group in Memphis utilizes dental bonding and porcelain veneers to revitalize imperfect smiles.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a cosmetic dentist uses a special tooth-colored resin material to conceal dental imperfections. There are many effective uses of dental bonding, including:
- To protect a tooth’s root when the gums have receded
- To improve the appearance of discolored teeth
- To repair cracked teeth
- To close spaces between teeth
- To repair chipped teeth
- To make teeth appear longer
- To change the shape of the teeth
Dental bonding may even be used as a cosmetic alternative to metal fillings. Dental bonding is not only versatile, but is also relatively inexpensive. It is among the most cost-effective customized cosmetic dental treatments available today.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are wafer thin shells meticulously crafted from the finest-grade porcelain to blend seamlessly into a patient’s smile in terms of texture, shape, color, and size. One of the greatest benefits of porcelain is its natural translucency. Similar to natural tooth enamel, the natural translucent properties of porcelain veneers allows some light to filter through its surface. When matched to the color of the natural teeth surrounding it, porcelain veneers become virtually undetectable. Porcelain veneers may be used to create a straighter smile, to conceal chips, cracks, gaps between teeth, discoloration, wear and tear, and even to improve a person’s bite. They are highly resistant to stains, incredibly durable, and entirely inconspicuous once placed in the mouth. Simply stated, porcelain veneers are among the most aesthetically pleasing, natural-looking, and effective ways to address a multitude of cosmetic dental imperfections.
DURAthin® Veneers
DURAthin® veneers are similar to more traditional porcelain veneers, but do not require the removal of enamel. They are specially designed to adhere directly to the surface of the teeth without removing the tooth’s enamel. As thin as contact lenses, DURAthin veneers® are an excellent option for patients who want to completely transform the appearance of their smiles without fear. Because no enamel is removed, patients who are afraid of the dentist’s drill can achieve a dazzling, natural-looking smile with DURAthin® veneers. DURAthin® veneers are ideal for patients who have narrow smiles, who want to enhance a narrow arch, or who want to increase the size of the teeth.
Dental Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers
Its cost-effectiveness and versatility make dental bonding an excellent treatment option for patients that wish to revitalize their smiles on a budget. While dental bonding may be used to address many of the same issues as porcelain veneers, dental bonding cannot match the resilience, durability, or inconspicuousness of porcelain veneers. Both dental bonding and porcelain veneers have their advantages and disadvantages. Three key factors that help to determine which treatment will be best suited to the individual patient are his or her unique needs and goals, oral health, and budget.
Learn More
For more information about dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or DURAthin® veneers, please contact Germantown Dental Group today.