The Keys to a Bright, White Smile: Cosmetic Bonding & Porcelain Veneers

You’ve spent years wishing your smile was just a little bit straighter and whiter. You imagine how nice it would feel to have a big smile in photos and to put your best foot forward in social situations. You’ve decided to pursue cosmetic dentistry, but where do you start? With so many options, it can be difficult to know which treatment options are ideal for your unique situation.

Cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers are both wonderful treatments that can quickly and dramatically improve your smile. To learn more about which might be right for you from a cosmetic dentist in Phillipsburg, read on.  

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic bonding is an excellent procedure for broken, decayed, or stained teeth. The process involves using a specially colored resin to reshape and recolor your teeth. If you have a chipped tooth, bonding can completely restore and revitalize it, usually in a single visit.

After deciding on a shade that is right for you, the dentist will coat the desired teeth with a thin layer of the bonding material, reshaping them in the process. The material is exposed to a special curing light and, after the bonding material hardens, you’re free to go home and enjoy your brand new smile.

Cosmetic bonding is a great option as it does not require any preparation or trimming down of the teeth, and it does not require any special care afterward. You will still brush and floss normally. With proper upkeep, the results of cosmetic bonding can last for a long time. 

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can have a very dramatic impact on your smile. They are thin, porcelain shells that are placed over your teeth to change their shape and color. The dentist will sculpt your teeth to fit the veneers and then use a specialized adhesive to permanently attach them. They are very strong and do not stain or break easily.

Veneers are a great option if you are looking to permanently upgrade your smile with minimal maintenance. Though the process of getting veneers takes slightly longer than cosmetic bonding, the results are much more dramatic and can be counted on to last for a very long time.

Making a Choice

Both cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers are great options for improving your appearance. Cosmetic bonding may be the right option for you if you are looking for a cost-effective way to change the aesthetic of a small number of chipped or stained teeth. If you’re looking for a more permanent, dramatic change to your smile that you can count on for years to come, porcelain veneers may be right for you.

Ultimately, choosing between cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers comes down to your budget, how intense a change you want, and how long you want that change to last. If you’re curious about cosmetic dentistry, have a conversation with your dentist about which option is best for you. They will help to guide you in the right direction and give you the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.

About the Author

Dr. Jeffrey DeMartino is a cosmetic dentist with decades of experience under his belt. He has been a pioneering force in dentistry, from having his practice chosen as a hard tissue dental laser training facility by Biolase, Inc. to developing the cutting-edge Bengal Bite sports mouthpiece. Dr. DeMartino is committed to providing nothing but the absolute best care for his patients. If you are interested in learning more about cosmetic dentistry, he and his team are ready to help via email or over the phone at (908) 223-5851.