Dental patients who are interested in improving the cosmetic appearance of their teeth may be wondering what the difference is between bonding and veneers from Cosmetic Dentists Silver Spring MD. Porcelain veneers are made of ceramic and they are bonded to the front of the teeth in addition to the top or biting surfaces. By contrast, bonding involves a resin that is bonded to the front of the teeth. It isn’t as strong as the ceramic veneers, so bonding doesn’t last as long. Patients may need to have their teeth re-bonded in three to five years, whereas veneers can last over ten years. Both bonding and veneers can be used to correct the appearance of chipped teeth, uneven teeth, discolored teeth, gaps between the teeth, and crooked teeth.
The procedure for veneers from Cosmetic Dentists Silver Spring MD takes place over three appointments. The first appointment is to for the dentist to diagnose the problem and to plan your course of treatment. The second appointment is to prepare the teeth for the veneers, and it can take up to two hours. The dentist will buff away about one half millimeter of the surface of the teeth and then take a mold of the teeth so the lab can create porcelain veneers that will fit each tooth.
On the third appointment, the dentist will first make sure each veneer fits each corresponding tooth and that the color of each is right. He will then clean each tooth and then use cement to affix each veneer. He will apply a beam of light to solidify the cement and bond the veneer to each tooth. The patient returns for a checkup on a week or two. Home care should include a non-abrasive toothpaste with regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
Cosmetic Dentists In Silver Spring MD can also create dental bonds out of resin. The procedure can be done in one visit. This material is not as strong as ceramic used in veneers. The dentist etches the surface of the teeth so the resin can be applied to the teeth with a bonding liquid. After they’re applied, the dentist files, shapes, and polishes each one to match the underlying tooth.
