Cosmetic Dentistry

Porcelain Veneers

What Are Dental Veneers?

Veneers, usually customized from porcelain, are a thin, semitranslucent "shell," permanently bonded to your teeth. While they're not suitable for every patient, veneers are a cosmetic alternative for a variety of dental conditions of the front teeth, including:

•Diastemas (spaces between the teeth).
•Broken or chipped teeth.
•Unsightly, stained, or washed out fillings.
•Permanently stained or discolored teeth.
•Misshapen or crooked teeth.

Advantages and Benefits of Veneers

There are many benefits and advantages to having porcelain veneers placed on your front teeth. At one time, resin fillings or crowns were the only available treatment for these conditions. Today, a third alternative is available. The advantages of veneers may include all of the following considerations:
Often no anesthesia is required.
Only a small amount of tooth structure (if any) is removed during the procedure.
A healthy "natural" look is achieved with little or no discomfort.


Composite Bonding

What Is Composite Bonding?

Composite bonding is one of the most conservative, versatile, and affordable ways to esthetically restore a multitude of dental cases. Your dentist uses this natural looking, synthetic material to:
Restore cavities in front and back teeth.
Replace old or unattractive "silver fillings."
Repair root abrasion (on roots exposed by gum recession or notched by years of aggressive brushing). Covering these areas helps prevent cavities and root sensitivity, and improves their appearance.
Close diastemas (spaces between the teeth).
Restore chipped or fractured teeth.
Improve or change the color of permanently stained or discolored teeth.
Reshape crooked or misshapen teeth.

How Long Will Composite Bonding Last?

It's true that composite bonding fillings wear faster than "silver fillings," especially on chewing surfaces of back teeth. Although not as strong as crowns or veneers, with proper care, a bonded restoration may last 5 years or more before requiring touch up or replacement. Your dentist will monitor this during your routine checkups.

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