Closing Gaps Between Teeth: Bonding Versus Veneers
If you have a large gap between your two front teeth and are tired of it, you could have it fixed by a cosmetic dentist. There are two main procedures used to close gaps between the two front teeth, and these are bonding and veneers. There are pros and cons with each type, and you may want to compare the following four differences as you try to decide which option is right for you.
How Each Method Works
Bonding is a method used to fix gaps by filling in the gaps with a tooth-colored composite material. With this method, a dentist will basically make the two teeth next to the gap larger in width by placing the composite material on the two teeth. When this is done, the dentist will lightly etch the teeth so the material will stick. He or she will then sand, shave, or polish the teeth to make sure they are smooth and natural looking.
The other method involves the use of veneers, which are thin shells made of plastic or porcelain. These shells are made uniquely for your teeth and are created to be slightly wider than your original teeth. Your dentist may need to grind the outer layer of your teeth off in order for the veneers to fit, and he or she will then place them directly over your teeth. They are then cemented in place.
The Looks Of Each Option
When you initially choose either of these options, your teeth will look great and the gap will be gone. As time passes, there may be differences with the way bonding looks on your teeth compared to veneers. Bonding tends to stain and chip a lot easier and faster than veneers. Because of this, gaps filled with the bonding method may not look as nice as those fixed with veneers.
The Expected Life Of Each Method
If you choose to have your gap fixed with bonding, you can expect the material to last for up to 10 years; however, you should realize that bonding is not as strong as regular teeth or veneers. Because of this, you may need to use caution when eating hard or crunchy foods. Foods like this could break the bonding, and this could lead to chips and other issues.
Dental veneers will typically last for 10 years or longer. They are stronger than bonding, and they are less likely to crack, break, or chip. Both options can last a very long time, especially if you take good care of your teeth. If you grind your teeth, you should talk to your dentist about getting a mouth guard to use while sleeping. Bonding and veneers will both break down and wear away from constant grinding.
The Cost Differences
The final factor to compare as you make this decision is costs for each option. Dental bonding offers a way to close a gap for a price that is less expensive than veneers, and this is one of the reasons a lot of people choose bonding over veneers. Bonding for a tooth generally costs around $300 to $600, while a porcelain veneer will cost $900 to $2,500.
If you want the cheapest route, choose bonding. If you want the option that will last the longest and look the best, you may want to choose dental veneers.
Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry used to make improvements with the way people look. If you have a gap that needs to be closed or any other type of cosmetic issue, contact a cosmetic dental clinic today to learn more about your options.
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