Veneers, Bonding, or Whitening: Which Is Right for You?
Have you dreamed of a brighter and whiter smile? If so, you aren’t alone. The use of tooth whiteners has been on the rise exponentially in recent years, and more and more Americans have sought out cosmetic dentists for assistance in obtaining a considerably brighter, whiter, and healthier-looking smile. But when it comes to a smile makeover, how do you know if veneers, bonding, or tooth whitening is right for you?
Let’s start by understanding what cosmetic dentistry is and the benefits it provides. After all, we know that smiling has many health benefits, such as reduced blood pressure, reduced stress, enhanced self-confidence, and even a more robust immune system. Cosmetic dentistry includes dental treatments that are designed to help improve your smile, including veneers, bonding, tooth whitening, and so much more. Because, not only does a healthier smile help bolster your overall health, it helps your oral health too.
Porcelain dental veneers are made of super-thin laminated shells covering the front surface of your teeth, helping to improve your smile and overall appearance. Dental veneers are an excellent option for patients who want to change the color, shape, size, or length of their teeth. Patients often turn to veneers when looking for a permanent solution that can last fifteen years or more. Veneers are also a great option for coffee drinkers since they are highly resistant to discoloration.
While dental veneers have many benefits, patients need to be aware of the drawbacks as well. Veneers are a permanent solution, which means you can’t change your mind after you get them. They are susceptible to damage, so you need to be careful and protect them with a mouthguard while playing sports, and you should refrain from biting down on hard things like ice cubes.
Another popular cosmetic dental solution is dental bonding. Your favorite cosmetic dentist in Chico, California, often recommends bonding to patients who want to repair a chipped, cracked, or otherwise broken tooth. Bonding is also an excellent solution for patients with gaps between their teeth, a tooth that is shorter than the rest, or tooth discoloration. Bonding blends in with your natural teeth, so no one besides you and your dentist will ever know you have had a bonding treatment (unless you tell them, of course).
Fixing a chipped or cracked tooth is more important than many patients realize. Aside from the noticeable difference in your smile, restoring a chipped tooth can help you chew properly and prevent further dental damage that can put your other teeth at risk. This said, patients should know that bonded teeth are relatively stain resistant but not as resistant as veneers. Further, bonding doesn’t last as long, so the treatment must be redone more frequently.
Tooth whitening is perhaps the most popular dental treatment for patients seeking a smile makeover. With the Zoom in-office teeth whitening system used by My Chico Dentist, patients can anticipate a smile that is up to eight shades whiter after just one-hour of treatment. And if patients prefer an at-home whitening solution, that is an option too. Our patent-pending at-home gel system can whiten your teeth up to six shades over three nights of treatment.
Your favorite cosmetic dentist in Chico, CA, always wants to ensure patients understand that results will vary from patient to patient. Further, tooth whitening is a short-term smile makeover procedure that only lasts a few months to one year, will not work on all teeth, and will not change the color of existing fillings or crowns. Patients should also expect to experience short-term tooth sensitivity.
We know that selecting the right services for your smile makeover can be a bit daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Make an appointment with the team at My Chico Dentist so we can discuss your needs and wants and determine the best dental treatment plan and smile makeover to give you the smile that will bolster your self-confidence and improve your oral and overall health. We look forward to meeting you.
Call 530-893-8913 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.