Do you have injured, damaged, and discolored teeth? Are you looking for a way to cover your cosmetic imperfections? Dental veneers and tooth bonding offer natural, long-lasting results for patients who want to improve their smiles. At AH Smiles, we offer these cosmetic dental restorations to Arlington Heights, IL patients. Here we will explore similarities and differences between dental veneers and tooth bonding treatment.
Cosmetic Restorations in Arlington Heights, IL
We offer traditional porcelain veneers, minimal prep veneers, and dental bonding. If you have discolored or damaged teeth and want to enhance your smile, learn more about these options below:
Traditional Dental Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that we use to cover the front of the teeth. We bond these porcelain ceramic shells to cover tooth gaps, discoloration, and even slightly crooked teeth. Veneers made of porcelain ceramic deliver natural-looking results because the ceramic reflects light like natural teeth.
Patients who choose veneers must be committed to their restorations for many years. We prepare teeth for veneer treatment by etching into the natural tooth enamel. Preparing teeth ensures that the veneers do not feel or look bulky in the mouth. Patients will be unable to show their natural teeth behind their veneers because of the preparation process. However, we can provide patients with new veneers as needed and make sure that their veneers look as natural as possible. We also custom-make veneers according to the patient’s specifications. Each veneer is made according to the natural size and shape of the patient’s teeth.
Minimal Prep Veneers
These types of veneers require less preparation than traditional dental veneers. Minimal prep dental veneers are also made of ceramic materials. Although minimal prep veneers are reversible, they may not last as long as traditional veneers. Patients who want veneers but cannot commit to tooth preparation are good candidates for minimal prep veneers.
Additionally, minimal prep veneers may not be as effective for deeply stained or highly damaged teeth. These veneers benefit patients who want a subtle change in the shade and shape of their teeth.
Tooth Bonding
Dental bonding is similar to dental veneers but offers a more economical option. Bonding treatment uses a malleable material that we sculpt onto prepared teeth. We prepare teeth for bonding treatment, although the preparation process may not be as extensive as the veneer process. After we ensure the bonding material is the correct color and feels comfortable, we harden it with a curing light.
Bonding treatment does not last as long as traditional veneers but offers a great option for chipped or cracked tooth enamel. Patients with smaller cosmetic problems like a single, discolored, or injured tooth. Additionally, bonding treatment is much quicker. We can provide patients with bonding treatment in just one office visit.
Do you have questions for Dr. Brent Engelberg about veneers and bonding treatment? Call (847) 230-9703 or schedule a dental appointment with the team at AH Smiles online. Dr. Engelberg and his team look forward to seeing you at your next visit!