When people speak of “bonding” their teeth to make them look better, they are usually referring to either porcelain or resin veneers. Veneers cover only the outside portion of the tooth, the part that shows when you smile or talk. In fact, all tooth-colored dental restorative materials are bonded, whether the restoration is in a front tooth or a back tooth. Strictly speaking, in dentistry, bonding refers only to adhesive joining of two dissimilar materials. Silver fillings can be bonded, as can crowns (caps).
Porcelain and resin veneers
are placed in order to correct slight or severe defects in tooth alignment,
shape, or color. They are also placed when teeth have been moderately restored
and the teeth have been weakened. This is done when there is still enough
enamel left for the bonding to be successful. If the teeth are in very poor
alignment or there is insufficient enamel remaining, bonding to improve the
appearance is not possible. At that point orthodontics or full-coverage crowns
must be considered. The most common use for bonding veneers, either porcelain
or resin, is to improve the cosmetic appearance of the patient.
Without question, porcelain
veneers look the best and last the longest. They are indicated when the teeth
are in fair to good alignment or when a more pleasing tooth color is desired.
They are not usually placed in a patient under 16 years of age. The procedure
usually requires some slight to moderate tooth preparation (drilling). Local
anesthesia is usually necessary. The procedure requires two separate
appointments, approximately 10 days apart to complete. This is because the
veneers are constructed in an offsite laboratory. Once bonded into place, the
porcelain veneers become very strong. The success rate is high, and they can
last up to 12 or more years. Anything that will break your natural teeth can
break the porcelain veneers, for example, hard candy or frozen candy bars.
Veneers are highly stain resistant. They are a good treatment choice when all
the front teeth are being restored. They are more expensive than resin veneers,
but they last longer and look better than resin. Porcelain biting surfaces can
cause more rapid wear of opposing natural teeth.
Resin veneers are also
available. They are placed by the dentist in one office visit. Resin veneers
are used in similar situations to porcelain veneers. However, they last only
half as long before requiring repair or replacement. They are advised for
patients who are still growing. They look very good but are not as good as
porcelain. While repairs to the resin veneers are not too difficult, they have
a tendency to chip more than porcelain veneers.
Basically, porcelain looks
better, lasts longer, is stronger, more expensive, and requires two dental
appointments to complete. Resin veneers are less expensive, easier to repair,
and better for children, or if there are financial considerations.
It is very important to come
in for regular recare appointments for cleaning and examination if either type
of veneer is placed. This way, we will be better able to quickly correct any
problems that develop. A 3- to 4-month interval between appointments is
customary.
