Dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and dental crowns are great ways to correct many cosmetic concerns, including intrinsic stains, tooth misalignment, and uneven crown length. While they all have their own benefits, one may be better for your needs. If you would like to know more, keep reading.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is the most affordable, fastest, and least invasive option. The dentist uses composite resin to reshape the teeth in the office. For this reason, you don't have to wait for the lab, which can take weeks to craft crowns, veneers, bridges, etc.

Composite resin is white, and the dentist dyes it to the desired shade to match your other teeth or give you a brighter, whiter smile. However, the composite resin does not mimic the look of natural tooth tissue as well as porcelain. Composite resin is resistant to stains, but if stains develop, you can't remove them with teeth-whitening treatments.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are also white and resistant to stains (and can't be whitened if stains do develop), but the porcelain makes them look more like natural tooth tissue. Veneers are also more durable than dental bonding, but they must be created in the lab, so may need to wear temporary veneers for a short period of time.

Veneers are only designed for front teeth. Since they only cover the front portion of the tooth, they require less healthy enamel removal, making them less invasive than dental crowns. Unfortunately, this makes them a poor choice for molars.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns come in porcelain, composite resin, and metal. Some dentists offer same-day porcelain crowns, but many crowns must be made in the lab. Dental crowns are the strongest option, and they make weak teeth strong. This means, however, they are also the most expensive option. 

Because they are strong, you can use a dental crown on any tooth, including molars. Your dentist may recommend metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns for molars. The dentist must remove more tissue to place the dental crowns, but the dental crown will better protect the tooth from decay when compared to enamel. If a gum recession occurs, however, decay can slip under the crown. 

Regardless of which option you choose, all are resistant to stains, and they hide many imperfections. If you are ready to improve the look of your smile, consider dental bonding, veneers, and/or crowns. If you would like to schedule a consultation, contact a dentist in your area today.

To learn more about dental care, contact a cosmetic dentist clinic  near you.