Cosmetic dentistry has increased in popularity in recent years. This is because many patients have come to realize that even a mouth that is healthy may require some cosmetic maintenance. Two common cosmetic procedures performed by Salt Lake City cosmetic dentist James M. Wright are the placement of dental bonding and porcelain veneers. Both of these treatments allow Dr. Wright to improve a patient’s smile by addressing a wide variety of cosmetic flaws. While both procedures can be highly successful, they each have their own positive and negative aspects to consider before deciding which treatment is best for you and your unique situation.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that is best suited for small and minor cosmetic flaws. Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of dental bonding to keep in mind.

Positives

• Dental bonding allows patients to maintain the majority of their natural tooth enamel.
• Dental bonding only requires one short dental appointment in order to complete treatment.
• Dental bonding is affordable for most of our patients.
• The dental bonding material can be easily replaced if it becomes damaged or chipped.

Negatives

• Dental bonding is not an ideal procedure when many teeth require treatment.
• The composite material used in dental bonding is not as durable or long lasting as porcelain veneers.
• The composite material that is used is vulnerable to staining.

If you have only minimal flaws that need attention, dental bonding may be the most practical and affordable cosmetic treatment for you to consider.

Porcelain Veneers

For more extensive cosmetic damage that spans several teeth, Dr. Wright is likely to recommend to his patients in Salt Lake City porcelain veneers. Learn more about some of the benefits and negative aspects of porcelain veneers that you should consider before undergoing treatment.

Positives

• Porcelain veneers cover the entire front surface of the teeth to conceal any flaws that are present.
• Porcelain veneers can be used to treat as little as one and up to all of the front facing teeth in your mouth.
• Porcelain veneers are strong, long lasting, and stain resistant.
• Porcelain veneers can improve the color of teeth or treat stains that are resistant to teeth whitening.

Negatives

• Porcelain veneers require more tooth enamel to be removed than with dental bonding and this may result in temporary sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
• Porcelain veneers are more costly than dental bonding.
• The placement of porcelain veneers is considered a permanent treatment. The veneers will need to be replaced at some point in the future.

Porcelain veneers are a good treatment option when there are multiple cosmetic flaws that affect several teeth. Porcelain veneers allow Dr. Wright to address all of these problems with a single procedure.

Schedule an Appointment

Dr. James M. Wright is an expert in cosmetic dentistry. Whatever cosmetic flaws you may be experiencing, Dr. Wright can recommend an appropriate treatment to enhance your smile. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Wright to begin your smile makeover.