Can I Treat a Cavity on My Own?
Cavities are a common cause of toothaches. When pain flares up, you might be tempted to treat the cavity yourself. In this blog, we discuss whether you should and provide tips for easing toothache pain at home.
If you want to boost your smile, dental bonding and veneers are two excellent options. Both treatments cover up dental imperfections to give you a more aesthetically pleasing smile. However, they differ in methods and materials.
At Smile Boutique in Mount Vernon, New York, Dr. Wayne Hofflich, DDS, offers both popular options to enhance your smile. While both types of dental restorations successfully conceal common dental problems, one option may be better for you than the other. To find out if dental bonding or veneers is more suitable for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hofflich.
Dental bonding uses composite resin to mask flaws in teeth. Dr. Hofflich matches the color of the resin to the color of your teeth and directly applies it to them. This process makes discolored, chipped, and uneven teeth blend in with the rest of your teeth.
Dr. Hofflich uses a dentistry-safe bonding liquid and resin material to fill in missing sections of your cracked or chipped tooth. He meticulously sculpts and polishes the resin to look natural.
Dental bonding is often accomplished in a single visit and can immediately restore your tooth's appearance and function. In many instances, effects last three to five years before routine maintenance is needed.
Dental bonding is an excellent option for patients who only have minor flaws to conceal.
Patients choose veneers when they want a more comprehensive smile makeover and desire incredibly natural long-lasting results. Veneers not only look most like your natural teeth, but they are also extremely durable and stain resistant.
With proper care, veneers can last more than 10 years, making them an excellent cosmetic investment. With veneers, you can feel confident in your smile without worrying about coming in for maintenance.
The procedure for veneers is slightly different than dental bonding.
Dr. Hofflich puts a veneer — a thin, porcelain, tooth-like shell — on the front surface of your tooth to address various issues. This shell conceals frequent dental problems, including:
Veneers provide a significantly enhanced smile and long-lasting results. The porcelain materials are customized to seamlessly blend in and look natural
The application of veneers typically involves multiple appointments and a dental imprint that serves as a template for the veneers. Each veneer is fabricated in a dental laboratory. When it’s ready, you return to the office for the bonding procedure.
To ensure the veneer adheres completely to the tooth's surface, Dr. Hofflich removes a small amount of enamel from your natural tooth to match the veneer's thickness. We attach the veneer to the tooth using dental cement.
During your consultation, Dr. Hofflich helps you choose the best option for you. The recommended dental restoration treatment depends on various factors. For example, in some situations where a tooth must be fixed rapidly in a single appointment, Dr. Hofflich may recommend dental bonding as an appropriate restoration option.
If you want to improve the appearance of your entire smile, veneers may be the solution for you. With this method, you can anticipate long-lasting results, whereas bonding may require periodic maintenance treatments if the resin becomes unstable or broken.
A straight, bright, sparkling smile can boost your confidence and impact how others see you. It’s a worthwhile investment that, in many cases, also improves oral health. To learn more about your options for enhancing your smile, call our Mount Vernon office to schedule a visit with Dr. Hofflich. Put your best smile forward!
