Porcelain
Veneers:
Porcelain
veneers provide for a natural-looking solution to a broad range of
cosmetic problems. These veneers are thin shells of porcelain
(approximately the same thickness as fake fingernails) that are typically
bonded to the front and tops of the teeth. Because they are thin,
light can shine through them and they take on the natural color of the
underlying tooth structure. To accommodate their installation, only
a minimal amount of tooth structure requires being removed.
Advantages:
Porcelain veneers are
beautiful, strong (once bonded in place), and durable. Minimal tooth
reduction is required for their installation, and they can often be
repaired while still on the tooth with bonding techniques.
Disadvantages:
Their
placement requires some tooth reduction, and the procedure is
non-reversible, making you dependent on veneers or replacement veneers for
the rest of your life. Your Dentist must have the technique, experience,
and artistic talent to place veneers. This is a two-appointment procedure.
Bonding:
Bonding
is a three-step procedure. First, the front of the teeth are treated
with a mild acid. Next, the plastic bonding material, which has a
consistency of bread dough, is placed and sculpted to the desired shape.
Finally, the material is hardened with a high-intensity light.
Advantages:
Bonding produces strong, natural-looking restorations, allows
for
in-the-mouth repairs, and it is a single appointment procedure.
Disadvantages:
To
accommodate the bonding process, some tooth reduction is required, and it
is generally considered a non-reversible procedure that makes you
dependent on bonding for rest of your life. Your dentist must have the
proper technique, experience, and artistic talent to perform bonding. Note
that relatively few dentists have adequate training in bonding.
Orthodontics
(Braces):
Small
brackets are bonded to the front of the teeth, then wires of varying size
connect the brackets to provide the leverage to move the teeth and close
the gap(s).
Advantages:
Braces require no tooth
reduction or additional application of restoration materials.
Disadvantages:
The
treatment time is lengthy - typically 18 to 36 months. The color and
shape of the teeth are not improved, and occasionally the procedure may
cause tooth roots to shorten.
Crowns:
Crowns
are made of porcelain, porcelain and metal, or metal only. They are
best used in cases where teeth are broken down and need structural support
and protection. Crowns may also be an appropriate solution if gaps
are extremely wide. If your teeth are intact and you simply want to
close spaces, your best choices are bonding, veneers, or orthodontics.
Advantages:
Crowns can be used to repair
structural damage, since they are very strong, and they can be fabricated
from several different materials.
Disadvantages:
Crowns
require a relatively large amount of tooth reduction, they are less
natural-looking than veneers or bonding, and they might show a dark blue
line where they meet the gums, if your gums recede. Porcelain crowns may
wear down the opposing teeth.
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