What is bonding and how is it different from a veneer?

Bonding is a procedure where a plastic tooth colored material is matched to your natural tooth. This procedure works but stains and breaks down over time. Bonding is done in layers (stacked upon each other) so as to build out bulk and allow for the dentist to shape the material according to your desired result. A veneer is a solid porcelain restoration that once placed does not change color shape or size. Veneers are lab fabricated and once the color is finalized you will have that color for the life of the veneer. Veneers also last longer than bonding due the fact that they are a solid restoration and do not have to be layered.

How has technology improved cosmetic dentistry?

Dentistry has come a long way, since the old times of silver fillings, gold fillings, tooth color fillings to same day all porcelain cosmetic dentistry. One of the major advances is CEREC® restorations (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics). CEREC gives your restored tooth a more natural match to the rest of your teeth, and can help preserve the healthy part of that tooth. This procedure can be completed in just one visit. It is also bonded to your tooth eliminating cements and any use of metals. Another major improvement in dentistry is the use of lasers. This allows the dentist to very conservatively prepare your tooth for a cosmetic procedure so as not to take away any unnecessary tooth structure and virtually eliminate the use of a drill.

How can cosmetic dentistry change my life?

First a consultation should be performed so that both the dentist and the patient can get a feel for what can and cannot be done to achieve the desired result and change your smile for life. For minor problems that do not impact your bite, whitening can be performed to correct the color issues. When multiple teeth require treatment due to crowding, chips or spaces, the dentist will start by creating models of your teeth and some simple measurements of how your teeth and jaws relate. Dentists strive to preserve or most often improve the function of your teeth while "enhancing your smile appearance."  An array of options and combinations from porcelain veneers to crowns can be used to help straighten short or misshapen teeth or improve crowding or space issues within the mouth.