Steven E. Timm, DMD PC

Cosmetic

You no longer have to settle for stained, chipped or misshapen teeth. There are many ways for adults to benefit from smile-improving dental options. Choices include tooth whitening, bonding and veneers. Here we discuss two of the more common and affordable options: bonding and veneers.

• Bonding is a cosmetic procedure that can fix teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained or have spaces in between them. Bonding is also used to protect exposed tooth roots that result from gum recession. It lasts from 3-5 years.
• The bonding process involves preparing the tooth surface with an etching solution and allows the bonding material (resins) to adhere to the tooth. Color resins are blended to match the color of existing teeth and look completely natural. Bonding may not require anesthesia or drilling and can usually be completed in one visit.
• Veneers are thin shells that are designed to cover the front side of teeth. It's made of tooth-colred materials and are used to treat spaces between teeth and teeth that are permanently stained, poorly shaped or slightly crooked.
• Veneers are made from resins, acrylic material or porcelain. It is often an irreversible process because a small amount of enamel is usually removed to accomodate the thickness of the veneer. An anesthetic may be required and the procedure requires just a few appointments. It is possible the veneer may wear or chip off or for decay to develop around it. In these cases, a new veneer may be required.

Talk with your dentist if either of these procedures is right for you.