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It used to be that dental services were seen as strictly a medical necessity. However, in recent years, cosmetic dentistry has seen a significant rise in popularity. Patients are realizing that there is no need to settle for a cosmetically flawed smile. With the services provided by Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom at their Livingston cosmetic dentistry practice, cosmetic flaws can be treated to leave patients with beautiful smiles that exude warmth and confidence. Two of the popular cosmetic treatments available at the Silverstrom Group are dental bonding and porcelain veneers. It is important to understand the differences between these procedures in order to determine the most appropriate treatment for each situation.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is one of the more affordable and conservative cosmetic dentistry treatments. During treatment, Dr. Silverstrom formulates a resin material to closely match the natural color of the teeth. Very little preparation is required for dental bonding to be performed. A solution will be applied to the teeth to create a rough surface for which the resin to bond with. When the teeth have been prepared, several layers of material will be applied to the teeth and then hardened by a curing light. Dr. Silverstrom uses this technique to address cosmetic flaws including chips, cracks, gaps and discoloration.

Porcelain Veneers

For our patients in Livingston, porcelain veneers are one of the most transformative cosmetic dentistry treatments available. Using the CEREC machine, we customize porcelain veneers that are placed on the surface of the teeth. Porcelain veneers can be applied to any number of teeth, including an entire set of teeth. A minimal amount of tooth enamel will need to be removed from the teeth in order to make room for the veneers, making this an irreversible treatment. Porcelain veneers can be applied to improve the shape, size, and color of the teeth and conceal chips, cracks, gaps, stains, and alignment issues.

Dental Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers

Depending on what each patient needs, Dr. Silverstrom can make a recommendation regarding dental bonding vs. porcelain veneers. However, in many cases, both treatments will be appropriate and it will come down to personal preference. Some factors that patients consider when it comes to choosing between dental bonding and porcelain veneers include:

  • Cost: Dental bonding is a more affordable treatment option so this may be a factor for patients with a limited budget.
  • Durability: Both treatments will need to be replaced eventually, but porcelain veneers are more durable than dental bonding. The strong porcelain that our veneers are composed of should last for ten years or more.
  • Appearance: Both of these treatments allow patients to transform the smile. However, some patients believe that porcelain veneers look more natural than dental bonding because they are translucent like natural tooth enamel.

Schedule an Appointment

When it comes to improving the smile, we like to do things with an artistic touch. Whether dental bonding or porcelain veneers is your treatment of choice, schedule an appointment with Dr. Silverstrom to give your smile the makeover it deserves. We look forward to welcoming you to the Silverstrom Group!