When your teeth are worn, gapped, chipped, or discolored, you may not feel like smiling in pictures or posting to your favorite social media sites. At White Bear Smiles, we understand how important it is to have a healthy smile, but we also realize you want an attractive smile that you’re proud to show others.
That’s why we offer a wide range of cosmetic treatment options, including composite bonding and porcelain veneers. But which one is right for your budget?
Composite Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers: What You Should Know
Deciding which treatment option is best for your smile can feel overwhelming, so let’s explore the factors that could be affecting your decision:
- Materials and fees — Composite bonding uses tooth-colored resin that is applied directly to your teeth, concealing numerous imperfections. Veneers are custom porcelain shells that are bonded to the front sides of your teeth. Dental bonding is a less expensive procedure because of material costs, and it doesn’t require any lab fees.
- Treatment timeline — Dental bonding can often be completed in just one trip to the dentist, offering fast results. Veneers usually require at least two office visits; we’ll need to take impressions, send them to the dental lab, and then you’ll return so we can bond them to your teeth.
- Longevity and maintenance — Both composite bonding and veneers require the same care as your natural teeth. Composite bonding generally lasts for five to seven years, but porcelain often lasts for 10-15 years or more with proper care. Because porcelain lasts so much longer, you should keep this in mind when considering the cost.
- Case complexity — Even when your budget is a factor, it’s important to consider how complex your smile concerns are. If you need any gum treatments, orthodontics, or other care before your cosmetic bonding or veneers, it will certainly increase your cost. Fortunately, we offer a Smiles Membership Program, and we work with both Cherry Financing and CareCredit so you can arrange to make payments over time.
Quality Dental Care in White Bear Lake, MN
If you’d like to learn more about what cosmetic dentistry can do for your smile and self-confidence, please feel free to reach out to our experienced dental team! At White Bear Smiles, we’ll go over all the possible treatment options, allowing you to make an informed decision that suits your budget.
Just give us a call to schedule a consultation!