Charleston dentist discusses bonding and alternatives to correct problems ranging from chips to stains
You may be familiar with porcelain veneers due in part to the many celebrities who owe their dazzling smiles to these thin shells of porcelain. Porcelain veneers were developed during Hollywood’s Golden Age for actors like Shirley Temple. However, there is an option that may be a better fit for your needs, goals, and circumstances: dental bonding.
An introduction to bonding
This procedure is completed with composite resin, a plastic material designed to look and function like a tooth. After Dr. Greenberg selects the color of resin that most closely matches the shade of your teeth, the surface of the tooth to be treated is abraded slightly. A conditioning liquid is applied, which helps the resin adhere securely to the treatment area.
Dr. Greenberg molds and shapes the resin, so it looks like your natural tooth. This soft putty is transformed into your new, durable tooth structure courtesy of a UV light or laser that hardens the material. Get ready to enjoy your chip-free, gap-less, uniformly shaped, pearly white smile as soon as Dr. Greenberg precisely trims and polishes the bonding material.
Bonding vs. Veneers
Whereas veneers require a small portion of enamel be removed to accommodate the width of these porcelain shells, bonding requires little preparation and may not require removal of otherwise healthy tooth structure. Since natural enamel remains intact, bonding is considered a reversible procedure.
Porcelain veneers are designed to look like your natural teeth down to the details (such as how light reflects off the tooth), but bonding can still achieve the natural results you are looking for cost-effectively. Sensitivity and other notable side effects associated with porcelain veneers are eliminated because bonding largely leaves the enamel untouched. Bonding may also be completed in one treatment, and even within one hour, whereas veneers must be fabricated as dental prosthetics and in turn require more than one visit.
A variety of conditions may be corrected with dental bonding. Since there are so many concerns that may have led to your considering this procedure, be aware that your dentist in Charleston, Dr. Andrew Greenberg and his team at Mouth Carolina Dentistry, PA, are equipped to offer alternative treatment options. Some stains may be corrected with at-home whitening trays while severe decay or structural problems may require dental crowns or other types of restorations. To recommend a proper treatment for you, Dr. Greenberg will need to examine your teeth and discuss your goals with you during a consultation. Call (843)751 4262 to schedule an appointment.
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Mouth Carolina Dentistry, PA - Dr. Andrew Greenberg
Dr. Andrew Greenberg completed his Bachelor’s Degree in New Orleans, Louisiana at Tulane University. He graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine in 2009, where he portrayed excellent academic performance. He exercises his academic brilliance to the benefit of his patients every day. He grew up in a family with a dental background and showed interest in the field since his early days.
