Cosmetic Treatments Pros & Cons

If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry but you don’t know where to start, the team at the office of Dr. Douglas G. Hope has some information that will help! We pride ourselves on keeping patients informed about their treatment options, so here are a few common procedures that can spruce up your smile, along with some pros and cons for each one:  

Veneers: Pros & Cons

Veneers are thin, tooth-shaped prosthetics made of porcelain that are placed on the front surfaces of your teeth. They are designed to cover up a wide range of cosmetic imperfections. 

PRO

• Versatile treatment can be used to correct almost any cosmetic issue
• Durable and long-lasting with a 15+ year lifespan
• Completely natural look and feel

CON

• Requires the removal of some natural tooth enamel 
• Treatment is not reversible
• Can only be used to treat front teeth

Dental Crowns: Pros & Cons

Crowns are similar to veneers. However, they are much thicker and are designed to cover up your entire tooth structure. Essentially, a crown is a “false tooth” that is attached to your remaining enamel. It covers up your tooth all the way down to the gumline.

PRO

• Can be used to restore damaged or decayed teeth, unlike veneers
• Provides more protection to the underlying tooth structure
• Ideal for cosmetic purposes like covering up seriously stained or misshapen teeth 

CON

• Requires the removal of natural tooth enamel
• Can cause tooth sensitivity in some patients if the fit is not perfect
• Often more costly than veneers

Invisalign: Pros & Cons

If you want to straighten your smile without highly visible treatment, Invisalign may be a good option for you.

PRO

• Invisible, removable and comfortable orthodontic treatment
• Treatment usually takes under 12 months
• A great option for treating gapped, uneven, and crooked teeth

CON

• Does not reshape the teeth, so you may need additional cosmetic treatments
• Takes a long time compared to other cosmetic treatments
• Not as versatile as braces and cannot be used for all orthodontic issues

Dental Bonding: Pros & Cons

Dental bonding uses a special type of dental resin, similar to the material used to fill cavities. This resin is applied directly to your tooth, then shaped and trimmed to adjust its shape and size, improving the overall appearance of your smile.

PRO

• Treatment is completely non-invasive and requires no removal of natural enamel
• Each tooth takes only 30-60 minutes to treat, so you can restore your smile quickly
• Dental bonding is typically much less expensive compared to veneers

CON

• The resin used in bonding is less durable and can chip more easily, compared to veneers
• Dental bonding only lasts 7-10 years in most cases, which is less than veneers
• The resin used for bonding is not stain-resistant and requires more upkeep to prevent stains

Explore Your Options For Cosmetic Dentistry In Escondido, Valley Center, And San Marcos! 

If you’re interested in veneers, crowns or any of these alternative treatments, Dr. Douglas G. Hope is here to help. Schedule a consultation at our office to learn more about each of these treatments. You can give us a call at (760) 480-8883, or stop by our office at 511 E 2nd Ave, Escondido, CA 92025. We’ll see you soon!