Resin ("Bonding") or porcelain veneers for front teeth that became stained from braces?

Question

I had braces for 3years as a teen. Despite dilligent brushing, when they were removed I had white calcification stains on 4 teeth (canines and teeth beside them; the 2 front teeth were fine). My dentist has recommended resin/"bonding" veneers because they're less invasive. I love the price he's offering them at, but worried resin won't look natural. Can I expect a natural looking result with resin, or should I save for porcelain?

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

I can see why you're having trouble deciding on which procedure to get, but let me try to explain your options in more detail.Option #1:  Composite (resin) bonding on front teeth.Positives - very non invasive; very inexpensive; can be placed in a single appointment; tooth color can easily be matched; can drastically improve the appearance of your smile. Negatives - may fracture or come off if placed on the biting surface of your tooth; stains fairly quickly; usually needs to be redone several times over the course of several years.Option #2:  Porcelain veneers.Positives - minimally to moderately invasive; usually takes 2 appointments to complete (when a wax up is used); tooth color can easily be matched; drastically improves your smile; should last 20-30 years when good dental hygiene is maintained; extremely stain resistant; more durable that your own enamel.Negatives - about 2 - 3 times more expensive than bonding.I always tell patients that composite is a great temporary fix if you have a special occasion coming up, or you need to make a great first impression.  However, if you're trying to fix the problem permanently, then porcelain veneers are probably right for you.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMD

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

Most of the time white calcification spots from poor oral hygiene while wearing braces is not very deep, and thus direct composite bonding would be my first choice to remove the spots and stains, and restore the tooth to look natural again.  That being said, if the areas are not shallow, deeper into the teeth, or extending over larger areas, then porcelain veneers could be a better way to go for you.And, as you mention, the fee to do direct composite bonding is much less than porcelain veneers.Properly done direct resin resin restorations that aren't too large can certainly look extremely natural.My advice....try the direct resin first.  If not satisfied, then start saving for porcelain veneers.

Soheyla Marzvaan, DDS (retired) · Answer

Hypo calcification are a common side effect of waring braces, this is one of the reason I prefer to offer invisalign to my patients who are interested in orthodontics.If the depth is shallow, you can get away with composite boding, however , they will stain and do not look as good  and do not last as long as porcelain veneers . If finances  can be arranged with payment plans ( as most dentists offer in their office) , I would recommend veneers.

Resin ("Bonding") or porcelain veneers for front teeth that became stained from braces?

Answers (3)

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Resin ("Bonding") or porcelain veneers for front teeth that became stained from braces?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Dental Bonding

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.