I have written in the past about the advantages and disadvantages of porcelain veneers and dental bonding. There are many indications for both. Bonding can be conservatively used to close spaces and for defects or notching of the teeth at the gumline.
The bicuspids have had severe recession and root wear, grafts were completed to cover as much as possible
Porcelain veneers were completed on the bicuspids to stabilize the gum tissue and cover the eroded part of the teeth
This photo reveals a case in which the bonding would not hold at the gumline due to functional stresses of the bite. The gum recession was severe and gum grafts were completed to gain some root coverage. After the grafts, the area around the bicuspids was difficult to keep clean and bonding still would not hold even after the bite was adjusted or equilibrated. To solve the problem, dental porcelain veneers were then used to obtain full coverage of the check side of the teeth. It is easy to see how nicely the Houston porcelain veneers integrate at the gumline home care very easy and stabilizing the grafts and gum recession that had been occurring. This clearly shows a functional case in which porcelain veneers were indicated over bonding. On the other hand, porcelain veneers are much more conservative than doing porcelain crowns and are much kinder to the teeth and gums as well. A keen understanding of function, the bite, gum issues, and restorative dental options truly allows us to render stabile and conservative treatment for our patients. If you have any questions about Houston Cosmetic Dentistry or Houston TMJ treatment, please feel free to call our office, Houston dentist, Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF 713-668-2289