In today’s blog, you’ll learn about:

• Why humans find symmetry attractive in a smile
• Porcelain veneers and how they’re created 
• Cosmetic bonding and how it’s performed
• Benefits and differences between treatment options
• How to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Bridges

Symmetry Is Attractive

We like to believe that Americans are generally civilized and refined, high above what we consider to be petty things, like judging a person by his appearance. But appearance isn’t petty. In fact, as humans, we can’t help our attraction to beauty. Scientists who study evolution believe that humans find symmetrical faces attractive because of our primal desire to mate with a person of good genetic quality. “Symmetry is an honest indicator of genetic quality of potential mates,” according to a journal article published on Oxford Academic Behavioral Ecology, by Simmons, Rhodes, Peters, and Koehler (01 Sept. 2004). 

Another study, “Effects of The ‘What is Beautiful is Good’ Stereotype on Perceived Trustworthiness by Shinners, published by University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, states: “Attractive individuals were seen as more trustworthy than unattractive individuals…”

In fact, Google has a wealth of studies and articles on the topic. The bottom line is that humans appreciate facial symmetry, and that includes the balanced, harmonic appearance of a symmetrical smile. If you dislike your smile, this article was composed with you in mind. An attractive smile is within reach!

How Veneers Create Normal Teeth Shape

As pictured above, porcelain veneers are placed on the front surface of front teeth–those that show in a smile. Veneers are made of strong layers of dental porcelain or ceramic. They reflect light like natural tooth enamel and have a beautiful, symmetrical, “normal” teeth shape. The procedure takes a few weeks to a month and requires a minimum of two dental visits. Veneers are handcrafted in a dental lab by expert ceramists.

How Bonding Creates Normal Teeth Shape

A more affordable option than veneers, cosmetic dental bonding reshapes malformed, unevenly or widely spaced, permanently stained, or chipped teeth. Bonding is made of composite resin, the same material used for white dental fillings. Dr. Bridges tints the liquid resin, then applies it to one or more teeth to create a new, attractive shape. Bonding is completed in a single visit because no lab fabrication is necessary. 

Benefits and Differences in Treatment Options

Cost of Veneers vs Cost of Bonding

Cosmetic dental treatments are not covered by insurance but can be financed through CareCredit with low or no interest, for qualified applicants.

Veneers range in cost from just under $1000 to about $2500 per tooth

Bonding costs a few hundred dollars, total.

Longevity of Veneers vs Bonding

The following age estimates are applicable in the absence of injury or disease and if good dental hygiene is practiced. All dental restorations can be damaged by pressure: habitual chewing on fingernails or pen caps; chewing on ice; or enduring a blow to the mouth, for example.

Veneers can last over 20 years.

Bonding usually lasts five to seven years.

Potential Problems with Veneers vs Bonding

Both procedures will give malformed teeth a natural teeth shape. They require mild to significant tooth preparation before the procedure. Preparation involves removing some tooth enamel or etching a tooth’s enamel to allow for a strong bond between the tooth and the restoration. 

If the seal of any restoration is compromised, bacteria can get beneath the restoration and cause decay. This is rare, but it can happen. Regular six-month dental visits will allow Dr. Bridges to make sure that all of your dental restorations and enhancements are strong. 

With cosmetic bonding, a seam exists between the resin and natural tooth enamel. This seam, when stained by food, beverages, or tobacco, can become visible over time. Since dental materials do not respond to chemical teeth whitening, the stains are difficult, and sometimes impossible, to remove. When staining appears, the best option is to replace the restoration. 

How to Schedule Your Cosmetic Consultation

Are you ready for your smile to look more attractive? Would a symmetrical smile with attractive, normal teeth shape give you more self-confidence? Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580-255-4880 to schedule your consultation with Duncan, OK, dentist, Dr. Matthew Bridges. We are accepting new patients and look forward to meeting you!

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