If you have a front tooth that is discolored due to an injury, traditional teeth whitening procedures may not lighten the dark color. Bonding or veneers could work instead. Both of these dental procedures cover the stain, so your tooth is the same color as the rest of your teeth. Here's how to determine which one of these procedures is best for you:

Size Of Stain

If your entire tooth is a darker color than the teeth next to it, a porcelain veneer may be the best choice. That's because a veneer looks more natural when it covers a larger surface area. Porcelain reflects light like natural enamel. The material used in bonding is a composite resin.

While it can be matched to the shade of your other teeth, it doesn't have sheen like porcelain does. However, if the stain is small, you may opt for bonding since it is the less expensive option, and being on a small section of your tooth, it may not be noticeable.

Lifestyle Choices

The resin used for bonding is porous so it absorbs things like coffee and tea more readily than porcelain. If you're a cigarette smoker or if you drink coffee all day, you may want to opt for a porcelain veneer so you don't have to worry so much about staining. The glaze on a porcelain veneer protects it from stains. If the glaze is eroded by acids in your diet, the porcelain may begin to discolor, but a cosmetic dentist can polish the tooth to remove the stain and restore its luster.

The Procedures

Getting a porcelain veneer is a more involved process than going through dental bonding. When you get a veneer, the dentist removes a thin layer of your tooth enamel so the veneer fits into place. A mold is then sent to a dental lab where your veneer is custom made. You'll need two visits to complete the process of getting a porcelain veneer.

You can have dental bonding done in a single visit. The dentist has to rough up the surface of your tooth so the bonding solution adheres more readily. Then the material is applied, allowed to harden in place, and then polished. Bonding is quicker and less expensive. That might be an advantage if you have a fear of going to the dentist or if you are on a tight budget.

While bonding or a veneer will cover your discolored tooth and whiten your smile, they are only good options when your tooth is otherwise healthy. If you tooth is discolored due to decay, your dentist may recommend a crown, bridge, or implant instead. To learn more, contact a professional like Aaron G Birch, DDS PC with any questions you have.