Dental Crowns vs. Dental Veneers vs. Dental Bonding: Common Dental Procedures in 2026 Explained

Happy-Couple-Smiling-Common-Dental-Procedures

Today’s dental lingo can make it quite confusing to understand what your proposed dental treatment plan entails. Crowns, bridges, veneers, implants, fillings, bonding… and the list goes on. Dr. Erik, Randolph dentist, simplifies the most common dental procedures in 2026.

The 5 Most Common Dental Procedures in 2026

Dental Fillings/Bonding

Dental fillings, also known as dental bonding, are performed most frequently to treat dental cavities and minor chips in your teeth. A tooth-colored composite resin is placed to rebuild the tooth structure after decay is removed. Bonding can also be used as an affordable aesthetic alternative to veneers, but may require more frequent replacement.

Dental Veneers

Unlike bonding, dental veneers are a more permanent solution to creating a smile you love. Veneers are nonporous, making them highly resistant to stains from common culprits like coffee, tea, and red wine. Veneers are more conservative than crowns as they cover only one surface of your tooth and can reshape, straighten, and hide gaps in your smile.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are made from the same non-porous material as veneers, but they cover the entire visible portion of your tooth. Crowns are an excellent option for reconstructing your bite, protecting a compromised tooth, and providing 360° coverage for teeth needing extra protection from heavy chewing, grinding, etc.

Dental Implants

One of the best solutions for replacing missing teeth is to place dental implants. Unlike dental bridges, which are a nuisance to floss and keep clean, dental implants act and feel most like your natural teeth.

Invisalign

Straightening your smile no longer requires years of bulky metal braces. With Invisalign, you can wear a series of clear retainers to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. It is important to note that not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign over traditional braces, so be sure to ask your dentist which option is best for your dental needs.

Questions about a dental treatment plan you received? Discover all your treatment options by contacting Dr. Erik at Dickerson Dental Group.

Dental FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

What happens if I don’t get a dental filling?

If your dentist recommends a dental filling, you likely have decay in your tooth, known as a dental cavity. Unfortunately, decay doesn’t get better on its own. This is permanent damage that a dentist must repair with a filling.

Can I postpone my dental treatment?

It is not recommended to postpone dental treatment. Untreated conditions, such as dental cavities, a broken tooth, and dental infections, can advance quickly into a dental emergency, leading to more involved (and more expensive) treatment.

How do I know if I can trust my dentist’s recommendation?

Your dentist should thoroughly review your X-rays with you, explain all your treatment options, and ensure you understand why certain treatment is recommended. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or get a second opinion when needed.

Meet Dr. Erik, Treating Dentist at Dickerson Dental Group

Dr. Erik Dickerson graduated from Montclair State University with a M.S. in Biochemistry and received his doctorate of dental surgery (DDS) from State University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2014. After dental school, Dr. Erik completed a General Practice Residency at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Bethlehem, PA. Dr. Erik started Dickerson Dental Group in 2018, with the vision of having all the dental specialties under one roof with the importance of maintaining a family orientated environment.

Dickerson Dental Group
714 NJ-10 Suite 200 Randolph, NJ 07869
(973) 366-8338

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Contact our Randolph cosmetic dentist today to find out if dental veneers are right for you! Be sure to ask about our financing options.

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