It means starting with the least invasive option that gets you the result you're after, and only moving to something more involved - like veneers or crowns - when it's genuinely the better long-term choice. A lot of cosmetic dentistry defaults to removing healthy tooth structure to make a case easier or more dramatic. My approach, which I think of as "Restored by Design," is the opposite: the goal isn't to create something new, it's to restore what's already there as faithfully and minimally as possible.

With good care, porcelain veneers commonly last 10–15+ years, and composite bonding is more in the 5–7 year range before it may need a touch-up or replacement - bonding is more susceptible to staining and chipping over time, though it's also easier and less costly to repair or refresh since no lab work is involved. Both depend a lot on your bite, habits (grinding, biting fingernails or ice, etc.), and how well you keep up with routine care.

Cost depends entirely on what you need - how many teeth, whether it's bonding or veneers, and what your goals are - so I'd rather give you an honest number after seeing your smile than a generic range that may not apply to you. The best next step is booking a consultation, where I'll walk you through options and pricing before any treatment begins.

I practice at the Center for Contemporary Dentistry (asmile4all.com) in Madison, Mississippi, alongside Dr. Lance Dillon. This site, draustindillon.com, is my personal page where I share more about my philosophy, faith, and the mission work that shapes how I practice dentistry. For appointments, insurance questions, or general practice information, asmile4all.com is the best resource; think of this site as where you get to know me before you come in.

Composite bonding is a tooth-colored resin sculpted directly onto your existing tooth in a single visit - it's the more conservative option, since little to no natural tooth structure is removed. Veneers are thin custom shells, usually porcelain, bonded over the front of the tooth; they typically require some minimal reshaping of the tooth and are made in a lab. I will choose the treatment that can achieve the overall goal that is most conservative option. Sometimes that is bonding and sometimes that is veneers. My philosophy is to restore what's there rather than replace more of your natural tooth than necessary. Veneers still have their place - for larger changes in shape, color, or alignment that bonding can't achieve as durably.

Invisalign is a great option to adjust your spacing, bite, and function. It is used in conjunction with many of my cosmetic procedures to help preserve the natural tooth structure as much as possible. It's not the right fit for every case - some more complex bite issues still respond better to traditional orthodontics. The best way to know is a short consultation where I can look at your specific alignment and talk through whether clear aligners will get you the result you want.