Treatment options are available if you wish to repair a chip or close a gap in your teeth, whiten discoloured or stained teeth, or simply improve your smile. Dental bonding and veneers are two frequent cosmetic procedures for partial or complete mouth makeovers, and both choices have pros and cons.
It’s always a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist if you have concerns about your oral health, but the following information will help if you have questions about the benefits of dental bonding vs veneers.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a less permanent cosmetic dentistry treatment, sometimes used to fix immediate problems until they can be addressed more thoroughly.
Dental bonding is not meant to be permanent. It may last between three and ten years, depending on the amount of bonding necessary and the degree of oral hygiene a patient maintains.
If you’re considering dental bonding vs veneers, you should know that even well-maintained bonding may need to be repaired or replaced every so often. Both dental bonding and porcelain veneers are effective treatment options, but porcelain veneers typically last much longer, and your dentist can tell you more.
It’s a quick, straightforward process requiring only one office visit. Your dentist first cleans the surface of the tooth to be treated, and a coat of composite resin is painted on top. The composite resin is polished and moulded once dried to get the desired appearance.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are sometimes called caps. The porcelain veneers are shells made of thin porcelain material permanently bonded to your teeth. They are uniquely shaped to fit over your teeth and produce a natural appearance that blends in with neighbouring teeth. Depending on your needs, a veneer can cover one damaged or discoloured tooth or multiple teeth for a bright, healthy smile.
Related: Veneers 101: What To Expect In Porcelain Veneers?
Your dentist will shape each tooth, removing a small portion to make room for the veneer, which provides a smooth, even appearance. Although the application of porcelain veneers is usually painless, it can take several visits to get a perfect fit that will last a lifetime. You may want to keep that in mind when considering dental bonding vs veneers.
Teeth Bonding vs Veneers: Which Is a Better Choice?
Though many people may want a clear-cut answer regarding dental bonding vs veneers, there is no one correct answer. Much of the decision will be based on your specific situation. Some patients may find one option more suited to their circumstances or financial situation, and it’s largely a subjective decision.
You should know that porcelain veneers are typically much more expensive than dental bonding. The substance used to bond teeth is much more affordable. However, dental veneers can save you time and money over the long term when compared to bonding, as bonding must be repaired or redone every so often.
Veneers are suitable for repairing chipped teeth, whitening teeth, and matching the colour of your natural teeth. It is one of the most common dental services performed in cosmetic dentistry.
When appearance isn’t a primary concern, your dentist might recommend dental bonding vs veneers, as porcelain veneers are more frequently used by professionals who rely on their appearance. They can be used to cover stained or discoloured teeth if tooth whitening isn’t sufficient. Dental bonding will be more effective if repairing chips or gaps in your teeth is the concern.
Why Choose Dental Bonding?
The most cost-effective aesthetic dentistry procedure is tooth bonding.
Cosmetic bonding can be completed on-site unless multiple teeth need to be treated, unlike porcelain veneers and dental crowns, which typically need to be created in a lab. Compared to veneers and crowns, bonding has the advantage of removing the least amount of existing tooth surface.
Considering the permanence of dental bonding vs veneers, dental bonding resin material typically lasts 3 to 10 years before needing replacement or touch-up.
Your dentist may recommend dental bonding to restore broken or missing teeth, fill gaps between teeth, and cover stained or discoloured teeth. Bonding can also be used to modify the contour of a tooth so that it better fits the rest of your smile. In some cases, bonding can also be used to protect part of a tooth’s root if you suffer from receding gum line or other periodontal disease.
Summary
Deciding between dental bonding vs veneers involves the similarities and differences between the two. Veneers and bonding require about the same ongoing care. Regular oral hygiene should be practiced every day, and sport or other physical activity that could potentially damage your teeth should be avoided unless you wear a mouthguard. You may need to practice a bit more care when chewing hard items, as these could damage the bonding agent or porcelain.
Still not sure about dental bonding vs veneers? If you’re looking for the best practical approach for improving the appearance of your smile or have one or more teeth in need of attention, cosmetic bonding may be your best option. Porcelain veneers are typically a better choice for anyone looking for a long-lasting cosmetic procedure.
Contact us to set up an appointment. Your dentist will assist you in weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each choice, so it’s easier to select the one that best suits your needs, preferences, and financial situation.