Teeth Bonding vs Veneers: The differences

Dental
Oct 2, 2024

When you have a chip or gap in your teeth, or if your teeth are worn, stained, or discolored, you may feel uncomfortable about your smile and find yourself avoiding being in photos.

Fortunately, there are ways to help you achieve your ideal smile and regain the confidence you deserve.

Did you know about dental bonding? This choice can help you transform your smile, just like porcelain veneers. 

Both treatments have advantages and drawbacks you will want to know. 

In this article, we will compare teeth bonding vs veneers to help you decide which is best for you.

What is Dental Bonding

Dental bonding, also known as tooth bonding, is a cosmetic dental procedure that can fix a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth. 

It can also help with discolored teeth, gaps between the teeth, and even lengthen a tooth that's shorter than the rest.

The "bond" is a type of composite resin - BPA free of course.

During the dental procedure, your dentist carefully applies a tooth-colored resin material to the affected teeth in order to change their shape, size, or color. 

The composite filling will match the tooth's color, making it look natural.

The great thing about dental bonding is that it can be fully reversed. 

This is a key difference between veneers vs bonding.

Pros and cons of Teeth Bonding

Teeth bonding is a quick procedure that usually does not require anesthesia. 

Let's explore the advantages of dental bonding.

  • Dental bonding is a cost-effective cosmetic dental procedure.
  • Dental bonding can cover up many types of cosmetic problems, such as chips, cracks, gaps, and discoloration.
  • You can get dental bonding done in just one visit. 
  • Composite resin can match the color of natural teeth. 
  • It can serve as both a medical and cosmetic procedure. 
  • Dental bonding can also cover exposed tooth roots, which often occur due to receding gums.
  • Teeth bonding requires very little or no preparation before the procedure, unlike porcelain veneers. It does not involve removing enamel or filing down the tooth, making it less invasive than porcelain veneers.

Now, let's consider the other side of the coin.

  • The main downside of dental bonding is that it doesn't look as natural as veneers. 
  • You need to stick to your teeth cleaning routine because the resin can easily stain like natural teeth.
  • Bonding doesn’t whiten with tooth whitening like natural teeth and may need replacement every few years due to staining. 
  • Another drawback is that bonding is not as durable as veneers or crowns, and bonding materials can chip over time.

Dental bonding is great for making small cosmetic changes. If you want a more dramatic transformation, you might be better off with other treatments, like porcelain veneers.

Who is it suitable for dental bonding?

Dental bonding can help with minor cosmetic issues like cracks and discoloration. 

It's used to rebuild damaged teeth and address various concerns.

If you have: 

  • Chips and cracks on your teeth. 
  • Minor cavity or stain. 
  • Gaps. 
  • Misshapen teeth. 

You are suitable for this treatment.

What are Veneers

Veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the front of the teeth. 

If you want to hide gaps and improve the appearance of crooked, misshapen, or stained teeth, this treatment can be the right one for you. 

With veneers, your dentist can improve your smile to make it look and feel better. This can boost your confidence and attractiveness.

To start, your dentist will usually remove a small portion of each tooth to make space for your veneers. Then molds of your teeth will be taken to create custom porcelain veneers.

Temporary veneers will stay in place while the customized porcelain veneers are being made. 

Once the customized porcelain veneers are ready, the dentist will remove your temporary veneers.

They will then use an adhesive to permanently cement the veneers to your teeth. 

Advantages and disadvantages of Veneers

Veneers offer a range of benefits that you will be happy to learn about.

  • Veneers are strong and look very natural. 
  • They resist changes in appearance over time and tough stains from drinks like wine and coffee, as well as serious tar stains from smoking.
  • Veneers are strong and can last for many years with proper oral care, making them a great cosmetic investment.

However, just like dental bonding, they have some disadvantages.

  • Before applying veneers, your dentist will need to prepare your teeth by removing some teeth enamel to securely cement the veneers.
  • This treatment cannot be undone and require complete commitment.
  • Veneers cost more, so many patients think carefully before choosing this option.

Who is it suitable for veneers?

Looking for a long-lasting cosmetic solution?

If you have: 

  • Harsh discoloration and stains. 
  • Crooked teeth.
  • Large gaps.
  • Cracked and chipped teeth.
  • Decaying teeth. 

Veneers are an excellent and long-lasting option for achieving great results.

Veneers vs Teeth Bonding: Costs

Veneers and teeth bonding both improve the look of your teeth. 

The first difference between dental bonding vs veneers is the cost.

Bonding is less expensive than veneers. 

Veneers can cost over $1500 per tooth, while bonding typically costs between $100 and $500. 

However, veneers may be a better value because of their long-lasting beauty and durability.

Dental Bonding vs Veneers: Maintenance

Maintenance is essential after undergoing any cosmetic procedure, especially when considering veneers vs bonding.

Taking care of dental bonding and porcelain veneers is pretty similar. 

Stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine and avoid activities that may break or damage the bonding material or porcelain, such as playing sports without a mouthguard.

However, without maintenance, dental bonding may not last long.

Bonding vs Veneers: Time

If you need a quick dental fix, consider dental bonding. It's a swift, single-visit procedure that is smoother and faster.

Veneers, especially porcelain ones, may require two or more dental visits, similar to other treatments such as ceramic crowns.

Teeth Bonding vs. Veneers: Which one is best for me

Believe it or not, the choice between bonding vs veneers is a common topic of discussion during a cosmetic dental appointment.

Our job at The Junction Family Dental Care is to explain the difference between teeth bonding and veneers to patients who cannot decide which one fits them better.

If you have this dilemma too, we hope this article has helped you realize which option is best for your smile.

Ultimately, your decision is strongly influenced by the cost of dental bonding vs veneers, your budget, and the desired outcome.

But if you still cannot decide, we are happy to help you with this choice at our clinic.

Contact us here

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