Dental Bonding vs Veneers: What to Choose?

The advent of reality TV has exposed many people to veneers and bonding. Some people scoff at getting cosmetic enhancements to their teeth. But they serve a purpose. Veneers and bonding cover up a multitude of sins you may have put your teeth through over the years. If you are thinking of getting dental bonding or veneers, here is some information to help you decide.

Is Bonding the Same as Veneers?

Even though you can use both products to cover up faults in your teeth, bonding, and veneers are different. Here we discuss dental bonding vs veneers.

Bonding

Bonding is a composite material that a dentist places over a defect in a tooth. It is frequently used to repair a chip or a crack in a single tooth. For example, people crack or chip their teeth playing sports. A dentist can shape a bond to cover the chip and restore the look of the tooth. You can also use bonding if there is a tooth that is discolored because of an injury or an accident. Sometimes teeth that have received a blow lose their pearly white color and may look gray. Teeth can also be discolored because of medication. Bonding can restore a tooth color to match your other teeth.

Dentists use bonding for other purposes as well. Many people have gaps between their front teeth. Others have gaps between other teeth they think are unsightly. Bonding can make those teeth appear right next to each other. Bonding can also repair a fracture line that may make a tooth appear discolored or disfigured.

Does Dental Bonding Damage Teeth?

Dental bonding does not damage your teeth. However, it is not as strong as natural teeth. You will need to be careful when you are biting down on hard objects. The good news is if you do happen to break off a piece of bonding, a dentist can reapply it. Bonding is a great solution for people who need to fix a problem with one tooth.

Veneers

Veneers are different from bonding. While bonding is a composite that is colored to be similar to your natural tooth, veneers are porcelain shells. Dentists cement these shells onto your natural teeth. Dentists have used veneers for more than 80 years to hide tooth defects or change the look of a tooth. They can cover all kinds of issues. People who have many teeth that are chipped or cracked will often have them covered with veneers. Veneers can also cover up teeth that are not shaped correctly or are poorly spaced. People who have discolored teeth because of medication or medical treatment, such as chemotherapy, may get veneers.

Do Veneers Ruin Your Teeth?

Many people are under the impression that veneers ruin teeth. While a dentist cements them onto your teeth, they do not ruin the teeth underneath. You should know that once you have veneers placed on your teeth, they are permanent. That means if you choose to get veneers, you will have to get them replaced if they break or crack. This isn’t likely to happen, especially if you take care of them. Don’t chew ice or use your veneers to open things with your mouth. Be sure that you are still practicing good oral hygiene once you get veneers. You will need to brush and floss twice a day. Visit the dentist’s office twice a year as well, so that he or she can clean and check them. If you take care of them, veneers can last you a lifetime.

Which is Better: Dental Bonding vs Veneers?

Both dental bonding and veneers treat similar dental issues and are popular in cosmetic dentistry. But to find out which one is better for you, it’s essential to consider some factors. These include your needs, cost, durability, and timeline of the procedure. 

Your Needs and Goals

Your needs and goals determine which procedure is better for you. Teeth bonding rebuilds the tooth after it is damaged. Additionally, it will be a better option if you face issues like chips, gaps in teeth, misshapen teeth, and small cavities. Veneers are a more long-lasting procedure for certain conditions like severe discoloration, crooked teeth, and large gaps. It is also a better procedure for eroding teeth or chipped teeth. The results experienced after veneers look more natural than dental bonding and are more dramatic.

Cost 

The cost of a dental bonding procedure is less than veneers. It ranges between $100 and $500.  The cost also depends on the dental clinic you visit and the amount of work required. The cost of veneers can go over $1500 for every tooth. However, the higher cost of veneers is worthwhile as the procedure gives long-lasting results.  If the high upfront cost perturbs you, consider arranging a payment plan or seeking a loan via dental credit providers. 

Durability

The durability of veneers is significantly higher than dental bonding. Porcelain veneers can last for up to 25 years, which is not the case with dental bonding. They need to be substituted with new ones every 5-7 years. Dental bonding resin also stains over time, like your natural teeth do. Veneers are stain-resistant, and changes are seen only in their tone and sheen over time. 

Procedure’s Timeline

Dental bonding is a quick process and takes between 30 to 60 minutes. The dentist chooses a resin color matching your natural tooth and puts it over the damaged areas of your tooth. It is hardened with ultraviolet light. The dentist then polishes the tooth to give it a natural finish. 

The complete application of porcelain veneers takes around one or two weeks (7 to 14 days). This is because the shells are tailored to the required size and developed in a dental lab. They are then returned to the dentist for proper fitting. The dentist cements the veneer shells to the teeth after they arrive from the lab. So, if you want a quick procedure to restore your teeth’s appearance, dental bonding is a better option. However, this is true only if your dental condition is appropriate for dental bonding.

Achieve Your Dream Smile with Maiden Lane Dental

Dental bonding vs veneers? Now you have a good answer to the question. Still, if you have any concerns or want to learn more about the specifics of these procedures for yourself, contact our friendly team at Maiden Lane Dental. Our experienced dentist will determine the best option for you, considering your needs and goals. You can schedule a consultation with us anytime online or call us at +1 212-509-4585.