What is the Difference Between Dental Bonding and Veneers?
If you have recently damaged your teeth, or have a cosmetic concern that needs fixing, your dentist may recommend dental bonding or veneers as the right solution for you. Dental bonding and porcelain veneers are two of the most popular dental treatment procedures. Both procedures can be used to fix the appearance of one single tooth, or several teeth. If you want to improve the appearance of your smile and are trying to decide what the right solution is for you, you will need to do research and weigh your options. Here is a more information on the two procedures and the differences between them to help you decide which treatment is best for you.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a minimally invasive procedure where a composite material is directly applied to the teeth. Once the bonding material is shaped to fix the appearance of the tooth, it will be hardened and polished to match the surrounding natural teeth. Dental bonding involves minimal preparation and is quick and cost-effective. However, the bonding material can break down or become stained over time. While composite bonding is durable, the bonding material usually lasts between 3-10 years on average. The bonding treatment can easily be completed in a single dental visit. What makes dental bonding unique, is the bonding is always customized in your mouth to perfectly match the desired appearance.
Veneers
A dental veneer is an artificial prosthetic that is attached to the front of the tooth using the adhesive dental bonding procedure. Veneers are often custom-made of porcelain in a dental lab. They are durable, stain resistant, and a more permanent solution than direct composite, lasting somewhere between 5-20 years. However, unlike bonding, some preparation is required before installing veneers. Prior to installation, the teeth need to be measured and x-rayed, and the veneers need to be made in the dental lab. Then the teeth need to be prepared for the veneers before they are attached. These preparation steps may require several visits to the dentist before the veneers are finally attached.
Choosing Between Bonding and Veneers
Deciding if composite dental bonding or veneers is the right treatment for you may be a tough decision to make and will depend on your oral health, your dental needs, and the expertise of your dentist. Here are some factors to consider:
Veneers are a more permanent and durable solution
Veneers are a big investment and may be more than you need for a minor repair to one tooth
Dental bonding is a quick and cost-effective solution for many cosmetic concerns, however it is not a permanent solution, usually lasting up to 10 years
Before deciding which treatment solution is best for you, you should have a discussion with your dentist. You should consider both the short term, the long term, the costs, and your needs. You should also take into consideration the health of your teeth and your ability to take care of your teeth.