Dental Bonding Vs. Veneers: What's Right for You

If you’ve been looking to improve the appearance of your smile, two different dental procedures might have come up in your research: veneers and dental bonding.

Though they can seem similar at first, the two treatments are vastly different when you take a closer look at them. Here are 4 major differences between dental bonding and veneers, and how you can tell which one is the best for your smile:

The Treatment Timeline

Dental bonding can be achieved in one appointment, while veneers require a bit more back and forth.

With dental bonding, the dentist applies a resin on your teeth and sculps the material to get the desired look. Veneers, however, involve creating a prosthetic to your specific measurements, so you will need at least 2 visits. If the lab-made prosthetic isn’t a perfect fit, then your dentist will send it back for modifications, which can mean extra appointments are needed.

One Is a Permanent Solution

Dental bonding can be reversed, as the dentist will not make any modifications to your natural teeth to add the resin.

With veneers, however, your teeth need to be prepped and trimmed for the prosthetic that will be added on top. This is a permanent process and you will need to have veneers for the rest of your life to protect your natural teeth.

Durability

Veneers are a long-term and durable solution. The prosthetic will work just like regular teeth, allowing you to bite and chew, while having the added benefit of being stain-resistant. Some veneers can last as long as 20 years.

Dental bonding is not as durable and is prone to staining if you don’t stay on top of your oral hygiene. Bonded teeth can last as long as 10 years, but if you need a more long-term solution, veneers are the better option.

The Cost

Dental bonding is a lot cheaper than veneers, so if the budget is tight, this could be a simple and affordable solution to improve the look of your teeth.

However, choosing between veneers and dental bonding can sometimes come down to the current state of your teeth.

How to Choose Between Veneers and Dental Bonding

When you see your dentist about getting veneers or dental bonding, they will first inspect your current oral health to see which option is the best for you.

If you only have minor issues, then you could achieve impressive results with dental bonding alone. You might also need some additional procedures such as professional whitening to achieve your desired look.

However, if your teeth are severely stained, chipped, or crooked, then veneers will be the better solution. The prosthetic can change the appearance of your entire arch and give you the look you desire, as veneers are custom-made to your measurements.

Book a consultation with Dr. Reema Patel to find out more about what options are right for you.