The cosmetic dental procedures dental bonding and veneers offer practical solutions for improving a smile. However, the two treatments differ in several aspects. In a discussion of dental bonding vs veneers, it’s important to note that dental bonding typically involves applying a resin directly to the surface of teeth. It is a less invasive procedure and can be completed in one office visit. The resin is color-matched to the surrounding teeth and hardened with a special light.
Cost
Dental bonding is typically less expensive than veneers. It costs between $300 and $600 per tooth, and it can be completed in one visit. However, it isn’t as durable or long-lasting as porcelain veneers.
Composite resin, the same material used to create white fillings, can be used to repair chips or cracks, fill in gaps, and address mild discoloration. It’s also a popular choice for addressing tooth discoloration that doesn’t respond to professional teeth whitening treatment.
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the front surface of your teeth, masking any discoloration or imperfections. They are custom-made in a laboratory, and they can be designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. Veneers are typically more costly than bonding, but they offer a more attractive finish and are resistant to staining.
Like dental bonding, veneers require regular oral hygiene and care to prevent damage. Patients should also avoid bad oral habits, such as biting nails or chewing on pens, to ensure their long-term health and durability.
Appearance
When choosing cosmetic dentistry procedures, patients need to consider their specific concerns and their individual goals. Dental bonding and veneers are two popular treatments that can help transform the smile, addressing common cosmetic flaws like chips, gaps, and discoloration.
Dental bonding involves applying a resin to the tooth’s surface, which is then hardened with a curing light. This procedure can typically be completed in a single visit, masking minor cosmetic issues and leaving the patient with a healthier, more confident smile.
Veneers, on the other hand, involve custom fabrication and require two or more visits to complete the treatment. However, the results can last 10 to 15 years or more if proper care is followed. The material used to create veneers also tends to resist stains better than the composite resin that is utilized in dental bonding.
Durability
Dental bonding can mask a range of cosmetic concerns, such as chips, cracks, discoloration and gaps. It is usually completed in one appointment, and can be a more budget-friendly option than veneers.
However, the composite resin material can be susceptible to staining. This means that you will have to keep up with your oral hygiene routine to ensure your bonded teeth look their best. In addition, bonded teeth do not respond to tooth whitening like natural teeth.
Dental veneers offer a more natural appearance and are stronger and longer-lasting than bonding. They can also be customised to match the colour of your natural teeth, so you can enjoy a beautiful smile for years.
Maintenance
Dental bonding and veneers both offer practical cosmetic solutions to treat a variety of concerns. However, it’s important to consider your needs, cosmetic goals, and budget before choosing which treatment is right for you.
Teeth bonding involves applying a liquid composite resin to the surface of the tooth and hardening it with a bright light. This technique can close gaps, repair chips, and change the color of teeth. However, the composite resin may discolor over time, requiring touchups or replacement sooner than other treatments.
Veneers involve a more complex, custom fabrication process and use porcelain, which is stronger than composite resin and resists staining better. This makes them more durable than bonding. However, they are also more expensive and require a small amount of irreversible enamel removal to place. This can be a deterrent for some patients. Veneers can last 10 to 15 years or more if they’re properly maintained. However, the porcelain can become chipped or cracked over time.