What’s the Difference Between Dental Bonding & Veneers?
When you have chipped, cracked or discolored teeth, both dental bonding and veneers can improve the appearance of your smile. Choosing between these two treatments can be challenging, as both offer similar restorative qualities. Although they yield similar results, dental bonding and veneers differ in many ways.
Before you consider a method for improving your smile, read on to discover the difference between these two popular procedures, and which is right for you.
Dental bonding vs. veneers
Dental bonding and veneers are often used for the following purposes:
- To repair chipped, cracked or broken teeth
- To fill in gaps or correct minor misalignments
- To alter the shape of misshapen teeth
- To add length to teeth that appear too short
- To brighten the shade of discolored teeth
Dental bonding
Dental bonding is a treatment that involves a cosmetic dentist applying a composite resin material directly to the tooth. Dental bonding uses the same tooth-colored material used for fillings. Instead of covering an unsightly cavity, bonding is a process in which the dentist applies the material directly to the tooth for cosmetic purposes. This treatment is relatively inexpensive and can be completed chairside.
Regardless of its use, the first step in any dental bonding process is choosing the right color. After the perfect shade has been approved by both patient and dentist, the treatment can begin. To fix a chipped tooth, the dentist will apply the composite resin directly to the edge of the tooth.
Patients with bonding work should take special care of their teeth. Habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and coffee drinking can stain the material over time. Keep in mind that resin does not respond to whitening treatments.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells that are custom-created for patients who want to hide imperfections in their smile. These shells are placed directly over prepared Although veneers can be made from composite resin as well, they are most often made from a strong form of porcelain.
An amount of preparation is required before bonding the veneers directly to the front of teeth. A minimal amount of enamel is removed to make room for the veneers. With bonding, no tooth structure needs to be removed. While bonding is reversible, veneers are not.
Veneers are more expensive than dental bonding, as they are made in the dental laboratory before being placed in the mouth. However, they are more expensive for a reason. Veneers better mimic the shine and appearance of natural teeth. Since veneers cover the entire front-facing surface of the front teeth, they can be completely customized. Both shade and shape can be personalized with veneers.
Which one is right for you?
While veneers are meant to last 20 or more years, bonding only lasts up to 8 years. Both dental bonding and veneers are used for similar purposes, but each option has its advantages and disadvantages. To find out which is right for you, come in for a consultation. We can help you start your journey toward a bright and finished smile.
Request an appointment here: https://www.qualitygentledentalcare.com or call Roman Khodosh DDS PC at (973) 676-2541 for an appointment in our East Orange office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.