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Among all the branches of general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry has especially left a mark with its astounding transformative solutions. Veneers and dental bonding are two such solutions popularly used to fix teeth imperfections and achieve the perfect smile. However, there are many differences between the treatments of veneers vs bonding.
So, if you’re considering having any of these treatments done, understanding both options in depth is important.
In this article, we’ll guide you on the key differences between veneers vs dental bonding. This will help you make an informed decision regarding which treatment will suit you best.
Dental veneers are basically thin tooth-looking shells that are bonded to the surface of imperfect teeth. They help hide imperfections like stains, chips, cracks, and gaps. Most commonly, you’re asked to choose between two kinds of veneers: porcelain or composite. While porcelain ones are more natural-looking, composite ones are quicker to get.
Do note that veneers should not be confused with implants. Between porcelain veneers vs implants, the former is used for repair, whereas implants are used to replace missing teeth.
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment involving a teeth-colored resin material being applied to your tooth. The dentist then sculpts the material to make it look like your natural ones. Once the application is deemed sufficient to hide the imperfections, the resin is hardened using a special light.
The procedure is mostly used to change the shape of your teeth and hide gaps, chips, cracks, etc. It can also be used to fix decayed teeth after the cavities are removed.
As mentioned above, both treatments have similar end goals and can solve common aesthetic problems. However, the following differences between veneers vs bonding are what will mainly decide the treatment option you should go for:
To ensure your smile looks natural, the materials used in dental bonding and veneers are the same as the color of actual teeth. While dental bonding material is made of resin, veneers are usually preferred to be made of porcelain. Both materials have different properties, which affect their stain-resisting capability.
Porcelain veneers are much more stain-resistant than resin-bonding material, which darkens over time. In addition, resin can’t be whitened using standard teeth-whitening methods either. So, you’ll have to go back to your dentist to fix any discoloration.
Between veneers vs bonding, veneers can be considered a more invasive procedure. This is because binding porcelain veneers to teeth involves removing some of your natural enamel. This is why veneers are usually only recommended if you have severely misshapen or discolored teeth.
Dental bonding, on the other hand, is a minimally invasive procedure and is considered best for concealing minor cosmetic imperfections. This includes minor chips, cracks, or small gaps. A dental expert can advise better on what treatment option is suitable for your case. Sometimes, they may recommend a combination of dental bonding and veneers to attain the best results.
When it comes to veneers vs bonding, there is a big difference in how long each procedure takes. Dental bonding only requires shaping the resin and hardening it with a special light, so it’s pretty quick. The procedure takes between 30-60 minutes to complete per tooth and just requires one visit.
In comparison, a porcelain veneer treatment usually takes two visits. In the first, the dentist will remove some of the enamel from your natural teeth. They’ll then take an impression of your prepared teeth to make a dental model. The model will be handed over to a dental laboratory for veneer fabrication. The fabricated veneers will be applied to your teeth on a second visit.
If you’re spending your hard-earned money on a dental procedure, you want the results to be long-lasting. Well, when it comes to dental bonding vs veneers, the latter is the winner of durability. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last you more than 15 years. Since the material is pretty durable, they are at low risk for damage.
On the other hand, we have dental bonding material, which is not as durable as porcelain. It stains easily and can chip off if not taken care of properly. Dental bonding material can last between 3-10 years before needing to be retouched or repaired.
When it comes to the cost of veneers vs bonding, bonding is always cheaper. This is because the procedure isn’t invasive and can be done in one sitting. Also, the binding material used isn’t that expensive either. That said, dental bonding requires repairs more often than porcelain veneers. So, the cost can add up over the years.
Porcelain dental veneers have a higher upfront cost because it takes two visits and is a more complex procedure. The procedure also requires a bunch of lab work to fabricate your veneers, which further adds to the cost. But these last longer, so their longevity justifies the upfront cost.
The better option between veneers vs bonding entirely depends on how severe the imperfections of your teeth are. Dental bonding is the more practical and budget-friendly option if you have minor cracks or chips. It’s quick and less invasive.
However, dental bonding won’t conceal them well if imperfections are severe, like extreme discoloration or wide gaps. In such cases, porcelain veneers are the way to go. They look more natural, are long-lasting, and are a versatile solution.
In conclusion, the winner between veneers vs bonding primarily depends on your needs and preferences. That being said, porcelain veneers do stand out as the more versatile option for severe cases of imperfect teeth. Booking a consultation with one of our veneer experts in NJ can further help you understand the process.
Together, we can discuss your desired results and the possible treatment options. We have a state-of-the-art facility guaranteed to provide you with a premium dental experience.
So contact us at Hesed Dental for high-quality porcelain veneers in NJ today.
Hesed Dental 543 Gorge Road Cliffside Park, NJ 07010
201 941 8877