Dental bonding or veneers, it can be tough to choose between the two. They both serve the same cosmetic purposes so it can be confusing to know which one is right for you. They are both corrective treatments, yet they differ in procedure, longevity, material as well as cost. Understanding the differences between the two can help clear any confusion you may have.
Here the team from Boardwalk Dental Care covers all the ins and outs.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that applies a tooth-colored resin to a tooth to restore or improve its shape and appearance. It is commonly used to repair chipped teeth, close gaps in smiles, and improve discoloration and staining. Bonding is an ideal solution for those looking for a fast and affordable smile makeover without needing to invest in other alternatives like dental veneers.
Bonding can be completed in just one appointment, and the effects can last a few years, depending on lifestyle habits and maintenance. The results aren’t as durable as veneers, but the more economical material provides a fast and cost-effective option for someone with one or two problematic areas in their smile.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or composite material bonded over a tooth’s entire front surface. They are used for various reasons, including improving teeth aesthetics and correcting dental issues, such as chipped enamel, gaps, or crooked and uneven teeth. However, veneers are typically used as the primary part of a smile makeover as they instantly improve the overall appearance of multiple teeth.
Most veneers are placed in sets of 6-8 or more across the upper front teeth. Veneers are meant to be more permanent restorations, similar to crowns or fillings, and can last for several years with proper oral maintenance. When choosing dental veneers, you can select the size, shape, and color of each tooth in your smile makeover.
Dental Bonding vs Veneers
Veneers differ from dental bonding in that strips of porcelain are used to correct teeth, instead of resin. These strips are placed over the front of teeth and have the effect of making them appear straight and uniform. Veneers can be dazzlingly white, or several shades lower, depending on what you choose from your dentist.
A major difference between dental bonding and veneers, however, lies in their preparation. Whereas with dental bonding, the resin is only placed on teeth to make them look better and nothing else is altered, with veneers, the teeth are filed back to make space for the porcelain prosthetics. The amount of original tooth removed is not all that much, far less than with another type of cosmetic dentistry. Once the veneers are bonded into place, you won’t have to worry about food and drinks discoloring them because porcelain is not only hard to wear down but also generally stain-resistant.
So, when looking at dental bonding versus veneers, what we advise is if you have minor damage or natural issues with your teeth, dental bonding is probably the right answer. But if it’s a more dramatic transformation you’re after to give you that beaming celebrity smile you’ve always dreamed of, veneers may be the right choice.
Book A Consultation With Boardwalk Dental Care
If you’re looking to get dental bonding or porcelain veneers, our trusted staff at Boardwalk Dental Care can help you make an informed choice. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our dental office in Brockville, ON.
