Dental Bonding Vs. Veneers: What's the Difference?

Veneers and dental bonding treat similar cosmetic dentistry issues, but they are very different procedures. Wondering what these differences are and which one may be right for you? Read on to get the details you need from Modern Bite Dentistry.

What Is Dental Bonding? Understanding The Basics, Pros & Cons 

Dental bonding is a non-invasive cosmetic dentistry procedure. In this process, your dentist at Lifetime Smiles will clean and prepare your tooth, then apply pliable dental resin directly to the tooth. This resin will be sculpted, shaped, hardened, and trimmed to restore the appearance of the tooth. 

Wondering what the benefits and drawbacks of bonding might be? Here’s a quick overview of its pros and cons. 

PROS

• Dental bonding is completely non-invasive and requires no enamel removal
• Treatment with dental bonding is more affordable than veneers
• It only takes one appointment to restore your tooth with dental bonding, and multiple teeth can usually be restored in one appointment. 
  

CONS 

• Dental bonding usually lasts 5-8 years, which is shorter than veneers
  
• Certain flaws may not be treatable with dental bonding
  
• Dental bonding does not resist stains as effectively as veneers
  

What Are Veneers? Understanding The Basics, Pros & Cons 

Veneers are thin, tooth-shaped shells made of porcelain, and they cover up the front surface of the treated tooth completely. They require two appointments. At your first appointment, your teeth must be trimmed to prepare for veneers. Then, impressions are taken of your mouth and sent to a dental lab where your veneers are made.

You’ll get a set of temporary veneers to wear until you come back in 2-3 weeks for your permanent veneers. At this time, your veneers will be permanently attached to your teeth, completing the procedure.

Like all other dental procedures, veneers have their own unique set of pros and cons to consider before committing to treatment.

PROS 

• Veneers can last up to 10-20 years with proper care
  
• Veneers are completely impervious to stains and will never become discolored
  
• The porcelain used to make veneers is more strong and durable compared to the resin used in dental bonding
  

CONS 

• Treatment takes at least 2 appointments over a period of 2-3 weeks or longer
  
• Your teeth must be trimmed to prepare for veneers. This process is not reversible
  
• Veneers are a lot more expensive than dental bonding, so they may not be an option if you’re on a tight budget. 
  

Which Treatment Is Better For Which Situation? Find Out At Our Office!

Both bonding and veneers are useful treatments. Bonding is a good choice if you want to preserve your natural enamel or are on a tight budget. In contrast, veneers may be a better choice if you need to treat most of your teeth, have more money to spend on cosmetic treatment, and want longer-lasting results.

The best way to find out which treatment is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shahriela Ganjoor (Dr. Shaggy) at Modern Bite Dentistry. Contact us online or give us a call at (214) 214-7790 to discuss your cosmetic needs in more detail, and see if dental bonding or veneers are the right choice for you.