Cosmetic dentistry can restore your smile.

You might be finding that your teeth are getting in the way of your confidence. Maybe your teeth are chipped and cracked, uneven, or misaligned. Or perhaps they’re worn down from use, discolored, or have gaps between them. 

We’re here to break the good news to you: these problems are treatable. Dental bonding and porcelain veneers are two similar – yet different – cosmetic dental procedures that can both transform your teeth, having you back to smiling confidently in no time. 

There are some differences between bonding and veneers. What are these two procedures, and which is right for you?

Dental Bonding

Have you ever had a cavity filled with white composite resin? Similar material can also be used in cosmetic procedures. Dental bonding is the process of using composite resin to reshape, repair, and elongate teeth.

First, the composite resin that most closely matches your natural tooth color is selected. Then the tooth is prepared, and after the composite resin is applied, it is shaped and secured with a laser light. The process takes 30 to 60 minutes per tooth being treated. The procedure is fast and done all in one day, and an anesthetic isn’t usually needed. When the bonding is done, the tooth looks as good as new!

Porcelain Veneers

The process of getting veneers done is slightly different than bonding. Unlike bonding, porcelain veneers are made outside the mouth. The veneer is an extremely thin layer, or “shell” of porcelain that goes over the front of a tooth. This porcelain is extremely durable and also is matched to the color of your natural teeth.

Several visits are necessary for veneer placement. First, the tooth is prepared, and a thin layer of the enamel is shaved off so the veneer can fit into place. The tooth is etched and the veneer is then placed in the perfect position. Then, the porcelain veneer is bonded onto the tooth and shaped to the desired size and shape. Sometimes anesthetic is needed.

So which treatment is right for you? Here are some points to take into consideration when weighing the advantages and risks with both veneers and bonding. 

Length of Treatment 

Veneers generally take three visits, while bonding can be completed in one. The whole process from start to finish is typically six to eight weeks for veneers. Composite resin bonding is all done in one visit and is completed in one day. If the timing is crucial, consider bonding.

Cost

You will need to check with your dentist and insurance for the exact cost and how much you’ll have to pay out of pocket. Generally, bonding is cheaper than veneers, so in the short term, bonding may be the way to go if the amount of money is a big factor to you.

If you take into consideration that ceramic veneers tend to last longer, that may be the more cost-effective option long term.

Appearance and Stain Resistance

Both veneers and composite resin bonding beautifully blend in with your existing teeth and are both wonderfully stain resistant. Veneers are completely resistant to staining. Composite resin can have a tendency to shift in color a little bit over time, which doesn’t happen with ceramic veneers. Both options, however, are realistic, lifelike, and aesthetically pleasing. 

Durability

Veneers last longer than bonding does. If you keep up with quality oral care at home and biannual visits to your dentist, you can easily expect your veneers to last 10 or in some cases, 20 years. Bonding doesn’t last quite as long – averaging 3 to 10 years – but then again, it also depends on how well you care for your teeth. 

The nice thing about composite resin bonding is that it can be undone if necessary or repaired if something cracks or breaks. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, can only be replaced.

At My Chico Dentist, we’re here to help you decide which treatment is best for you.

Every person’s situation is unique. In general, bonding may be the best for small cosmetic changes, while veneers are more suitable for a full makeover of your smile. Both procedures bring desirable results. You’ll be delighted with the results you receive from the caring team at My Chico Dentist. If you have any questions or want to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us or schedule an appointment.