Cosmetic dentistry can fix many smile problems, such as stains, crooked teeth, or chips. Two popular options to improve your smile are teeth bonding and veneers.
In this blog, we’ll explain the differences between teeth bonding vs veneers so you can decide which one is best for you.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic treatment that uses a special resin to fix your teeth. This resin looks like your natural teeth and sticks to them really well. It’s a strong and long-lasting way to improve your smile.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin porcelain covers that go over the front of your teeth. Porcelain is a strong, white material that looks like real teeth. Veneers make your teeth look better and feel more natural.
Which is Better, Veneers or Bonding?
Take a look at the following points to gain a better understanding of the differences between veneers and dental bonding:
- Tooth Preparation
A big difference between teeth bonding vs veneers is how your teeth are prepared. For veneers, your dentist removes a thin layer of tooth enamel so the veneer can fit. With bonding, your dentist just roughens the tooth surface for the resin to stick.
Bonding is a less invasive procedure, while veneers are not reversible. - Appearance
Both bonding and veneers can create a natural look. Your dentist will select a color that matches your teeth, or you can choose a lighter shade for veneers.
Bonding is ideal for addressing small dental issues like chips or gaps. Conversely, veneers are suitable for covering the entire front surface of your tooth. - Eligibility
Ultimately, it is your dentist’s job to decide if bonding or veneers is right for you. Here are some things that make you eligible for either veneers or dental bonding:Veneers:
- Good for chipped, cracked, or stained teeth.
- Not good for very crooked teeth or weak tooth enamel.
- You need healthy gums and teeth.
Bonding:
- Good for small gaps, short teeth, chips, or misshapen teeth.
- You need enough teeth for the bonding to stick.
- You need healthy gums and teeth.
Your dentist will check your teeth carefully, especially if you grind them. Grinding can damage bonding and veneers.
- Cost
Bonding is usually cheaper than veneers, but the price depends on what you need. Talk to your dentist to find out the exact cost. - Durability
Veneers last longer than bonding, but both can last many years if you take good care of them. You can easily get your bonding repaired, but you need to replace cracked veneers. - Maintenance
Both veneers and bonding need the same kind of care to last a long time:- Avoid staining foods and drinks like coffee and wine. Porcelain is better at resisting stains than bonding, but both can get stained.
- Wear a mouthguard for sports to protect your teeth.
- If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about a mouthguard.
- Don’t bite on hard things like pen caps.
- Brush and floss every day. Even with veneers, you can still get gum disease or cavities.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
- Length of Treatment
Teeth bonding is quick and can often be done in one visit to the dentist. On the other hand, veneers take longer because they’re custom-made. You’ll need at least two appointments to get veneers.
Final Word
The best option for you, between teeth bonding and veneers, depends on how much work your teeth need. Bonding is good for small chips or cracks, while veneers can fix bigger problems like crooked or badly stained teeth.
To find out which treatment is right for you, contact Saifee Family Dentistry by dialing (281) 350-5600. We’re waiting for your call!