Bonding Versus Veneers: Which Is Right For You?

Veneers and bonding are both good ways to improve your smile, but because these two types of dental restorations have so much in common, it can be hard to choose between them. While either can enhance your smile effectively, you should consider the specific benefits and drawbacks of each option before you decide which can work for you.

Here's what you should know about veneers and bonding.

What is Bonding?

Bonding uses a material made of composite resin. Your dentist can shape this highly pliable material to your tooth to create a completely natural appearance. The bonding material is also matched to your tooth color (or the desired tooth color).

Bonding is used for many reasons. It can:

• Restore decayed teeth
• Repair teeth cracks and chips
• Alter tooth size
• Lengthen short teeth
• Fill gaps between teeth
• Whiten teeth if traditional whitening methods don't work

Your dentist can typically complete bonding in one dental appointment, so you can see the results right away.

You don't generally have any restrictions with bonded teeth. But, because composite resin isn't as strong as your natural tooth enamel, you should avoid chewing non-food stuffs like popcorn kernels or ice.

What are Veneers?

Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or a porcelain composite material. They fit the outermost part of your tooth and are usually used for the front teeth.

This type of restoration is custom made for each tooth that requires restoration, and the porcelain color is matched to your natural tooth. Veneers are used for the same reasons as bonding, which means they can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth.

For veneers, you generally need three dental appointments in total.

• First visit: in the first visit, your dentist takes X-rays and plans your veneers based on the results.
• Second visit: in your second visit, your dentist removes a very thin layer of tooth enamel, roughly equal to the thickness of your veneer. This means that your veneer won't stick out from your natural teeth once attached. Your dentist also takes impressions of the treated tooth, which the dental lab uses to craft your veneers. You'll usually get a temporary veneer to wear for the next 2-4 weeks until your new veneer is ready.
• Third visit: during the third visit, your dentist removes your temporary veneer and then applies dental cement to secure your new permanent custom veneer.

With permanent veneers, you generally don't have any food restrictions since porcelain is extremely strong.

When is Bonding Best?

Bonding is less expensive than veneers, so it might be the right choice if you want to keep the restoration cost as low as possible. If you're short on time, bonding could also be a good choice because it takes just one appointment versus three for veneers.

Many patients also appreciate the fact that bonding doesn't require any major tooth prep as veneers do. It's a completely painless procedure.

When are Veneers Best?

If you're looking for a long-lasting restoration, veneers are usually the best choice since they can last 10 to 15 years. Veneers do cost more than bonding, but since you need to replace bonding every few years that cost can even out over time.

Veneers are also stronger than composite resin, which means that a tooth covered by a veneer is generally more resistant to chips or cracks that one treated with bonding. If you're willing to invest the time and don't mind the tooth preparation, veneers are generally the best way to restore your smile.

At Rabel Family Dental General Dentistry, our experienced team understands that every patient is different, so we offer both bonding and veneers. Reach out to our team online or by phone to book your consultation today.