Dental treatments such as teeth bonding and veneers are popular options for those looking to improve the appearance of their teeth.
When deciding between teeth bonding and veneers, there are several factors that should be considered. The treatment cost, the results’ longevity, and patient preference will all factor into which option is best for an individual’s needs.
However, you should be aware of the important differences between teeth bonding and veneers.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of the teeth to treat discoloured teeth, chips, gaps between teeth, and other imperfections in tooth shape or size, and it’s a great way to enhance the appearance of teeth.
There are many options to choose from, depending on what you’re looking for:
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are stronger than others and last longer, and they are most commonly used; however, they are also more expensive.
Composite veneers
Composite veneers are less expensive and can be placed in one visit.
Lumineers
Lumineers are a type of veneer that does not require too much enamel removal. These kinds of veneers are the thinnest, and they’re designed to be stain-resistant and can last for 20 years.
Snap-on veneers
Snap-on veneers are an ideal choice for those who don’t want a permanent solution. That one arch that covers the front eight teeth can last for a couple of years.
Teeth bonding
Teeth bonding, on the other hand, is a procedure in which a composite material is applied directly to teeth. It can fix chipped teeth, close gaps between teeth, and change the shape or colour of teeth.
While this process is often less expensive than veneers, it also requires more preparation and may not last as long.
Veneers vs Dental Bonding: What to Consider
When patients need to know what’s the ideal option between veneers and dental bonding, there are a few factors that need to be considered while making the decision;
Cosmetic procedures
Dental veneers require more invasive procedures than dental bonding. Veneers are created to cover the entire front of a tooth.
Veneer preparation also involves intraoral photographs, dental x-rays, and removing some enamel from the surface of the teeth to allow the veneers to fit properly for an even look.
On the next visit, the dentist will apply and adjust the veneers to your teeth until they’re appropriately placed. And it takes around two visits to complete the whole dental-cosmetic procedure.
While the tooth bonding procedure may not require significant enamel removal, as the bonding material covers only the visible part of a tooth, the whole process takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Used materials
The material used for veneers is porcelain; it’s pretty unique and created from durable ceramic.
Meanwhile, tooth bonding uses composite resin as the material that gives teeth the same natural colour is less durable than Veneers, but it’s also much more affordable and easier to repair.
Appearance
Both dental bonding and dental veneers are considered ideal cosmetic dentistry solutions for an even, natural teeth look.
However, veneers can be more efficient, as they’re made of stain-resistant porcelain, so they look more natural, unlike the composite resin material used for cosmetic bonding that gets darkened over time.
Aftercare
The aftercare for veneers and tooth bonding is not much different. Each patient should maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and scheduling regular dental check-ups.
Avoid bad habits such as nail biting and using your teeth to open packages, and also avoid biting hard foods, such as carrots and apples.
And, for a longer period of time with your flawless, unstained teeth, avoiding darkened foods and beverages, such as tea and coffee, can also help maintain results longer.
Cost
Dental veneers typically cost more than dental bonding because the used material for the porcelain veneers is a bit more expensive. The exact expense will vary depending on the type of veneer used and any additional treatments needed.
However, some patients may find dental bonding a bit costly since it’s not permanent and may get damaged over time.
Durability
The lifespan of your veneers or bonding depends largely on how you maintain your oral health. With proper care, veneers can last from 10 to 25 years, while teeth bonding results may only hold for about five years.
While it depends on the patient’s needs, the best way to get your ideal treatment is to consult a dentist to help you decide.
Goals
Veneers may be a better choice for those who want to make major changes in their smile, while teeth bonding is an option if you only need minor adjustments. Veneers are also less likely to require any additional maintenance after the initial procedure.
Ultimately, dental bonding and veneers are both great options to improve the appearance of your teeth. A combination of the procedures goes a long way in addressing a mixture of issues you want to correct.
Therefore, it is important to consult a proper dentist for advice and help in choosing the ideal option for you. A proper dental expert can provide you with the appropriate guidance on optimally achieving the desired results.
Ask for before and after pictures of previous patients and read online reviews about the clinic. This will help ensure that you get proper help from an experienced dental professional.
When you decide to start your treatment journey, our professional dentists at Boutique Dental Care strive to provide excellent service and will help you define your goals. With either procedure, you’ll be able to achieve a beautiful smile in no time! So, don’t wait. Contact us on (02) 9054 5281 and book the next available appointment.
References
Bonding
https://www.nfed.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Bonding.pdf
Cosmetic Dental Bonding Guide: Procedure, Costs, and Alternatives
https://www.dentaly.org/us/cosmetic-dentistry/dental-bonding/#Are_there_at-home_tooth_bonding_kits
Porcelain veneers: a review of the literature
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10709338/
Comparison of conventional ceramic laminate veneers, partial laminate veneers and direct composite resin restorations in fracture strength after aging
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1751616120307141?via%3Dihub
Veneers
https://www.dentalhealth.org/veneers#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20veneer%3F,is%20used%20instead%20of%20porcelain.
[The application of universal adhesives in dental bonding]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26980660/
Bonding efficiency and durability: current possibilities
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28902237/
How do veneers work? Types, process, pros, and cons
https://www.authoritydental.org/veneers