Is Bonding As Good As Veneers?

Are you uncomfortable with your smile due to stained, chipped, discolored, or misaligned teeth? Dental bonding or veneers can be an effective solution for you. Bonding and veneers are excellent ways to cosmetically improve the appearance of your teeth – changing shape, size, and color.

However, the two procedures are not equal. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each of them so you can see which one suits you best.

What are Veneers?

A dental veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that is placed on the front surface of a chipped, discolored, or crooked tooth. The porcelain gives it an authentic tooth-like look and restores its natural appearance.

What is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that involves bonding tooth-colored resin to the tooth surface. The dental resin bonding is long-lasting and is designed to match the color of the natural teeth.

Advantages of Veneers

Veneers create an attractive, bright, uniform smile almost instantly. They do a better job than bonding in concealing stains, cracks, and poorly shaped teeth. They are made of porcelain, which is stainless and exceptionally strong.

Porcelain veneers are less prone to chipping and breaking. They can last up to about 15 years. Moreover, veneers are made to match the look and feel of natural teeth.

Disadvantages of Veneers

• The procedure is irreversible as the natural tooth has to be altered to accommodate a dental veneer. It may not be a good option for you if you want to preserve your natural teeth.
• While they are strong, veneers can still be damaged by various activities. You may need to invest in a night-guard if you have a problem with bruxism.

Advantages of Dental Bonding

Bonding usually takes a single dental appointment to complete. Hence, it’s a much faster procedure than porcelain veneers, which need at least two dental visits. Moreover, bonding usually is less expensive than veneers.

Bonding can also be repaired easily if some of it breaks or chips. With proper care, bonding can serve you for up to 10 years.

Disadvantages of Bonding

• The composite resin used in dental bonding is not as durable as porcelain veneers.
• The bonding material is more prone to chipping. It’s also less resistant to stain compared to porcelain.

With this information, you can choose what’s best for you between veneers and bonding. Your dentist can also help you make the right decision.