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Cosmetic Dentistry

Veneers vs Dental Bonding: Which Is The Best Option

In veneers vs dental bonding, you are examing the two best dental restoration techniques. Are you having trouble deciding which dental treatment is best for you? Both veneers and dental bonding are dental restoration techniques that can help you improve the appearance and function of your teeth. 

Dental restoration procedures are expensive; it’s crucial to know which one is right for you. Despite the differences in the methods, both have a high success rate.

When deciding between bonding and veneers, it’s essential to consider the subtle aesthetic differences. For example, a veneer is made outside the mouth, whereas bonding is made inside the mouth by a dentist and then shaped and hardened to match the rest of your teeth. To roughen the tooth, a small amount of chemicals is applied.

Here’s a comparison of veneers and dental bonding, as well as how they’re used.

Veneers vs Dental Bonding: Which Is The Best Option

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth. Typically made from porcelain or composite resin, veneers are used to improve the appearance of teeth by addressing issues such as discolouration, chips, cracks, or gaps. They provide a natural, attractive look, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your smile.

What’s Involved With Getting A Veneer?

The Dentist will digitally scan or use a mould to take an impression of your prepared tooth. If your dentist doesn’t have a lab on-site, the image or mould may be sent to one.

A temporary veneer may be placed on your tooth until the new one is ready, depending on how much your tooth was trimmed.

The permanent veneer will take the place of the temporary one once it is ready. It will be cemented to the tooth and hardened with an ultraviolet lamp.

After the veneer is in place, the tooth usually moves very little. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you may need to wear a nightguard to protect the veneer.

Who Can Benefit From Porcelain Veneers?

For a reason, porcelain veneers have earned the moniker “instant orthodontics.” This life-changing procedure can help patients with significant cosmetic blemishes. If you have any of the following issues, then you should consider having porcelain veneers:

  • Chips
  • Stains
  • Gaps in the teeth
  • Malformations
  • Alignment Error (so braces are not necessary)
  • Teeth that are not evenly spaced
  • Teeth that aren’t the same size

What Is Cosmetic Bonding?

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to the tooth surface. This resin is then hardened with a special light, bonding it to the tooth to improve the tooth’s appearance. Dental bonding is commonly used to repair minor cosmetic issues such as chips, cracks, discolouration, or gaps between teeth.

Who Can Benefit From Cosmetic Bonding?

If you have minor cosmetic blemishes and discolouration, you might be a good candidate for cosmetic bonding. The bonding material can be used to repair a damaged tooth or to address the following issues:

  • Chips
  • Cracks
  • Minor stains
  • Misshapen teeth
  • Gaps
  • Exposed roots from receding gums

Porcelain Veneers vs. Dental Bonding – Pros & Cons

Pros of Porcelain Veneers

  • Provide a natural, tooth-like appearance
  • Highly durable and can last up to 15 years with proper care
  • Resistant to staining, maintaining their colour over time
  • Can correct a variety of cosmetic issues, including chips, cracks, gaps, and severe discolouration

Cons of Porcelain Veneers

  • More expensive than dental bonding
  • The process is irreversible as it requires the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel
  • Can take several dental visits to complete
  • Not suitable for individuals with unhealthy or weakened teeth

Pros of Dental Bonding

  • Less expensive than veneers
  • The process is quick and can often be completed in one visit
  • Less tooth enamel needs to be removed compared to veneers
  • Can be easily repaired if damaged

Cons of Dental Bonding

  • Not as durable as veneers and may require repairs or replacement over time
  • More susceptible to staining compared to veneers
  • May not be suitable for large cosmetic changes
  • The bonding material may not match the natural teeth as closely as veneers can

Do Veneers Look Better Than Bonding?

Dental bonding is a highly recommended and practical choice for many patients looking to improve their smiles. Although veneers provide superior aesthetic improvements because the porcelain material covers the entire tooth’s surface, dental bonding is a highly recommended and practical choice for many patients looking to improve their smile.

Veneers vs Dental Bonding: Which is cheaper?

Bonding, on the other hand, is usually much less expensive than veneers. Dental bonding is less costly because it uses a less expensive material (composite resin vs. porcelain). The procedure can be completed quickly. You won’t have to pay for veneers built by an outside dental lab.

Do Dentists Recommend Veneers?

Veneers are an excellent way to improve your smile, particularly if your teeth are chipped, malformed, discoloured, or cannot be whitened. The advantages of veneers include the fact that they can be completed in just two visits, the colour can be changed easily, and the porcelain has the appearance of natural teeth and will not stain.

Will Veneers Make Me More Attractive?

Dental bonding or veneers are excellent options to choose from if you want to improve your smile in the least invasive way possible. Giving yourself a more constant and whiter smile can improve the overall attractiveness of your face, not just your teeth.

Which Option Is Right For Me?

Porcelain veneers and cosmetic bonding are both procedures that improve the appearance of your teeth. One of our dentists will discuss which treatment options are best for your budget and cosmetic goals during your cosmetic consultation at our Dentist in the Ellenbrook office. 

Important to understand that porcelain veneers are a more long-term treatment option for teeth repair. Porcelain veneers can last for ten years or more when properly cared for, whereas cosmetic bonding only lasts a few years at most. 

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