Do you feel unhappy about the way your smile looks? You aren’t the only one. Most people aren’t born with perfect pearly whites, and many struggle with one or several dental flaws. If you have imperfections like chips, cracks, stains, or gaps in your smile, you might be considering undergoing cosmetic dentistry. Two of the most effective methods for correcting flaws are dental bonding and veneers. But which one is the better choice for you? Keep reading to learn whether dental bonding or veneers provide the ideal solution for your smile.
What Is Dental Bonding?
This cosmetic option uses tooth-colored composite resin to conceal dental imperfections. Your dentist can apply and sculpt this material to match your specific smile goals before hardening it with a special UV light. This will bond the resin to your affected tooth or teeth, improving its size, shape, and/or color while blending flawlessly with the rest of your smile. This procedure is non-invasive, can be completed in just a single appointment, and can last about 10 years or more with proper care.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are super-thin dental layers that are designed to fit the front of your affected teeth to conceal multiple flaws simultaneously. These shells will be completely personalized to improve the color, shape, and size of your pearly whites. They’ll also be resilient to cavities and highly resistant to discoloration. Not only will this material offer a virtually permanent whitening solution, but the results can also last 15 years or more with minimal dental maintenance.
4 Essential Factors to Think About
While both dental bonding and veneers provide reliable and dazzling results for your smile, there are several key differences you should consider. During your initial consultation, you and your dentist will discuss:
- Tooth preparation – For veneers to blend with your smile, you’ll need to have a small amount of your enamel removed from the front side of your teeth. Dental bonding, on the other hand, doesn’t require tooth preparation, making it more convenient and quicker to complete.
- Procedure concerns – Your dentist may suggest one treatment over the other depending on the complexity of your cosmetic issues. If you want a more comprehensive solution, then veneers may be the better choice.
- Materials – Although tooth-colored composite resin is reliable and natural-looking, porcelain veneers are constructed out of a more durable ceramic substance. This allows veneers to be stain-resistant, immune to cavities, and longer-lasting.
- Cost – Dental bonding may be more convenient for patients who are on a budget. That said, having to get touchups more frequently compared to veneers can add up the cost in the long term.
If you want to hide dental flaws and feel more confident about your smile, talk to your dentist about cosmetic dentistry. They’ll walk you through the pros and cons of dental bonding and veneers to determine which option is best for you!
About the Author
Dr. Katherine Staniek earned her dental degree from Midwestern University. She’s also a proud member of several prestigious organizations like the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. She provides a wide range of high-quality and all-inclusive services, including dental bonding and veneers. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit her website or call 978-927-3515.