When it comes to cosmetic dental treatments, there are a variety of options available for improving the look of your smile. Having multiple options can be both a blessing and a curse, especially when deciding which treatment is right for your smile. For example if you are looking to correct multiple cosmetic issues, you may be considering dental bonding or veneers.
Generally speaking, more people are familiar with veneers than they are with dental bonding, which raises the question: is dental bonding as good as veneers? Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment that uses composite resin to correct cosmetic imperfections. Dental veneers, on the other hand, are thin porcelain shells that are adhered to the front side of visible teeth in order to conceal imperfections.
As with most dental treatments, there is not a simple yes or no answer. In order to determine which treatment is better, one must consider several factors such as what cosmetic concerns are being addressed, how long treatment will take, how long the results will last, and what the treatment will cost. By carefully evaluating these key factors, as well as considering which factors matter most to you, it will eventually become clear which treatment is better for your unique case.
Cosmetic Concerns
Both dental bonding and veneers can be used to correct similar cosmetic concerns such as discolored, improperly spaced, unevenly sized, oddly shaped, or damaged teeth. With dental bonding, these concerns are addressed by bonding composite resin to the tooth enamel in order to enhance the color, spacing, size, and shape of the teeth. Dental bonding can also be used to restore teeth that have chips or cracks. Veneers, on the other hand, address these cosmetic concerns by adhering porcelain shells over the front of the affected teeth. However, a thin layer of tooth enamel must first be removed so that the veneers can fit properly over the tooth.
Treatment Length
While both dental bonding and veneers can be used to correct the same cosmetic concerns, they have different treatment lengths. In most cases, dental bonding can be completed during a single dental appointment since there is no need for extensive tooth preparation or dental laboratory fabrication. Conversely, veneers usually require a minimum of two dental appointments in order to be placed. This is because the first appointment is needed to prepare the affected teeth and take impressions so a dental lab can custom fabricate the veneers. The second appointment is then needed to check the fit and cement the permanent veneers in place.
How Long They Last
Just as both types of treatments vary in how long they take to complete, they also vary in how long they last. This is due to the fact that each treatment uses different dental materials. Dental bonding uses composite resin, which tends to last approximately 5-7 years before needing to be replaced. However composite resin may also stain and need to be replaced sooner. Veneers, on the other hand, are fabricated from porcelain. Porcelain is durable, stain resistant, and tends to last about 10-15 years when properly cared for.
Cost
As you may have guessed, there is also a cost difference between dental bonding and veneers. Since dental bonding can be completed in a single dental appointment, uses composite resin, and does not last as long, it is generally more affordable when compared to veneers. However, even though veneers have a higher upfront cost, you may save more money over time, especially if you grind your teeth or consume foods and beverages that could stain composite resin.
Ultimately, when it comes to deciding if dental bonding is as good as veneers, you will need to consider these four factors. One of the reasons why there are so many cosmetic dental treatments is because what may work well for one person does not always work the same way for another. Therefore, considering these factors ahead of time can help you decide which treatment would work best for you. Additionally, you will need to discuss your options with an experienced cosmetic dentist who can provide you with professional insight.
