Difference Between Dental Bonding and Veneers

Porcelain and Composite Veneers

One dentist describes veneers like as cabinet door replacement; that the veneer covers the front of the whole tooth. In order to properly secure and place the veneer on top of your tooth, a portion of your natural tooth needs to be cut back.  The result is a thinner, darker and smaller version of your original natural tooth. Dentists do offer a thinner veneer made from porcelain and it is referred to as a no-prep veneer.  This no-prep veneer does not require the extensive prep work that a more traditional and thicker veneer requires. As a material, porcelain lasts a long time, between five and twenty years. Porcelain resists staining. Veneers provide an overall protective structure for the remaining tooth, including the nerves. These indirect veneers, or veneers that must be created in a dental laboratory, are fit into your mouth over a number of visits to the dentist.  Porcelain veneers usually cost between $900 to $2,500 a tooth.Veneers are consistently offering patients who are looking for an improved smile, a durable and pleasing solution.

Dental Bonding

Cleveland Dental bonding is like resurfacing the cabinet door.  The tooth will need to be prepped for the bonding material but not to the same degree as with porcelain veneers. Composite resin bonding will last about ten years, because they break down slowly over time. Due to the deterioration of the material, stains can start to seep into the material. Usually, the entire tooth is not covered with bonding, although it can be done, if you and the dentist determine that is the best option for you. Dental bonding offers a non-invasive way to repair teeth, but cannot be used if the fracture runs down the tooth vertically or if the fracture extends below the gumline. Bonding is less permanent than porcelain veneers and lasts about five years before they need to be repaired or replaced. But when they do need to be replaced, it is a quick visit to the dentist and it can be completed in one visit. Composite resin tooth bonding veneers, or direct veneers, are created on your tooth for your tooth during your visit to the dentist when they are fixed in place. The composite veneers usually cost about $250 a tooth. In addition to cosmetic reasons to use composite resin, bonding can repair chips, fill in gaps, reshape teeth, lengthen teeth, and change the overall color of your smile. Many people choose composite resin bonding as a filling for cavity repair over metal fillings because the composite resin is less noticeable. Composite resin can be colored to match your natural teeth at the time of your appointment.

Final Choice

Only you and your dentist can determine which option is better for you and your long term dental health.  If you are looking for a more extensive smile overhaul, porcelain veneers may be the investment you want to make in your smile.  If you are looking to change the shape of a few teeth to give yourself a more symmetrical smile, dental bonding may be the choice for you.

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