Dental Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers

For some, every shared photo, Facebook shot, or Instagram image is a reminder of their discolored, worn, or chipped teeth. If you are tired of dodging photos and wish you could flash a carefree smile, then you may want to consider dental bonding or porcelain veneers.  

Cosmetic dentist Jean Barthman in Redwood City offers both dental bonding and porcelain veneers for people seeking to recapture a beautiful smile. Both methods will improve the shape and color of teeth and fix spacing issues.

In dental bonding, a tooth-colored resin that matches or whitens your tooth color is applied. It is carefully shaped and a special ultraviolet light is used to harden the resin. The tooth is then polished. Treatment is usually complete in a single visit.  

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin porcelain shells placed on teeth to hide imperfections. The treatment starts with the removal of some enamel from each tooth to make room for the veneers. Then, an imprint of your teeth is taken so veneers can be custom tailored to your teeth. You will wear temporary veneers until your second appointment when the custom veneers will be placed on the front of your teeth.

Dental bonding and porcelain veneers solve many of the same issues, including:

• Discolored Teeth: Both bonding and veneers can be customized to the desired shade of white. Even teeth that are too discolored for teeth whitening to be effective can be made the perfect shade of white with bonding or veneers.
• Misshapen Teeth: Teeth that are irregular in shape can be corrected through either bonding or veneers to create an even and uniform appearance
• Gaps: Either dental bonding or porcelain veneers can be used to close the gap between teeth.

Though similar, there are important differences that you should consider in making your choice:

• Treatment Time. Dental bonding is faster. Depending on the number of teeth to be treated, it typically can be done in one visit. Porcelain veneers usually require two visits; one to prepare the teeth and create an imprint, the second to apply the veneers.
• Tooth Preparation. Veneers require the removal of a thin layer of enamel. This makes the treatment permanent and irreversible. Once applied, you will always need veneers. Dental bonding is non-invasive and reversible.
• Durability. Porcelain veneers are durable, lasting 15 years or longer, and stain resistant. Dental bonding lasts from three to ten years and is more prone to staining.    
• Cost: Because dental bonding is a fast treatment process, it costs much less than veneers. However, it will require repeat visits to the dentist to maintain its appearance. Veneers are more expensive, but will last longer.

What to Consider

Not everyone is a good candidate for bonding or veneers. If you constantly grind or clench your teeth, you may cause the bonding or veneers to chip or break. Both treatments also require good oral hygiene habits.

To get a better understanding of how you can improve your smile and the pros and cons of each treatment, please call to schedule a personal consultation.