Veneers vs. Dental Bonding: Which Is Best for Broken Teeth?

A chipped tooth can require timely attention from a dental professional. It may make you feel self-conscious in social settings like work or school—or even just looking in the mirror—as well as cause serious discomfort and health risks if left untreated. Fortunately, there are multiple cosmetic dentistry solutions at my dental practice in Redwood City, CA.

Two popular procedures that can repair broken teeth include veneers and dental bonding. Here, we’ll look into veneers vs. dental bonding to help you determine which one may be best for your particular circumstances.

What’s the Difference Between Bonding and Veneers?

Dental bonding involves your dentist applying a natural-looking composite resin material—a clay-like substance—directly on your tooth and doesn’t require any enamel to be removed. 

Dental veneers, on the other hand, are thin sheets made of porcelain placed over your teeth to conceal cracks or discoloration. Traditional veneers involve your dentist removing a thin layer of enamel for the veneer to fit snugly (however, no-prep Lumineers do not require any enamel removal). 

When to Consider Bonding for Cracked or Broken Teeth

Dental bonding is best for teeth that suffer from relatively minor cracks or imperfections and do not have severe decay. Additionally, they’re ideal for areas where there is not much biting force. In general, bonding is excellent for small cosmetic enhancements, such as correcting a single tooth or fixing a tiny chip.

When to Consider Veneers for Cracked or Broken Teeth

Veneers provide superior aesthetic improvements since the material covers the entire surface of the tooth. Moreover, while veneers are not indestructible, the porcelain they are crafted from is markedly more durable than bonding resin and provides strength in high biting-force areas of the dental arch.

Alternative Treatment for Broken Teeth

If one of your teeth has substantial decay, several fillings, or extensive damage, our Redwood City dentist may recommend a dental crown to restore your entire tooth—not just its surface. While most dentists want to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, sometimes, bonding and veneers are not enough. Crowns supported by dental implants may be the course to promote your oral function over the long term.

Have a Broken Tooth? Turn to Our Team

Generally, dental bonding is a perfect fit for small cosmetic upgrades to your smile. If you’re looking for a more transformative solution that’s designed to last longer, porcelain veneers and even dental crowns could better deliver the results you are after.

If you're dealing with a chipped tooth, let our team of experienced dentists help. Give our team a call or send us a message to request a consultation at our dental office in Redwood City. For more information, get in touch with us today!