Dental Bonding Vs. Veneers: Which One Is Right For You?
Posted on: 19 September 2017
If you have any tooth aberrations, like chips, discoloration, or gaps, you may be looking into cosmetic dentistry procedures. Two popular options for fixing imperfections are veneers and dental bonding. But each procedure has its pros and cons, so of course, it's a good idea to compare them both and pick the one that's best suited for your situation:
What is Dental Bonding?
A dental bond (also known as composite bonding) is just what it sounds like: a resin is bonded to your tooth. Dental bonding is great because it's an incredibly quick in-office procedure. Your enamel rarely needs to be prepared or shaved down to be fitted with the bonding material. And for some people, dental bonding may even be covered by their insurance policy.
However, dental bonding isn't for everyone. This procedure is typically best used on patients with minor discolorations or small chips. If you have many dark fluorosis stains or many teeth that need fixing, this may not be a great option. Patients that have had lots of root canals or have caps may not benefit from dental bonding since the natural tooth's integrity has been greatly altered. For example, if you have caps, then your teeth have already been shaved down and will not hold a dental bond.
One downside of dental bonds is that they don't last as long as veneers. Composite resin can stain more easily than porcelain. They also aren't as durable as porcelain, so they may need to be replaced in a few years if you don't have good oral hygiene. However, if you take good care of your teeth, this downside won't be a problem since some people have bonds that can last about ten years.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are also technically bonding to your teeth, but instead of just filling one portion of the tooth, they are placed over an entire surface. Again, since veneers are made of porcelain that has great durability. Since a ceramist makes the veneers in a lab, they have great aesthetic value and look quite natural in color and shape.
If you have extensive damage from root canals, cavities, or trauma, then veneers are a great restorative option. People with large gaps between their teeth also may be better suited for veneers than bonding.
So what's the downside? Veneers can be pricey, with each tooth ranging a thousand dollars or more. While you may be able to get the price down, keep in mind that veneers are a cosmetic procedure, so they aren't often covered by insurance plans. But since the veneers can last a decade or more, this can be a good investment for some.
As you can see both veneers and dental bonds have their pros and cons. So it's best to consult with your dentist to see what avenue you should take. Contact a dental office like Advanced Family Dental Care LLC for more information and assistance.
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