Dental Bonding vs. Veneers: Which One?
When you want a solution for or other related imperfections, it’s key that you take some time to think over your options. For instance, our Ann Arbor, MI, cosmetic dentists have a few available for patients dissatisfied with how their teeth appear in the mirror and around others. Two of those options are dental bonding and porcelain veneers.
Here is a comparison of tooth bonding and veneers so you can make an informed decision about your smile desires.
When Deciding, It’s Important to Consider:
1. How the Results Will Look
The last thing you want is to undergo a dental procedure only to have the results look out of place and not at all natural. Well, there is no need to worry as our experienced cosmetic dentists are here to help. Our intention is always to give you the look you want and to collaborate with you before the process starts so we’re on the same page going into whichever procedure is chosen.
Cosmetic bonding can easily correct gaps, cracks, chips, tooth discoloration, or teeth that are irregularly shaped. The is to be minimally invasive. In fact, the original tooth will not change dramatically in its appearance. Because of this, it’s perfect for patients who want slight, yet positive changes to their smile.
Our dentists will carefully repair the imperfection by applying tooth-colored composite resin to the surface of your tooth. No one will know by looking at you that you ever had cracked or spaced teeth. It’s important to remember that bonding is best suited for minor repairs. We may suggest alternative treatment for larger restorations.
The end result is a bit more pronounced with veneers. Made out of porcelain instead of resin, dental are very thin, tooth-colored “shells”. They are permanently attached to the front of teeth over the course of multiple appointments to mask undesirable issues. Our dentists will use a shade guide to ensure your new smile is natural and aesthetically pleasing.
2. The Amount of Enamel Being Removed
The application of veneers requires a more intensive cosmetic process. This often equates to the removal of more natural tooth enamel and permanent alterations to allow for the fit of veneers. If this were a contest, bonding would win over veneers as it requires the least amount of enamel (if any) taken off.
Tooth enamel is what you see covering the outside of your teeth. Made up of a high percentage of minerals that enable its strength, enamel protects the more sensitive layers of teeth underneath.
When enamel is removed for veneers, your teeth are modified and changes are technically irreversible. Enamel does not grow back. For many, this is acceptable as the teeth are severely stained or present in a way that is undesirable. Altering and covering them up is simply part of the agreement.Bonding, on the other hand, maintains more of your natural tooth structure while still fixing unwanted problems.
4. Total Time Commitment and Cost
One of the major is how little time it takes to complete the procedure. Depending on how many teeth are bonded, it will take about 30 minutes to an hour per tooth.
Compared to other similar options, dental bonding is also on the budget-friendly side. Veneers can be more of a commitment financially and a bit excessive if you’re only looking to close a small gap or fix a chipped tooth. If that’s the case, bonding may instead be the right option for you.
Veneers also may take multiple appointments to complete. Our dentists will first need to take an impression of the teeth and send that with the desired shade to a dental lab for fabrication. It may be a few weeks before your permanent veneers arrive for placement so temporary veneers are created for you to wear in the meantime.
5. The Level of Durability and Stain Resistance
Where bonding finishes first in procedure time and cost, veneers are a longer-lasting and stain-resistant option. Though both will last many years with proper care, porcelain proves to be stronger than composite resin and is not as easily discolored.
Whichever you end up choosing, be sure to brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and receive a teeth cleaning every 6 months to maintain appearance. Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to deterioration and other complications.
Make the Right Choice for Your Smile
Both procedures can beautifully enhance the look of your teeth but one is more of a commitment than the other. Before you choose, our cosmetic dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, can help you weigh the pros and cons. Call Liberty Dental today at (734) 994-0909 to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.