Is Dental Bonding as Good as Porcelain Veneers?
Cosmetic dentistry encompasses a wide range of different procedures that are designed to improve the appearance of your teeth. Two popular procedures are veneers and bonding, both methods that can dramatically alter and improve your smile. However, while these procedures are both designed to conceal imperfections in the teeth, they are quite different in terms of how they’re applied.
Porcelain Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are permanently fixed to the front surface of teeth. They can alter the shape of teeth, lengthen teeth, and conceal stains and other imperfections. Veneers are typically made in a dental lab, custom-designed and crafted to for each patient and matched to the desired tooth shade.
Dental Bonding is a process using white filler material applied to the surface of the teeth to alter their color, shape, and size. It’s a similar principle to veneers, but dental bonding is best suited to teeth with minor imperfections such as cracks, chips, and stains.
Comparing Veneers and Bonding
Both veneers and bonding are used to conceal imperfections and to improve the appearance of the smile, but each has specific pros and cons, and have slightly different purposes.
For instance, veneers are more effective for concealing larger imperfections, and for cases where several teeth need treatment. Porcelain is a stronger dental material than the resin used for bonding, which means it’s less likely to chip or break. It is also more stain-resistant, so it stays looking whiter for longer.
On the other hand, bonding is generally a faster procedure, as it requires just one dental visit, whereas veneers require two or more. Another advantage is that bonding is often less expensive than veneers, so it can be a better option for concealing minor flaws. However, because the resin used for dental bonding isn’t as strong as porcelain, it’s more likely to chip over time.
Which Procedure is Better?
Bonding and veneers are similar procedures, but the application methods and durability vary. Generally, the strength and longevity of porcelain veneers make them the better choice when you want to improve all the teeth in the smile zone. The flexibility of bonding makes it a better option for teeth that need treatment to fix minor flaws.
At Steven R. Bergara, DDS Inc., we can provide you with a comprehensive exam and evaluate which method of treatment will provide you with the most benefits. Call us for an appointment today and let us help you discover how to improve your smile!