Teeth Bonding vs Veneers: Which is Better?

Teeth bonding and veneers may seem pretty similar, but they actually have quite a few differences. Read here to learn all about teeth bonding vs veneers.

If you are considering dental work to improve the appearance of your teeth, you may be wondering if teeth bonding or veneers is a better option. Both procedures can be used to correct a number of dental problems, but they have their own unique benefits and drawbacks.

In fact, it's not particularly about which is better, but which you find to be more suitable for your lifestyle. Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way to help you get a perfect smile.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at both teeth bonding and veneers so that you can make an informed decision about which procedure is right for you.

Keep reading to discover more about teeth bonding vs veneers so that you can make the right decision.

What Is Teeth Bonding?

Teeth bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin is applied to the surface of the teeth. The resin is then hardened with a special light, and the result is a durable, natural-looking bond that can improve the appearance of your smile.

Furthermore, teeth bonding can be used to correct a number of dental problems, including:

The first teeth bonding procedure was performed in the early 1960s. However, the materials used at that time were not as strong or durable as the materials we have today. As a result, early teeth bonding procedures did not last very long and often required frequent touch-ups.

In the 1980s, advances in dental technology led to the development of stronger and more durable tooth-colored resins. These new resins revolutionized the field of cosmetic dentistry and made teeth bonding a more viable option for patients who wanted to improve their smiles.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Teeth Bonding

When it comes to teeth bonding, there are plenty of benefits to be happy about. Nevertheless, teeth bonding is only one of the possible solutions to common smile problems.

Here are some of the most common benefits: 

  • It is less expensive than veneers
  • The procedure can be done in just one office visit
  • Teeth bonding does not require any removal of tooth enamel
  • The results are immediate
  • It is considered a conservative dental treatment

While teeth bonding can provide an immediate improvement to your smile, results vary.

Here are some of the most common drawbacks:

  • The results are not permanent
  • The bonding material is not as strong as natural tooth enamel
  • It can chip or break over time
  • The color of the bonding material may change over time
  • It is not resistant to staining from coffee, tea, or tobacco

What Is the Procedure for Teeth Bonding?

The procedure for teeth bonding is relatively simple. First, your dentist will select a tooth-colored resin that matches the shade of your natural teeth.  Sometimes, a whitening procedure will be done prior to bonding to match the remaining teeth or a completely new shade will be selected to brighten your smile.  

Next, the resin will be applied to the surface of your teeth and molded into the desired shape. Once the resin is in place, your dentist will use a special light to harden it. Finally, your dentist will trim and polish the resin to give you a natural-looking smile.

The entire procedure for teeth bonding can be done in just one office visit, and it usually takes a couple hours to complete depending on how many teeth are treated. 

Is Teeth Bonding Expensive?

Teeth bonding is generally less expensive than veneers. However, the price of teeth bonding will vary depending on the number of teeth being treated and the complexity of the procedure.

Furthermore, most dental insurance plans will not cover the cost of cosmetic procedures like teeth bonding. However, some dental plans may offer a discount on the procedure if it is considered medically necessary. 

Who Should Avoid Teeth Bonding?

While teeth bonding is a safe and effective dental treatment, there are some people who should avoid it.

For example, people with clenching or grinding habits may not be good candidates for teeth bonding because the material can break or chip over time. Additionally, people who are heavy smokers may want to avoid teeth bonding because the resin is not resistant to staining.

Additionally, if you have an allergy to acrylics or other synthetic materials, you may not be able to have teeth bonding. Be sure to discuss any allergies with your dentist before having the procedure done.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. Veneers can be used to correct a number of dental problems, including chipped teeth, misshapen teeth, stained teeth, and gaps between teeth.

Furthermore, veneers are much more durable than bonding material, and they are also resistant to staining. This is a great benefit to people who want to continue with their hobbies/habits that might have an effect on regular teeth.

The first veneers were developed in the early 1920s. However, these early veneers were made of a material called catalin, which was not very strong or durable. As a result, early veneers did not last very long and often required frequent touch-ups. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Veneers

In the 1930s, advances in dental technology led to the development of porcelain veneers. Porcelain is a much stronger and more durable material than catalin, so it quickly became the preferred material for making veneers.

Here are some of the most common benefits:

  • They are more durable than bonding material
  • They can provide a more natural-looking result
  • They are made from porcelain, which is a material that closely resembles natural tooth enamel
  • They are resistant to staining

The most common drawbacks are:

  • They are much more expensive than teeth bonding
  • They require the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel
  • They are considered a more invasive dental treatment

What Is the Procedure for Veneers?

The procedure for veneers is similar to the procedure for teeth bonding. First, your dentist will select a shade of porcelain that matches the shade of your natural teeth.  Sometimes, a whitening procedure will be done prior to veneers to match the remaining teeth or a completely new shade will be selected to brighten your smile.  

Next, the porcelain veneers will be bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. Once in place, your dentist will trim and polish the veneers to give you a natural-looking smile. 

The length of time it takes to get veneers varies depending on the number of teeth being treated and the complexity of the procedure. However, most patients can expect to complete the entire process within two to three visits to their dentist.

How Expensive Are Veneers?

The cost of veneers varies depending on the number of veneers you need and the geographic location of your dentist. However, in general, veneers can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 per tooth.

Moreover, insurance companies typically do not cover the cost of veneers because they are considered to be a cosmetic treatment.

Who Should Avoid Veneers?

Veneers are not right for everyone. If you have healthy teeth and simply want to improve the appearance of your smile, then bonding or other cosmetic treatments may be a better option for you.

Additionally, if you have an allergy to acrylics or other synthetic materials, you may not be able to have veneers. Be sure to discuss any allergies with your dentist before having the procedure done.

As you can see, there are both benefits and drawbacks to both teeth bonding and veneers. The best way to determine which treatment is right for you is to consult with a qualified dentist. Only a dentist can examine your mouth and make recommendations based on your individual needs.

Which Is Better for You: Teeth Bonding vs. Veneers

If you’re still not sure which procedure is right for you, be sure to talk to your dentist. They will be able to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and goals.

Both teeth bonding and veneers can provide an immediate improvement to your smile. However, the results of teeth bonding are not permanent, while the results of veneers are more long-lasting.

Additionally, veneers are made from porcelain, which closely resembles natural tooth enamel. Therefore, if you are looking for a more durable and natural-looking solution, then veneers may be the better option for you.

However, if you are looking for a less expensive option that can be done in one office visit, then teeth bonding may be the right choice for you. In any case, the choice is up to you regardless of what a dentist might think is best for you.

Alternatives to Teeth Bonding and Veneers

If you are not a candidate for teeth bonding or veneers, there are other options available to help improve the appearance of your smile. These alternative treatments include Invisalign, dental implants, tooth-colored fillings, and professional teeth whitening.

Invisalign is a great solution if you have crowed or gapped teeth.  Instead of veneers, your dentist can move your teeth into the right position and straighten your smile without the need of a dental procedure.  

Dental implants are an excellent solution for missing or damaged teeth. Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Once in place, dental implants can support artificial teeth (crowns) that look and function just like natural teeth.

Tooth-colored fillings provide a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional metal fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are made from a composite resin material that can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.

Professional teeth whitening is another popular alternative to teeth bonding and veneers.

Professional teeth whitening can remove years of stains and discoloration from your teeth, giving you a brighter, whiter smile. Professional teeth whitening is typically done in one office visit.

During your visit, your dentist will be isolating all your tissue and then apply a bleaching gel to your teeth that is then exposed to a special activating light. 

No matter what treatment you decide on, it’s important to consult with a qualified dental professional to ensure that you are getting the best possible care for your smile. They will be able to help you choose the right treatment based on your specific needs and goals.

How to Ensure Your Veneers Or Teeth Bonding Lasts a Long Time? 

Even though teeth bonding vs veneers are designed to last for many years, there are still some things you can do to help prolong their life. These include:

  • Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Flossing daily
  • Avoiding hard foods that can crack or chip your teeth
  • Not biting your nails or chewing on hard objects (e.g., ice cubes)
  • Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports or participating in other activities that could damage your teeth
  • Wearing a night guard if prescribed by your dental professional

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your veneers or teeth bonding lasts for many years to come. And, most importantly, you can help keep your smile looking its best.

If you have any questions about teeth bonding vs veneers, be sure to talk to your dentist. They will be able to help you decide which treatment is right for you and answer any other questions you may have.

Cosmetic Dental Procedures Done Right

In conclusion, both teeth bonding vs veneers can provide improvement to your smile. However, there are some key differences between the two procedures that you should be aware of before making a decision.

Veneers are more durable and natural-looking than teeth bonding, but they are also more expensive. In some cases, veneers might require slightly reducing your existing teeth just to make space for veneers in a comfortable and secure manner.

It's important to consult with your dentist to figure out what would work best for you and your smile specifically! Teeth bonding vs veneers depends on many factors unique to each person's mouth, so it's best to get professional help to make this decision.

Get in touch now to get your perfect smile in order.