Cosmetic dentistry can help you achieve your healthiest smile yet.

We are always searching to get that picture perfect smile. When it comes to transforming our smiles, it appears that dental bonding and veneers are two of the top choices in cosmetic dentistry. Both options have several advantages and disadvantages, and the choice really depends on your dental needs and budget. It’s common to question if you are a better candidate for bonding or veneers since they share so many similarities. Regardless of your decision, you will love and appreciate your newly improved smile.

What is bonding?

Dental bonding has been used in dentistry for several years as a cost-effective and simple way to alter your smile. It’s main benefits are it is non-invasive and can correct imperfections ranging from tooth discoloration to gaps and spacing. For a small chip in a tooth or to restore tooth decay in a cosmetic area, dental bonding is a great way to solve these issues. Others benefits of it include:

• Smaller price tag compared to dental veneers or crowns to restore a smile.
• It can quickly sculpt a tooth to alter the shade and shape of a tooth.
• Upkeep is minimal.
• Requires usually only a single dental visit.

The downsides to bonding are that it is usually not a permanent fix and sometimes requires repairs and replacements if it stains, chips, or fractures. Still, many people will opt for bonding and continue to replace it or use it as a stepping stone to a more permanent cosmetic solution like dental veneers or dental crowns.

What are veneers?

Veneers are a premium, high quality solution in cosmetic dentistry. You will notice celebrities and social media influencers with perfect smiles because of porcelain veneer treatment. Veneers at your dentist in Plano, Texas, can help transform a dull or uneven smile to a more harmonious and bright aesthetic appearance. The advantages of getting porcelain veneers are:

• Porcelain does not stain like typical bonded restorations.
• Veneers are a more permanent solution and can last around 10 years if maintained.
• Dental veneers are very durable and can withstand strong forces.
• They are custom made to match your adjacent teeth.

Veneers are without a doubt the most popular option to restore a smile, but it does come with a higher price tag. They are also slightly more invasive than bonding because a small amount of enamel needs to be permanently removed to make room for the veneer shell. Lastly, if you grind your teeth, veneers can chip or fracture and be more costly and timely for you in the future.

Bonding vs. Veneers

Although bonding and veneers are both great options, they have considerable differences when you look at the details of each treatment. For someone only wanting to correct a single tooth or fix a small chip, bonding usually makes the most sense. However, if you are looking to transform your entire smile or have several imperfections that need adjustment, dental veneers or crowns may be the better option to cover the entire tooth. Veneers and crowns can offer longer protection and highly aesthetic materials compared to bonding.

Here is a breakdown of some of the main differences between bonding and veneers.

• Cost:  It is significantly less expensive than veneers. While bonding can typically range from $100 to $500, veneers can cost upwards of $1500 each tooth.
• Time: Bonding takes a single dental visit, while veneers may take two to three dental visits.
• Appearance: Veneers are more translucent and natural looking than bonding. Both are designed to look like your teeth, but veneers are custom fabricated to match your teeth exactly.
• Durability: Veneers are much more durable than bonding. Bonding can chip and stain, while veneers’ lifespan can be up to a decade or more if they are maintained well. Veneers can last 10 to 15 years, while bonding usually lasts five to seven years.

The Verdict

While bonding can correct minor issues like chips and discoloration and treat tooth decay, it has limitations compared to veneers. Both bonding and veneers are able to improve the look of your teeth by altering the shade, shape, alignment and spacing, but as these treatments are so similar, it is best to discuss your needs and budget with your dentist to get the best advice on what treatment is better for you. Also, remember that many factors like cost, durability, and materials impact the type of restoration you will receive. For smaller types of treatment, you may benefit from bonding, whereas larger restorative cases may be better treated by veneers or crowns.

If you are ready to find out if bonding or veneers are right for you—or you still have questions about either treatment—feel free to schedule an appointment so we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.