Porcelain Veneers vs. Bonding

Gone are the days where chipped, cracked or decayed teeth were things one would have to live with. Cosmetic dentistry has opened a whole new world to dental patients, giving them the option to enhance the appearance of their teeth – even in small cases of discoloration.

Veneers and dental bonding are two non-invasive procedures used by cosmetic dentists. Because each patient has a completely different situation, the best suited option will depend on the needs of the person sitting in the dentist chair.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers can be made from plastic or porcelain. In this case we are looking at the porcelain veneers which offer full coverage of the damaged tooth. It is a thin piece of porcelain that is glue on to the front of the desired tooth to hide any deformity. Porcelain veneers can be done in as little as two visits, and although they are slightly more costly than plastic veneers the money is definitely well spent. They look better and last longer – sometimes over 15 years. The veneers are created in a dental lab to ensure a perfect fit. What’s not to love about this quick, cost-effective cosmetic dentistry solution?

Bonding

This procedure uses a composite resin, which is usually matched to the colour of the patient’s tooth enamel, to fill any gaps, cracks or to correct the colour of the teeth. The resin used is mouldable and can be shaped before it hardens, and the dentist often applies it freehand. This process is even faster and more cost-effective than dental veneers, although it may not last as long and provide as much protection. Another positive with dental bonding is that the teeth seldom need to be cut back as much as with dental veneers. Some patients prefer bonding because they lose less of their own tooth enamel.

What is the Best Option?

As mentioned before, this is highly dependant on the patient. The cosmetic dentist performing the surgery should suggest the best possible option for you. Porcelain veneers can often solve a wider range of problems than bonding can because they are custom made and they cover the entire tooth. In saying that, bonding is less invasive even and can be the perfect fit for a patient with a minor cosmetic problem.

Both veneers and bonding provide a very natural finish and are barely ever noticeable. When the problem is affecting more than one tooth in the patient’s mouth, veneers might be best suited as they can be fitted to multiple teeth at a time. Veneers are very resistant to staining but bonding is not – therefore, if dental bonding is the patient and dentist’s choice then it is best to avoid drinks such as tea, coffee and red wine.

Ultimately, it is the best option to consult your cosmetic dentist first before making any decision. Both dental bonding and porcelain veneers provide an enhanced smile to the patient. Nobody needs an excuse to make the choice to improve their smile – but it is necessary to make the best decision possible.