When it comes to perfecting your smile, most people are left choosing between bonding and veneers. Both options look incredibly natural, but it’s essential to understand how they contrast so you can make the right choice for yourself.
Your dentist will likely go into depth with you regarding these oral procedures and give you a detailed version of the pros and cons of each. At Lovett Dental Webster, we provide you with a base of knowledge to form the questions you’ll want to ask during your appointment. We’ll also explain the difference between bonding and veneers. To schedule an appointment, contact our team at 832-932-5584.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Made of composite resin and applied to your existing teeth, dental bonding is very pliable, allowing your dentist to sculpt it into the perfect smile.
Bonding is safe for decayed and chipped teeth and teeth that have lost color and enamel. Many patients that utilize bonding are looking to cover exposed roots due to natural or disease-related gum recession.
The bonding procedure is very straightforward, and your dentist may complete it during one visit, though circumstances vary. To start, you’ll choose the bonding color that best matches your teeth. Then, your dentist will apply it to your affected tooth or teeth, shaping it to fit.
When the bonding hardens, your dentist will apply a polish. Underneath the bond, your tooth will remain the same. The process is relatively simple, and if you practice excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits, your bonding can last up to ten years.
What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are one of the most popular oral procedures in the field of cosmetic dentistry. These thin coatings are typically made of porcelain or resin composite material and created individually so that your veneers are a perfect match for your teeth.
Porcelain veneers cover chipped, discolored, damaged, or misaligned teeth. Whereas bonding resin is soft and flexible, dentistry professionals apply veneers in hardened form, developed from a mold previously taken of your teeth. They attach directly to your existing teeth via adhesives and take more time to apply than dental bonding.
Most porcelain veneers last for around ten years, but they can last up to twenty if appropriately maintained.
Making an Informed Decision
Now that we’ve discussed the fundamental differences between bonding and veneers, you can speak with your dentist to make an informed decision on which procedure is best for you. Here are a few aspects to consider that may affect what you decide:
- Veneers are typically much more expensive than bonding.
- When it comes to durability, including staining, chipping, and breaking, veneers outlast bonding.
- Bonding is a much faster procedure than fitting veneers.
- While bonding is not a permanent solution, veneers make modifications to your existing teeth.
- Both veneers and bonding have a very natural appearance, but veneers are stain-resistant, while bonding tends to darken over time.
Every patient has different reasons for making decisions. What works for one person may not work for another, so ensure that you take the time to consider both options. The best advice you can receive on the matter will come straight from your dentist.
Lovett Dental Webster Is Your Source of Knowledgeable Assistance
Making the best decision possible regarding veneers or dental bonding is vital to your satisfaction with the procedure’s outcome. You may have an idea of which path you’d like to take, but professional dental assistance is the best way to form a concrete plan. In addition to our dental bonding and veneer services, we also provide a range of services, including:
Working with a provider you trust is essential to feel good about the choice you make, as well as any potential oral procedures you undergo. If you’re ready to talk in more detail about dental bonding and veneers, call Lovett Dental Webster at 832-932-5584.