Both dental bonding and veneers are great solutions to correct minor imperfections that impact the look of your smile. However, Robert A. Klement, DDS, reminds patients although these treatments both enhance smiles, they aren’t quite the same. To help you learn which may be best for your teeth, this Wisconsin Rapids, WI, dentist highlights the key differences between these two options.

Dental Bonding vs. Veneers

Process

Veneers are thin plates of porcelain that are custom-made to fit your natural smile. After your tooth enamel is reduced to accommodate the veneer, the dentist will cement the prosthetic to the tooth and make adjustments as needed.

With dental bonding, your provider will apply a synthetic compound—known as composite resin—to the tooth to correct small imperfections. Unlike veneers, which are precision-made with lab equipment, the resin is shaped by hand. Once applied, the material is set with a special curing light.

Problems Addressed

Both veneers and dental bonding can correct a lot of the same issues, including chips, cracks, and discoloration. However, the size and placement of the problem can impact which treatment will work best.

In addition to minor issues, veneers can hide more noticeable imperfections, such as completely discolored enamel or gaps between teeth. The translucent quality of the porcelain also provides a more natural look than resin. Bonding, on the other hand, tends to be reserved for smaller issues or for those not on the front of the tooth.

Time Involved

Veneers involve several appointments, during which a specialist prepares your tooth, designs the veneer, and applies the prosthetic. If the veneer has to be produced by a lab, it can take a few weeks for the prosthetic to be produced and returned to the dental office. In contrast, bonding can usually be completed in one appointment.

Durability

While the veneer application process involves more time, the results tend to last much longer: about 10 to 15 years. Dental bonding may only last three to five. Despite being artificial, both of these solutions still require regular dental care to maximize the results.  

Cost

Due to the time and materials involved, veneers tend to cost more than bonding procedures. However, the price of dental bonding touchups every few years typically works out to about the same cost as veneers over the course of a decade.

Considering these factors can help influence your decision for treatment, but it’s still a good idea to consult with a professional to find out which option may be best for you. Providing exceptional cosmetic dentistry services in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Robert A. Klement, DDS, can help you explore the benefits of dental bonding and veneers. If these solutions don’t fit, this specialist can also introduce you to a variety of other cosmetic and restorative treatments, including teeth whitening and dental crowns. You can learn more about these advanced services online, or call (715) 421-3030 to schedule a convenient appointment.