Bonding vs. Veneers: Which Option Might Be Right for You?

Last updated 8 months ago

If you have imperfections marring your teeth, you may consider talking to your cosmetic dentist about your options. Two options that can produce stunning results are dental bonding and veneers. Each procedure is a bit different, however, and comes with its own advantages and limitations. One option may be more appropriate than the other in certain situations.

What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a procedure in which your cosmetic dentist uses a tooth-colored resin to repair certain problematic teeth. This resin is the same material used for tooth-colored fillings. Your dentist can apply, shape, and polish bonding material in a single visit, making it one of the fastest and most affordable options for tooth restoration.

What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are very thin shells of porcelain or other tooth-colored material that are applied over the natural teeth in order to hide any defects, including chips, stains, and gaps. Some degree of enamel removal is typically required for the veneer to achieve a strong bond, making most veneer procedures irreversible. Veneers can produce stunning results, but do usually require more than one visit to complete since they must be custom-made in a dental lab.

Which Option Is Best for You?
Both dental bonding and veneers can repair problems with chipped, broken, cracked, or discolored teeth. Both are also options for mild gaps in the teeth, but veneers typically produce better results when disguising crooked teeth.

Bonding is less expensive but may stain or break more easily than veneers. Veneers are somewhat more expensive than bonding, but do tend to be more stain resistant and durable. If you are unsure of which option is best for you, speak with your cosmetic dentist about your needs and goals.

At Memorial Park Dental Spa in Houston, we specialize in creating beautiful, healthy smiles. We offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry services, including bonding, veneers, teeth whitening, and Invisalign. If you are interested in improving your smile through cosmetic dentistry, give us a call at (713) 864-3800 or visit our website for more information.