Bonding or Veneers: Which Is Right for You?

Bonding or Veneers: Which Is Right for You?

2023-09-13

Two of the common approaches in cosmetic dentistry today are bonding and veneers. Each approach can accomplish similar goals, but each does so in its own unique way.

Some of the concerns for which bonding or veneers may be considered include:

  • Chips
  • Cosmetic cracks
  • Stains
  • Gaps
  • Erosion or short teeth
  • Narrow teeth
  • Slight turning
  • Marks or ridges resulting from braces

So if porcelain veneers and bonding can both do the same thing, why do they both exist? Let's take a closer look at each . . .

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a direct veneer treatment that involves reshaping, re-coloring, or resizing a tooth with a putty-like composite material. The soft composite resin is a formulation of glass and plastic. It is shaded to match surrounding enamel so that the final result looks very natural. After the desired characteristics have been achieved, composite is cured, or hardened, onto the tooth. Polishing reveals its shine. The advantage of bonding is that it can be completed in just one visit. A disadvantage is that composite material is not as translucent as natural enamel. This places limitations on where it should be placed on the tooth.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneer treatment is an indirect process through which thin sheets of porcelain are designed based on a mold of your tooth or teeth. To begin the transformation, slight reduction of surface enamel is necessary. Then, impressions are made. Veneers are made in a dental lab and are typically ready for placement within about two weeks. Before bonding them to enamel, we assess their size, proportions, and shading. If revision is necessary, we can usually complete this in the same visit, and then seat veneers onto teeth.

There are several factors to consider before choosing how to enhance your smile. At Precision Dental, you receive care that is designed to achieve your desired outcome. To learn more about the unique qualities of bonding and veneers, schedule a consultation with our dentist in Glendale.