Dental Bonding or Veneers: Which is Better in Enhancing Smiles?
Dental bonding and dental veneers help enhance our smiles.
These dental procedures can correct flaws such as fractured, misshapen, and misaligned teeth. But while often used interchangeably, bonding and veneers are different from each other.
We understand that having so many options for enhancing your smile can be confusing. Reach out to us at Aqua Dental Wellness in Manitoba, MB, if you are interested in a smile transformation.
Our dentists have years of experience enhancing and making smiles healthier. In addition to their dental expertise, their artistic abilities will also help you attain your ideal smile.
Dental bonding vs. dental veneers: How does the procedure work?
The bonding procedure is a simple and inexpensive way to improve the appearance of teeth. It can be used to lengthen teeth, close spaces between teeth, and treat tooth discoloration.
After selecting a tooth shade, your dentist will etch and roughen the affected tooth using a specialized instrument. The bonding agent is applied to each tooth, which is then coated with resin. The procedure is painless and does not require anesthesia.
The bonding agent is shaped into the resin, and high-intensity light is used to harden the resin. It is then polished as necessary to achieve a flawless appearance.
In contrast, veneers are custom-made, ultra-thin coverings that are bonded to the surface of the teeth. The material is manufactured in a dental laboratory.
During the initial consultation, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth. The veneers will then be custom-made at the dental lab to match the color of your teeth.
Within one to two weeks, your veneers will be ready, and the second appointment will involve preparing the tooth and making space for the veneers. The tooth thickness is reduced to ensure a uniform appearance once the veneers have been bonded.
Choosing between dental bonding and veneers
Both dental bonding and veneers offer solutions to cosmetic dental concerns. However, you may prefer one over the other due to the following:
- Aesthetic considerations. In general, both procedures address similar issues. However, dental veneers may be ideal for correcting advanced or more pronounced imperfections.
- Material. Dental bonding uses a composite resin material that is color-matched to natural teeth. While veneers use a hard, durable, and stain-resistant ceramic material that is fabricated at the dental laboratory.
- Tooth preparation. There is no need to prepare the teeth prior to a bonding procedure. With veneers, however, a small portion of the enamel must be removed before the custom shells can be bonded to the teeth seamlessly.
- Treatment duration. Bonding can typically be completed in a single dental visit, making it the quicker option, whereas veneers require at least two visits to the dentist.
- Permanency. Dental bonding preserves the natural tooth structure, whereas veneers warrant reducing the enamel thickness. Once veneers have been applied, there is no turning back.
- Lifespan. Both bonding and veneers can last a long time with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits, but veneers typically have a longer lifespan.
- Cost. Dental bonding is usually less expensive, but it can be more difficult to maintain. Given that bonding typically has a shorter lifespan, it may also need to be replaced more frequently.
These are seven factors you and your dentist can discuss to determine which method best meets your needs. At Aqua Dental Wellness, we are pleased to explain our dental procedures and assist you in making an educated decision regarding your oral health.
Are you looking to improve your smile?
If you’re ready to take the first step, you may contact our dental office in Winnipeg, MB, today and request an initial consultation with the dentist.
Let’s talk about your goals for your smile and how dental bonding or veneers, which are both great cosmetic dental options, can help you achieve them.