Veneers Vs. Dental Bonding – What Are The Differences?

Both dental veneers and dental bonding can be used to treat a wide variety of smile imperfections ranging from stains to chipped teeth, uneven and misshapen teeth, and gaps between the teeth. And if you’re interested in improving your smile in Dedham, you may be wondering which cosmetic treatment is right for you.

What are the differences between the two treatments, and which one is right for you? Read on to learn more about veneers vs. dental bonding from Digital Dental Studio in Dedham, MA.

Dental Bonding Requires No Drilling Or Enamel Removal

First, one important thing to note is that dental bonding is an “additive” process. It involves adding a small amount of dental resin to your tooth to cover up imperfections and reshape your tooth. In most cases, it does not require any drilling or enamel removal at all. This means that it’s reversible, too, though in practice it’s very rare for a patient to reverse their treatment.

In contrast, veneers require permanent enamel removal. This enamel can never be restored, so you must commit to keeping your veneers for the rest of your life. This is definitely something to keep in mind before making your decision.

Veneers Are More Expensive Than Dental Bonding

Typically, dental bonding is significantly cheaper than veneers on a per-tooth basis. This is because the process is a lot simpler and faster, and does not involve the services of an outside dental lab, or as much time in the dentist’s chair. So if you only have a few teeth to treat or you are on a tight budget, bonding may be a better option for your situation.

Dental Bonding Doesn’t Last As Long As Veneers

Veneers usually last 10-20 years with proper care, and it’s not uncommon for them to last even longer than this. In contrast, dental bonding usually lasts up to 5-8 years, though it can last more than 10 years if you’re good about caring for your smile.

So while dental bonding is less expensive than veneers, treatment with veneers can still be very cost-effective in the long term, given the longer treatment lifespan.

Veneers Are Completely Stain-Resistant

If you get porcelain veneers, they will never be stained. The ceramic material used to build them is completely stain-resistant, so they will look bright and beautiful forever.

Dental bonding is also very stain resistant, and stains will not build up as quickly as they do on your natural teeth. But it’s still possible for staining to occur, so you will need to be conscientious about oral care for the best results.

Dental Bonding Offers Faster Results

Another benefit of bonding over veneers is that you get immediate results. It takes only one appointment to treat your teeth with bonding, and multiple teeth can typically be treated in a single consultation.

Veneers take at least 2 appointments over a span of 2-3 weeks. And while they are definitely worth the wait, your results will take a little bit longer.

Find Out What’s Right For You At Digital Dental Studio

Still not sure which treatment is right for you? The best way to find out is with a cosmetic consultation at Digital Dental Studio. At your appointment, Dr. Vishart will discuss the pros and cons of each treatment, provide you with an estimate for the cost of both bonding and veneers, and help you determine the best choice for your own unique situation.

So don’t wait. Take the first steps toward a better smile. Contact us online or call Digital Dental Studio at (781) 471-7934 to get started. We’re always accepting new patients in Dedham, MA.