There are many cosmetic dentistry treatments available to help improve the appearance of your smile. Many of these treatments are elective procedures rather than essential; however, some may also provide restorative benefits. If you have been recently weighing dental bonding against veneers, here is more information about two of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures and how they work.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a process where a dental provider changes the shape, size, or appearance of the teeth by adding a putty-like resin to the surface of the teeth. The tooth-colored bonding material can be shaped by the provider to achieve the desired appearance before hardening. Dental bonding is a popular treatment to fix many dental issues, including:
- A chipped or fractured tooth (or teeth)
- Oddly shaped teeth or teeth with gaps between them
- An exposed tooth root that needs to be covered
- Teeth that have been damaged by grinding
- Overall enhancements to the smile, including shape, size, and color of several teeth
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneer treatment is an alternative cosmetic procedure where medical-grade ceramic or thin porcelain is crafted into an artificial shell that is attached to the top of the natural tooth. Veneers look incredibly realistic and can resolve many of the same problems that dental bonding addresses, including crooked teeth and cracked or damaged enamel. The dentist applies the veneer to the front of each tooth using a dental adhesive.
Deciding Between Dental Bonding and Veneers
It can be difficult to decide which cosmetic dentistry treatment is right for you. There are several important factors to consider when choosing between dental bonding and veneers, including:
- Insurance Coverage: Whether or not your insurance will cover a portion or all of the treatment may depend on whether the procedure is for cosmetic reasons only.
- Cost: Dental veneers can cost between $925 to $2500 per tooth, which may be significantly more than dental bonding.
- Treatment Procedure: Dental veneers may require two or three separate visits, while dental bonding is commonly performed in a single visit.
- Preparation: Dental veneers often also require more work to be done to the natural teeth, including removing enamel, prior to attaching the veneer.
- Appearance: Dental bonding offers a quick and effective fix for many issues, such as cracks and discoloration; however, veneers can help cover major issues or large amounts of damage.
What Is the Right Choice for Me?
The best place to start when deciding between dental bonding and veneers is to have a conversation with your dental provider to walk through both treatment options and your oral health goals. Dental bonding may be best for patients who need a short-term or immediate correction, or for those who don’t have dental insurance. Veneers may be a better fit for a major change to the appearance of your smile; however, the procedure is less commonly covered by dental insurance. Your provider can discuss both options and help you weigh the costs, timeline, and long-term expectations to help you make the best choice for you.
Related Article: Fix Gaps Between Teeth with Dental Bonding