Should You Get Dental Bonding or Porcelain Veneers?

Besides teeth whitening, the most common forms of cosmetic dentistry are likely porcelain veneers and dental bonding. Each of the two is highly effective at improving the look of smiles! However, the difference between veneers and bonding isn’t always obvious. How do you tell which treatment will benefit you more? As it happens, your local dentist can help you answer that question. Read on to learn three factors you should consider when examining these cosmetic procedures.

Treatment Lifespan

While veneers and bonding alike can improve your teeth’s appearance, their results don’t last the same amount of time.

Porcelain veneers are highly durable, not to mention resistant to stains and decay. That being the case, they can work for over fifteen years when given proper care.

Dental bonding, meanwhile, uses a composite resin that can stain over time. Consequently, it typically lasts about five to ten years.

Treatment Timing

Depending on your availability, the two treatments can be more or less convenient in terms of timing.

If you are up against a deadline, you may well prefer dental bonding. After all, applying the tooth-colored resin can be done in just a single visit. The procedure is therefore ideal for smile improvements on short notice.

On the other hand, porcelain veneers are excellent if you have a flexible schedule. While the placement process is quick in its own right, it still takes at least two visits. You’ll thus have to see your dentist over a period of a few weeks.

Treatment Prep

Veneers and bonding also require varying amounts of “prep” work.

For instance, placing veneers requires your dentist to remove a tiny bit of your enamel. Otherwise, the porcelain material won’t stick to your teeth properly. In exchange, though, the veneers are permanent and won’t fall off.

Dental bonding applies resin to your teeth with minimal preparation. That means that it doesn’t harm your enamel and is easily undone. Patients might find these features preferable if they aren’t seeking a major commitment.

Porcelain veneers and dental bonding are both great ways to make your smile nicer and whiter. Still, one of them will be a better fit for you. Talk to your local dentist before making a final decision; they can offer you a recommendation based on your situation and needs.

About the Author

Dr. J. Peter St. Clair is a dentist based in Rowley, MA, having earned his DMD from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. For nearly thirty years, he’s been helping patients get the smiles of their dreams. To do so, he focuses on preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency treatment when needed. Dr. St. Clair currently practices at his self-titled clinic and can be reached at his website or by phone at (978)-948-2030.