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Veneers vs Dental Bonding

Veneers vs dental bonding, what’s the right choice for you? If you want to improve your smile, it’s a question you might want to ask your dentist. Whether you want to enhance your appearance with cosmetic dentistry or fix a gap or chipped tooth, these are both excellent options. 

There are plenty of reasons to want to enhance your smile. If you feel uncomfortable showing yours off, you’re not alone. There are many people in Shreveport and across the country who want to address one or multiple issues in their teeth. 

If you’re one of them, our dental clinic offers safe, effective procedures to help you. Correcting issues like cracks or discolored teeth can help you be more confident, ready to show off your smile. 

Teeth bonding vs veneers is a common debate for how to to correct a smile. These two procedures treat similar issues, and each has advantages and drawbacks. Ultimately, your choice depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. 

Below, we take a look at dental bonding and veneers to help you understand your options. 

The Essentials

As you consider teeth bonding and veneers, you might wonder whether you’re the right candidate. Luckily, either procedure will give you an improved smile. Both of these procedures improve the look of your smile, making it more attractive. 

They can address common cosmetic issues, including discoloration, gaps, chips, and cracks. In dental bonding, the dentist applies a resin to the surface of the teeth and cures it with a special light. The light hardens the material and ensures it adheres to your teeth. On the other hand, veneers are thin, customized restorations that cover the surface of the teeth. 

Under the right circumstances, you might qualify for both treatments!

What Is Dental Bonding?

Teeth bonding uses a composite material, which dentists use to fill cavities. During this process, your dentist applies a resin to the teeth and hardens it with a light. Then, your tooth “binds” and returns to its natural position. 

Dental bonding is a simple, non-invasive, and reversible treatment. It’s a great way to correct issues and improve the natural shape of your teeth. 

The main advantage of teeth bonding is that it is a safe, simple way to correct a broad range of concerns. 

How Teeth Bonding Works

• Your dentist prepares the surface with an etching liquid.
• Next, they apply and shape the resin to correct any concerns.
• Then, your dentist uses a light to harden the material. 

Who Qualifies for Dental Bonding?

Anyone with minor cosmetic issues can benefit from teeth bonding. 

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Gaps
• Misshapen teeth
• Minor cavities
• Stains

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bonding?

• Flexible with multiple purposes
• Improve the appearance of your teeth
• Protect exposed roots
• Requires less preparation
• Does not require removing enamel from the tooth
• Often quicker and more affordable than veneers

Dental bonding is a simple procedure, and your dentist may be able to complete the treatment in a single visit. 

The Drawbacks

• Doesn’t look as natural as veneers
• Resin can stain without proper care
• Won’t whiten with teeth whitening products
• Not as strong as natural teeth 

These are just a few of the things to consider in the dental bonding vs veneers debate. 

What Are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. You might see celebrities flash their flawless smiles and wonder how they get such vibrant smiles. In many cases, they undergo a procedure with veneers.

A veneer is a thin porcelain shell that covers the front of a tooth. They are an excellent way to conceal crooked, stained, or misshapen teeth as well as gaps. 

The treatment takes more time, often requiring your dentist to remove a layer of enamel and reshape the tooth. 

Your dentist can take a dull or uneven smile and transform it into a full set of bright pearly whites. 

How Veneers Work

• Your dentist takes impressions of your teeth and give you temporary veneers.
• Next, they use the impressions to create personalized veneers for each individual tooth.
• Then, your dentist removes the temporary veneers.
• Finally, they use an adhesive to secure the veneers to your teeth. 

During the procedure, your dentist removes a small amount of enamel to ensure the veneers fit securely for a smooth, even smile. 

Who Qualifies for Veneers?

When you want a lasting solution, veneers are a good option. You can achieve long-term results with a natural look. Often, people use veneers to correct these issues:

• Severe stains and discoloration
• Eroding teeth
• Large gaps
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Crooked teeth

The Benefits of Veneers

• Durable with a natural look
• Resistance to stains or aging
• Long-lasting with proper care
• Cover a single tooth or multiple teeth 

The Disadvantages of Dental Veneers

• Requires preparation, including removal of enamel
• More expensive
• More time-consuming, requiring multiple sessions 

Dental Bonding Vs Veneers: What Are the Main Differences?

Dental bonding and porcelain veneers are both great ways to address similar issues. However, they also have substantial differences. If you want to correct a small chip, dental bonding may be the right solution. If you’re after a major transformation, dental veneers may be a better option.

Cost

Teeth bonding is a much more affordable procedure. Typically, bonding costs between $100 and $500 while veneers may cost over $1500 for a single tooth. However, the longevity of the results is much higher with veneers. 

Time

Bonding typically takes a single visit because it’s a simple, fast procedure. Veneers may require two or more visits. 

Veneers vs Teeth Bonding: What’s Right for You?

These two treatments are rather similar and address similar issues. Your decision falls to your preferences and your unique situation. Talk to your dentist about what is the best option for your oral health. 

Get a Smile You Want to Show Off

If you need a dentist in Shreveport with a range of treatment options, Kerst & Caskey Family Dentistry is here to welcome you in. When you want to find the answer between dental bonding vs veneers, we can craft a tailored treatment plan just for you. 

Schedule a consultation with our clinic to learn more about your oral health and your specific dental needs. Our team is ready to help you get the smile of your dreams.