Teeth Bonding Vs. Veneers

The following story highlights the similarities and differences between these two procedures.

With the advancement in dental science, newer methods of smile correction and improving one's cosmetic appearance are coming into practice. Teeth bonding, also known as composite bonding and porcelain veneers, are the two methods which are widely used in cosmetic dentistry.

These procedures offer brilliant results without the need of undergoing painful, time-consuming treatments. Needless to say, both these dental procedures are very popular amongst masses.

Porcelain veneers consist of thin porcelain shells, which are fitted directly on the affected tooth. Tooth bonding, on the other hand, is a mixture of various composite resins that are bonded to the affected tooth, to give it a natural appearance. Following are the differences between the two methods on the basis of various parameters.

In veneer treatment, the dentist first assesses the condition of the affected tooth and overall oral health. He then takes the mold of your teeth, which is sent to laboratory for manufacturing porcelain veneers. The dental technician at the laboratory uses CAD/CAM technology to design custom fit veneers.

Meanwhile, your dentist prepares the affected tooth for treatment. This involves stripping down the enamel of the teeth and reshaping it.

Until the time your permanent veneers arrive, you will have to rely on temporary ones. The permanent veneers are then fitted and adjusted on your natural teeth. Tooth bonding is comparatively easier procedure.

Your dentist assesses your oral health and the condition of the affected tooth. He then uses a composite resin bonding to correct the imperfections in the tooth. The whole procedure can be completed in one sitting only.

Both these treatments offer a near-natural appearance to your teeth. As veneers are translucent, it is very much possible to make variations to their color according to the desired tooth color. They reflect light just in the same way as natural teeth do.

This gives them a very shiny and natural appearance. Besides, porcelain is stain resistant, hence they do not lack luster. This is the reason why veneers are the first choice for people who wish to enhance their smile.

Composite resins, on the other hand, are somewhat opaque in nature. Hence, they do not render the same look as natural teeth. However, these days a lot of improvement can be seen in tooth bonding procedures, so that the results are often comparable with veneer procedure.

The first and foremost issue with veneers is that the treatment is irreversible. Besides, the loss of enamel during the preparation of teeth often leads to increased tooth sensitivity. Thus, you may experience pain while eating hot or cold foods. Also, porcelain is brittle, hence it could break under pressure.

People who grind their teeth should not go for veneers as the possibility of veneer fracture is more in their case. Compared to porcelain, the only problem with tooth bonding is that it stains over time.

Veneers are more expensive than composite bonding. The former costs between USD 500 and USD 2500 per tooth, whereas the latter costs between USD 300 and USD 600 per tooth. A chipped or fractured veneer needs to be replaced completely, which further makes it an expensive option; however, a chipped bonding can be easily repaired by patching it again.

On a concluding note, you must take into account your own priorities about smile correction and then assess the various pros and cons of the two procedures to find out which one will suit you the best.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.