Teeth Bonding vs. Dental Veneers: Which is Right for Me?

If you are searching for simple solutions to upgrade the overall look of your teeth, it might be time to consider cosmetic dentistry. Whether you are looking for small upgrades with teeth bonding, or you want a permanently white smile that will last decades, Park Avenue Dental has you covered for all of your cosmetic dentistry needs. 

Teeth Bonding

Teeth bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure used to repair chipped or cracked teeth. Using a resin that matches the color of your teeth, your dentist will bond this resin to the front of your teeth to provide an immediate improvement to your smile and confidence. 

This noninvasive procedure usually does not require anesthesia. After your dentist roughens the surface of the tooth and applies a conditioner design to help the resin stick to the surface, the resin is applied. Your Park Avenue dentist will choose the shade that most closely matches the natural color of your teeth, giving you the most seamless and natural look possible. After the resin is molded to the teeth and polished, it will harden and then will be polished again to match the sheen of the rest of your teeth.

Why Choose Dental Bonding?

Teeth bonding is ideal if you only need a few teeth fixed. Teeth bonding can be used to:

  • Repair chipped or cracked teeth
  • Change the shape of teeth
  • Make the appearance of teeth appear more uniform
  • Close gaps between teeth
  • Repair decayed teeth
  • Cover discolored teeth

Teeth Bonding Pros and Cons

Teeth bonding is a quick, cost-effective method to protect your smile. Before deciding if teeth bonding is right for you, we suggest you weigh the pros and cons that we’ve outlined below and then contact your dentist. 

Pros

  • Less expensive than veneers and other cosmetic dentistry procedures
  • Does not cause harm to original teeth
  • Start to finish takes just one visit!
  • The entire procedure usually lasts less than one hour

Cons

  • Resin can be susceptible to staining
  • More maintenance than veneers
  • Will need to be replaced at some point in the future
  • Could potentially break or chip off the tooth

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are individually crafted layers of medical-grade porcelain that bonds to the front of your existing teeth. This is both a cosmetic procedure and a protective measure to prevent any future damage. 

Veneers are custom made to each individual. First, a mold of your teeth is taken in our office. A small layer of enamel is then buffed out to make room for the veneer. A dental-grade cement is used with a special light to help the veneers bond to the teeth. It is important to note that veneers are non-reversible and will need to be replaced every five to ten years. 

Are Dental Veneers Right for You?

Dental veneers may be an option to consider if you are experiencing any of the following dental or cosmetic problems:

  • Discolored teeth
  • Broken teeth
  • Misaligned teeth
  • Gapped teeth
  • Uneven teeth

While dental veneers are a great option to improve your smile, this option is only recommended if multiple teeth are affected by any of the dental problems listed above.

Dental Veneers Pros and Cons

Considered to be a larger procedure than teeth bonding, veneers are sure to keep your smile bright and healthy for years to come. If you are considering veneers, we suggest you weigh the pros and cons we’ve outlined below before speaking with your dentist.

Pros

  • Resistant to staining
  • Enhances the cosmetic appearance of teeth
  • Each set of veneers last 5-10 years
  • Minimum maintenance once in place

Cons

  • High cost involved (it is more costly than teeth bonding)
  • Risk of increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
  • Insurance does not usually cover the cost of the procedure
  • Usually takes at least 2-3 visits to the dentist

How to Know Which Option is Best for you

Teeth bonding may be a better option for those who only have a few minor changes to make to your teeth. With small changes, bonding will be more cost-effective than dental veneers. Additionally, teeth bonding is a faster procedure and can be completed in just one visit to your dentist. This cosmetic procedure is recommended for those who want as little damage to the structure of the tooth as possible because comparatively, dental veneers are an irreversible procedure. 

Dental veneers may be the best option for you if you have several changes to make to your smile. Additionally, veneers may be desirable for those who are looking for a long-term solution to keeping their smiles bright and shining for years to come. However, veneers may not be recommended for those who are prone to grinding their teeth or those who chew on ice as this makes you more susceptible to chipping the veneer. 

Cosmetic Dentistry Services with Park Avenue Dental

Having a healthy smile can create a huge boost in your confidence. Whether you are looking to make changes big or small, our team at Park Avenue Dental will have you smiling brighter than ever. Call us today to schedule an appointment or ask about our cosmetic dentistry procedures.