A patient in a dental chair smiling with dental assistant next to him

Since others frequently notice your smile first, getting the ideal smile has become important to many in today’s image-conscious world. Dental bonding and veneers are two of the most common ways that cosmetic dentistry can improve the look of your teeth. Both treatments can correct common dental flaws, however they are not the same in terms of cost, durability, or method. Knowing the distinctions between veneers and dental bonding will enable you to choose the option that will improve your smile the most.

What is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry technique where a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the tooth’s surface to improve its appearance. It is an adaptable procedure that can address a variety of cosmetic problems, like discoloration, gaps between teeth, and chipped or broken teeth. The process can frequently be finished in just one visit to see Dr. Borham and usually involves very little preparation of the tooth surface.

Dr. Borham will carefully apply the resin material to the tooth throughout the bonding process, molding and sculpting it to get the desired outcome. After the resin is positioned, it is hardened with a specialized light to fuse it to the tooth. In order to create a surface that looks natural, the bonded material is then polished to match the sheen of the neighboring teeth.

Benefits of Dental Bonding:

  1. Affordability: Dental bonding is sometimes a more affordable alternative for patients on a tight budget than veneers.

  2. Conservative: Compared to veneers, dental bonding requires less tooth preparation, requiring the removal of less natural tooth structure.

  3. Versatility: Dental bonding offers a flexible approach for enhancing smiles by addressing a broad range of cosmetic concerns, from small chips to gaps between teeth.

What are Veneers?

Veneers are thin shells that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of teeth, usually made of composite resin or porcelain. They can significantly enhance the attractiveness of your smile because they are made to resemble real teeth. Teeth that are damaged, discolored, crooked, or have an uneven shape are frequently covered with veneers.

The process of getting veneers typically involves two or more visits to Dr. Borham. During the initial consultation, Dr. Borham will assess your smile and discuss your goals for treatment. Then, a small amount of enamel may be removed from the front surface of the teeth to accommodate the thickness of the veneers. Impressions of your teeth are taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where the veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth precisely. Once the veneers are ready, they are bonded to the teeth using a strong adhesive, resulting in a durable and long-lasting restoration.

Benefits of Veneers:

  1. Natural Appearance: Veneers offer a natural-looking appearance since they may be color-matched to blend in perfectly with the rest of your smile.

  2. Durability: Porcelain veneers are a long-lasting option for smile improvement because of their remarkable stain resistance and durability.

  3. Versatility: Veneers can be used to treat a variety of aesthetic issues, such as discoloration, misalignment, and inconsistencies in the size and shape of teeth.

The best method to decide which course of action is ideal for you is to speak with a licensed cosmetic dentist. In order to create a customized treatment plan that satisfies your needs and falls within your budget, your dentist will assess your dental health and talk with you about your treatment objectives.

Schedule frequent dental exams to catch any problems before they become emergencies.

Call us right now to schedule an appointment if you would like to maintain good dental health with regular checkups and cleanings.