Dental Veneers Vs. Bonding

Do you want to improve the appearance of your smile? Do you want to fix chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or misaligned teeth? Cosmetic dentistry procedures are a great way to correct these issues and give you the perfect smile you’ve always wanted.

Two of the most common procedures used to improve your smile are dental veneers and tooth bonding. We are proud to offer both procedures right here in our Long Beach dentist office.

What is the Difference Between Dental Veneers and Tooth Bonding?

Both dental veneers and tooth bonding are quick and generally painless procedures used to restore damaged teeth and improve your smile. There are differences in the materials used, how they are applied, cost, and lifespan, all of which are important factors in selecting the one that is right for you.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are customized porcelain covers that are fitted over the front of teeth to improve their appearance. They are essentially thin, almost transparent shells that are created from porcelain. They are manufactured in a lab and then permanently attached to your teeth. Both the color and texture of the veneers is closely matched to your existing teeth.

Getting dental veneers generally takes two visits to the office. In the first visit, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth to send to the lab that creates the veneers. The veneers will be attached at the second visit.

Dental veneers are supposed to be semi-permanent. They resist staining, chipping, and are tolerated well by gum tissue. Patients who grind their teeth when they sleep may need to use mouth guards at night to protect the veneers from damage. Most patients don’t require local anesthesia for the procedure.

What Is Tooth Bonding?

Tooth bonding, also called dental bonding, is different from veneers in several important ways. First, tooth bonding is a simpler procedure that only requires one office visit. Secondly, the bonding material is resin instead of porcelain. Third, tooth bonding can be used when filling a cavity.

The dentist will start tooth bonding by applying a liquid bonding material to the surface of the tooth. The resin is then added, molded, and shaped to meet the requirements. Once it’s ready, a special light is used to harden the resin and bond it to the teeth. Finally, the dentist will perform any final shaping and polish it.

The resins used for dental bonding come in many shades and your dentist will select one that closely matches the color of your natural teeth. Tooth bonding usually takes between half an hour and an hour per tooth. The bonding can last up to 15 years but can be chipped or stained.

Anesthesia isn’t required for tooth bonding unless it’s being applied as part of a filling.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers vs. Tooth Bonding?

Both dental veneers and tooth bonding are excellent ways to restore your teeth and improve your smile. We are happy to perform either procedure at our Long Beach dentist office. Here are a few pros and cons you should consider when deciding which option is right for you.

Lifespan of Dental Veneers vs. Dental Bonding

Veneers typically last much longer than bonding. Dental veneers are designed to be permanent, whereas bonding may last for up to 15 years with proper care. The latter will need to be redone when the bonding reaches the end of its lifespan.

Time to Install Dental Veneers vs. Dental Bonding

Tooth Bonding is an easier procedure and only takes one visit to complete per tooth, while dental veneers require two visits to complete. If time in the office is an issue for you, dental bonding may be a better choice.

Cost of Dental Veneers vs. Tooth Bonding

Dental veneers are more expensive than bonding because of the cost of creating and attaching the porcelain veneers to the teeth. Insurance may or may not help cover the cost. Our Long Beach office offers financing options as well.

Durability of Dental Veneers vs. Tooth Bonding

Dental bonding is a semi-permanent solution. The bonding material will last up to 15 years with proper care. It is prone to chipping and staining, however. Dental veneers are a more permanent solution that should last at least 30 years. They don’t chip and are stain resistant.

Taking Care of Dental Veneers vs. Dental Bonding

Both options require good oral hygiene, which means brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Because the resin used in dental bonding is prone to chipping, however, it’s important to avoid habits such as chewing on hard objects like ink pens, ice cubes, or fingernails. You must also avoid opening things with your teeth. Dental veneers have no such limitations.

How Do I Know Whether Dental Veneers or Tooth Bonding is Right for Me?

If you want a better smile, either one option or the other is a good idea! Oftentimes, the best choice is a matter of personal preference. However, depending on the issue you need to correct and where it is located in your mouth, your dentist might recommend one option over the other. For example, tooth bonding is necessary if you’re also filling a cavity, and dental veneers might be recommended for a high-pressure area.

The doctor will go over your options and make recommendations after your consultation.

Do You Want to Start Repairing Your Smile Today?

Cosmetic dentistry is a great way to get the smile you’ve always wanted. Both dental veneers and dental bonding are great options for repairing problems with your teeth such as cracks, misalignments, and chips.

The first step is to come into our office for a consultation. We offer flexible, convenient appointment times to make it easier to fit your visit into your busy schedule. During your visit, the doctor will perform a thorough exam and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your individual situation. You’ll have a chance to ask any questions you have about the procedures and can then get started whenever you’re ready!

Get the perfect smile you’ve been dreaming about! Call Dentist of Long Beach today at (562) 373-0026 to book your consultation and get started!