Bonding vs. Veneers - Which Is Best for Closing Gaps and Fixing Chips?
If you are looking for cosmetic procedures to close that gap between your teeth or mend that chipped surface, there are two options available to you: dental bonding and porcelain veneers. However, which will prove ideal depends on your case factors. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between bonding and veneers:
What is Bonding?
This is a procedure where a tooth-colored resin material can alter the shape, size, or color of the teeth. Bonds are bonded directly to the front of the teeth and require very minimal preparation with the ability to close small spaces, repair slight chips and cracks, or discolored bleached teeth. What is a veneer?
Veneers are thin layers of tooth-colored porcelain materials bonded to the front of the teeth.
Prepping teeth Involves lightly buffing the outer layer of a tooth, usually leaving 0.5mm of enamel.
Veneers can close larger spaces from 1-2 mm and restoratively can replace worn crooked or misshapen teeth.
Material Differences
Bonds are made out of resin composite material while veneers use porcelain or composite laminate material.
Porcelain is stronger and more resistant to staining but causes more tooth reduction. Composite laminates are very thin and may stain or crack easily after long periods.
Application Procedure
Bonds are etched to the surface of the tooth before application and typically require 1 visit.
Veneers: Impression and Lab fabrication occur requiring cementation; the average number of appointments for completion is 2-3.
Longevity
Bonding can last for 5-7 years, on average, before staining or wear from lack of proper care necessitates its replacement.
Veneers produce esthetic results for 10 to 15 years. Porcelain endures longer than resin veneers.
Ideal Candidates
Chipping, cracking, or spacing up to 2mm- this patient is the ideal candidate for bonding.
1-2 mm across several teeth or severe staining-veneer case
Veneers require less removal of tooth structure than multiple individual bonds placed over time.
Bonding is good for minor cosmetic touch-ups since it gets the job done without requiring much material, whereas veneers give a more long-lasting structure making it ideal for cosmetic or structural makeovers. First off, determine what your bite force is and whether you are looking to have it last long or how functional you need it to be. Either way, this is a wonderful opportunity to create a natural look that’s gonna help change your smile!
Another is cost, though bonding is less expensive for each tooth at onset. However, multi-surface treatments indicate that veneers are more economical in the long run. Your dentist can determine the best course of treatment and most ideal for your specific needs and dental anatomy by consulting with you regarding your needs. Both alternatives can dramatically improve aesthetics and self-esteem with good home care.
Recap. Bonding is good for minor repairs; there isn’t an aesthetic repair more durable than porcelain veneers. Close inspection between you and your dentist will ensure a selected treatment that best meets your needs. The outcome is a new gorgeous smile to sparkle for many years to come!
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