What’s the Difference Between Dental Bonding and Veneers?
You may have damaged your tooth. You also may simply have a discolored tooth or a tooth that needs another form of minor cosmetic repair. If this is the case, you may be met with a couple of different options—dental bonding and dental veneers. While they are similar on the surface, there are some differences between dental bonding and dental veneers…
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that involves the use of a tooth-colored resin to repair a damaged or discolored tooth. The dental bonding placement process takes around 30-60 minutes and can be done in a single visit. It’s extremely simple and straightforward.
If your dentist decides that dental bonding is the right option for your repair, they will start by picking out the right resin color. This means matching the resin with the color of your tooth and the surrounding teeth. From there they will prep the tooth, place the resin and harden it with a UV light or laser.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are custom-made prosthetics that are bonded onto a tooth to repair the damage. The veneer itself is generally made from porcelain or composite material that closely resembles the look of a natural tooth. During a dental veneer placement procedure, the tooth will be trimmed. The shaping of the tooth won’t be as significant as it would with the placement of a dental crown, though.
Dental veneers can be costly and can cost upwards of $925 to $2,500 per tooth.
Why Dental Bonding?
There are some fantastic advantages to dental bonding that you’ll want to consider. These include:
* Changing the shape of teeth
* Protecting roots affected by gum recession
* Fixing discolored teeth
* Building up worn teeth
* Cavity repair
* Closing gaps between teeth
* Fixing cracks and chips
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last
Dental bonding can last a good amount of time if the tooth is well taken care of. Generally, dental bonding lasts around three to ten years. In order to ensure the longevity of the dental bonding, make sure you brush, floss and rinse twice a day, every day. While there is resin added, you still need to care for the natural tooth!
Speak with Your Dentist About Bonding or Veneers
There are a few factors that will go into the decision between dental bonding, dental veneers or even a dental crown. If your tooth is damaged, worn down or discolored, set an appointment with your dentist. They will take a look at the tooth and decide whether dental bonding or dental veneers are the best options. From there, you can speak with the staff at the dentist’s office for payment options and insurance coverage.
In order to decrease the chances of needing dental bonding or dental veneers, make sure you visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. If you don’t have an upcoming appointment in the books, reach out and schedule an appointment today!