When browsing the options for cosmetic dental restorations, there are two clear treatment leaders: dental bonding and veneers. Both offer effective solutions to similar concerns (e.g., staining, chipped or broken teeth, gaps), but what’s the difference between bonding and veneers? We’ve done a deep dive into bonding pros and cons and the rise in popularity of veneers to help you make a more informed decision about your dental care.

What is Dental Bonding?

Dental Bonding is an expedited cosmetic dental treatment that can be completed in a single visit. Using composite resin mold, our skilled team can correct discolored or chipped teeth, as well as create a fuller appearance for those with gaps between their teeth.

What are Veneers?

Veneers are thin, yet durable, tooth-colored shells designed to cover the visible part of the tooth. Our specialty porcelain veneers create a uniform appearance and can assist with a variety of cosmetic concerns:

• Misaligned teeth
• Discoloration or staining
• Worn-down teeth
• Spaces or gaps between teeth
• Irregularly shaped and sized teeth

Veneers require multiple visits to properly asses your teeth, finalize color decisions, create custom molds, and then bond the veneers. This cosmetic procedure is popular among everyday people and celebrities for its stunning, uniform, and natural appearance.

Materials & Durability

Veneers and bonding use two different materials. Veneers use porcelain whereas dental bonding uses a composite resin mold that doesn’t require impressions or custom fabrication like porcelain veneers.

Porcelain is a more durable material than composite resin, which contributes to the longer lifespan of veneers. On average, porcelain veneers last 10-15 years, whereas composite resin typically lasts 5-7 years.

Techniques & Applications

Dental bonding, unless addressing a decayed tooth, typically doesn’t require sedation or local anesthesia. This is a key difference from veneers, which do require local anesthesia during the preparation phase. In this phase, a small amount of enamel is gently shaved down to ensure the veneers fit seamlessly and look natural on the teeth. This step, while essential for a natural appearance, also makes veneers a more invasive option compared to bonding

Time & Cost

Dental bonding can be completed in a single visit, while veneers require a three-phase process. Each phase involves specific steps: prepping the teeth, creating molds, and finally bonding the veneers. This more extensive process contributes to the higher cost of veneers. In contrast, dental bonding is considered a more cost-effective solution due to its budget-friendly materials, simpler application, and shorter treatment time

Which is Best?

Dental bonding and veneers are both stellar cosmetic dental options if you are looking to refresh your smile. While no option is necessarily better than the other, your dentist can help you decide which option is the better choice for you.

Schedule an appointment at Perimeter Dental Group for a one-on-one consultation to decide whether veneers or dental bonding in Columbus is the right choice for you.