by maria | Last Updated: December 28, 2020

Everyone wants to have a perfect smile but feels less confident to smile openly and freely due ugly looking chipped teeth, gaps between teeth, stained, or discolored teeth. Fortunately, you can get rid of all these issues and have your dream smile through advanced cosmetic dentistry procedures like dental bonding and veneers. Your dentist might suggest either of the treatments depending on suitability, but you should be aware of the pros and cons of both the options to get the best that suits your purpose at minimum cost. It is all about opting for treatment that’s right for you.

Difference Between Dental Bonding and Veneers 

Both dental veneers and crowns are exceptional in improving both look and function of your teeth. Dental restoration treatments, whether bonding or veneers, are costly so you should enquire about the suitability of treatment as veneers cover only the front of the tooth, and bonding is applied to a portion of the tooth.

What is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a painless dental restoration procedure of minor tooth repair using tooth-color material, mostly composite resin. Your dentist will first prepare your tooth and then apply a resin layer on top of the affected area. Once the resin hardens, it is then shaped and polished to get the desired look. This procedure is mostly used for minor imperfection, so it is not made to last forever. Depending on your oral care, dental bonding could last for 3 to 10 years. You can get several teeth bonded in a single visit to the dentist.  

Bonding Procedure 

• A matrix, thin clear plastic film, is placed between the target tooth and the neighbor tooth to protect teeth from composite resin.  
• Next, the dentist will prepare the surface of the tooth using mild chemicals to make the surface a little rough for better bonding with the crown.
• Once ready, the composite resin of matching color is applied in layers and hardened using light.
• Then comes shaping and polishing to make it look natural.

Advantages of Dental Bonding 

• Dental bonding is one of the simplest cosmetic dentistry procedures.
• You can get your chipped teeth restored and gaps filled in just one session.
• If maintained properly, it lasts for over 10 years.
• It costs relatively less, with each tooth restoration costing around £200 to £400.

Disadvantages of Dental Bonding 

• It might look a little unnatural when done for the entire front teeth.
• You might have to visit the dentist regularly as bonding material could stain.  

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Dental veneers are custom-designed think shells of porcelain or composite material placed on teeth to enhance appearance. It is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. Depending on your goal, veneers could be highly effective in covering the injured tooth, hide discoloration, and give you an electric white smile. As compared to composite resin, porcelain veneers are stronger and do not fade or stain. Porcelain veneers normally require two visits, whereas composite resin veneers can be done in one session. If you are not comfortable with invasive procedures, dental veneers could be a great option as the procedure is least invasive and painless. If done accurately, it could last a lifetime.  

How Veneers Are Done? 

• Just like bonding, the process begins with preparing the tooth surface using a mild chemical to make the tooth surface a little rough for better bonding.
• The composite resin of matching color is chosen to blend it well with your teeth.
• The dentist will apply the composite resin in layers and harden it using a bright light.
• Your dentist will then shape and polish it to look natural.
• A dentist might give you local anesthesia if you opt for porcelain veneers to make enamel removal painless.
• Once done, your dentist will make a mold of your teeth to custom-design porcelain veneers.
• A dentist might place temporary veneers until new veneers are glued to your tooth using composite resin cement. 

Benefits of Dental Veneers 

• Dental veneers fit better and look more natural.
• If whitening isn’t an option, then veneers could be a better alternative to create a whiter smile.
• If you want to straighten your crooked teeth or fill gaps between teeth, then veneers could help correct minor issues without the discomfort of braces.
• Unlike bonding, veneers could last over 10-15 years.
• It is resistant to staining.

Disadvantages of Dental Veneers 

• If you have the habit of teeth grinding, nail-biting, or chewing hard things, then veneers could not be a great choice.  
• The treatment is a bit lengthier as it takes 2-3 sessions to complete the process.
• It costs more than bonding, ranging from £400-£900 per tooth.

Which One is Right for Me?

Both dental veneers and bonding are great cosmetic improvement treatments. However, the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the suitability of the treatment for you. Your dentist will examine your issue and suggest the best possible solution to help you get a perfect smile. If appearance is your priority, then porcelain veneers could be a better choice, whereas chipped tooth bonding could be a better and affordable option. On durability and maintenance parameters, you have to follow instructions to get the desired results.