Teeth bonding vs veneers is a legitimate topic when deciding which treatment to choose to restore your chipped, crooked, or misshapen teeth. This article will discuss how the two cosmetic dentistry options differ.
We will discuss bonding and veneers, how much they cost, how long they last, and much more.
Teeth bonding vs veneers: scope of treatment
Cosmetic dental bonding can fix minor defects in teeth. These defects may include the following:
- Gaps between teeth
- Short teeth
- Decayed teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Discolored teeth
Veneers can fix all of the above, but their scope of treatment is much broader. They can cover the entire front surface of your teeth. The potential is immense.
Bonding vs veneers: tooth preparation
Bonding is non-invasive. Your dentist will etch the surface of the teeth to make them ready for the dental adhesive and composite resin.
Veneers are invasive. Your dentist needs to reshape your tooth surface to make room for the veneer.
That means a part of your dental enamel will be shaved off.
Teeth bonding vs veneers: enamel loss
Dental bonding does not require the removal of dental enamel. The resin substance is applied to the tooth directly.
Veneers cause dental enamel loss. That is why conservative patients do not like veneers as a treatment option.
Also Read: Dental Bonding for Enamel Loss
Dental bonding vs veneers: are they reversible?
Bonding is reversible. You can remove it if it changes color or breaks down. Then you can redo it.
Veneers are not reversible. Once teeth enamel is removed, it is gone forever. Your teeth become smaller in shape.
You may cover them with veneers again but cannot get your teeth back in their original shape.
Teeth bonding vs veneers: how many dental appointments do you need for each treatment option?
Dental bonding can be done in one dental visit. A standard bonding session lasts up to 60 minutes.
Veneers require three appointments with your dentist. You need one appointment for a consultation and examination, one to take an impression of your teeth, and the third appointment, which comes after 2-4 weeks, to fit your veneers in your mouth.
During the third appointment, you receive your custom-made veneers from the lab.
Cosmetic bonding vs veneers: Costs
Dental bonding is cheaper than cosmetic veneers. Bonding costs $300 to $600 per tooth. The costs may vary based on where you live and your dentist’s experience level.
Veneers may cost between $1,500 and $4,000 per tooth in the city of New York. Again, the prices may vary based on your location.
Dental bonding vs veneers: how long do they last?
Teeth bonding lasts 3 to 10 years. An average person has to redo tooth bonding about three times in their lifetimes.
Don’t be surprised if you have to redo your dental bonding after two years.
Veneers are permanent. They last 15 to 20 years. With proper dental care, they may last longer.
Dental bonding vs veneers: discoloration
Teeth bonding may be discolored quickly. The bonded part of the tooth may be discolored faster than the tooth.
Veneers do not stain easily. But they do stain over time. Black tea, coffee, or red wine can discolor them. They may get yellow before turning gray.
Besides, the tooth under the veneer may be decayed or discolored, resulting in a discolored veneer. In that case, proper attention should be given to treating the decay.
Composite veneers may stain as fast as composite bonding.
Bonding versus veneers: which is stronger?
Composite resin bonding is not as strong as porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are stronger. But if you choose composite resin veneers, they will be as strong as your composite resin bonding.
Bonding versus veneers: use of anesthesia
Anesthesia is usually not required for dental bonding treatment. You may require anesthesia if your teeth are badly decayed and the fracture is deep.
In most cases, you will need local anesthesia to numb your teeth before removing your tooth enamel for veneer treatment.
However, no-prep veneers do not require the use of anesthesia.
Teeth bonding vs veneers: how long after these treatments can I eat?
You can eat right after dental bonding. Cosmetic resin bonding cures during the treatment process. You don’t have to wait to eat something. But your teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold items.
You should not eat anything within one hour after your veneer treatment. You should not chew anything hard or crunchy within 24 hours after getting veneers.
Letting veneers set properly is vital for their durability.
Dental bonding versus veneers: Can I go back to my normal teeth after my treatment?
With dental bonding treatment, your natural teeth remain the same. If you do not like the shade of your bonding, or if the bonding breaks down, you may go back to your normal teeth. However, their surface may be a little rough.
With veneers, you cannot go back to your regular teeth. A thin layer will be taken off your tooth surface to apply cosmetic veneers. That layer cannot be put back. It is lost forever.
Composite resin bonding versus veneers: Can they fix failing teeth?
If your teeth are failing, neither bonding nor veneers can fix them.
Failing teeth will continue to aggravate unless proper attention is given.
There are levels of failing teeth. Always consult a qualified dental professional to understand why your teeth might be failing and what treatment you might require to fix them.
Bonding and veneers can mask broken or discolored teeth. But if you have an infected dental pulp, you need a root canal.
Bonding and veneers: do insurance cover them?
Bonding and veneers are called cosmetic treatments. They may be covered if your teeth break down because of an accident, and you have insurance to cover for accidents. Cosmetic treatments are generally not covered by dental insurance.
You may buy specific dental insurance to cover your cosmetic dental needs. However, such insurance providers are not many and are generally costly. Besides, they may cover from 20% to 50% of the treatment cost. The rest of the money has to be paid out of pocket.
You may have to spend $10,000 after cosmetic dental insurance coverage if you need veneers for four front teeth. You have to pay the same or even more when replacing them a few years later.
Read More: Dental Bonding Costs: How to Save?
When not to choose porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers may not be a successful treatment for you if:
- You have severe enamel loss.
- Your tooth does not have a solid structure.
- Previous tooth infection has resulted in a root canal treatment, and much of the tooth had to be thrown away.
- The gaps between your teeth are excessive.
- You grind or clench your teeth frequently.
Which is a better option for me: bonding or veneers?
Although they solve similar dental problems, dental bonding and veneers differ on many levels. Which treatment option is better for you will depend on your situation.
Now that you have learned their differences, it will be easier for you to make an informed decision regarding your dental treatment.
However, you should consult a qualified dentist before finalizing your decision. The dentist will examine your teeth and recommend the best treatment option for you.
Our recommendation is to choose bonding because it is reversible. Veneers are not reversible; you cannot go back to your natural teeth.
True, bonding can stain, but if you manage them properly, they will have the same shade for a long time. They can be fashionable too if you choose your dentist carefully.
That is, of course, if your dentist believes dental bonding will be sufficient for you.
Sources:
- Why We Have So Many Problems with Our Teeth. Scientific American. Accessed: Sept 26, 2022.
- ‘Your mouth becomes a minefield’: the Americans who can’t afford the dentist. The Guardian. Accessed: Sept 26, 2022.
- Why Some Millennials Aren’t Smiling: Bad Teeth Hinder 28% In Job Search. Forbes.com. Accessed: Sept 26, 2022.
- Esthetics with Veneers: A Review. International Journal of Dental Health Concerns. Accessed: Sept 26, 2022.
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