Teeth Bonding Vs. Veneers: Pros and Cons

Cosmetic dentistry is a field that focuses on correcting dental flaws that make one self-conscious about their smile. Dental issues that can be fixed by cosmetic dentistry are teeth stains, cracked or chipped teeth, and teeth misalignment. If you have one of the flaws mentioned above and your teeth and gums is in perfect condition, you qualify to pursue oral cosmetic treatments. However, should the dentist detect signs of gum disease or extensive cavities, they will recommend addressing such conditions first.

Some common cosmetic dental procedures done at Little Canada Dental by our dentist in Saint Paul, MN, include teeth veneers, dental bonding, and teeth whitening.

Dental Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers

When it comes to fixing a flawed smile, veneers and dental bonding work in an almost similar approach to correct cosmetic concerns, so choosing between the two can sometimes be confusing. Still, the two have their distinct differences, including:

• Tooth preparation – When undergoing a dental bonding procedure, no tooth preparation is required, but to get veneer teeth, parts of your dental enamel must be removed.
• Material – Teeth veneers are customized dental restorations made from durable ceramic material in the lab, while dental bonding is done using a tooth-colored resin material.
• Treatable concerns – Although both of these procedures are done to address cosmetic dental issues, veneers are preferred when it comes to correcting more pronounced smile concerns.
• Cost – If you need a cosmetic dental flaw fixed and you are looking for a cheaper alternative between the two, tooth bonding is the way to go. However, you should know that bonded teeth are more prone to staining, so additional procedures and frequent replacements may be necessary to ensure your teeth remain white.
• Longevity – When dental veneers and bonded teeth receive the same quality care routine, veneer teeth are likely to last longer since they are more durable.

Dental Bonding: The Pros and Cons

Listed below are some pros and drawbacks of getting a dental bonding procedure.

The Pros

• The dental bonding procedure is completed in one visit – When you chip or crack your tooth, the best thing to do is to repair your tooth immediately. Tooth bonding will help by safeguarding your tooth from infection and making it easy to eat again.
• They offer a more natural look – The bonding material used by dentists is tooth-colored, so it blends well with other natural teeth.
• The bonding material used is non-invasive – During the bonding procedure, a bonding material is applied over the flawed tooth structure and doesn’t corrode natural enamel.
• Easy maintenance – Caring for bonded teeth is no different than caring for your natural teeth. You must practice regular teeth brushing and dental flossing and avoid biting down hard foods that can damage your teeth.

Cons

• Less durable compared to alternatives like veneer teeth
• Less resistant to stains

Teeth Veneers

Before getting dental veneers near you, one should have grasped their advantages and disadvantages. Find some of the pros and cons listed below.

Pros of Veneer Teeth

• They correct minor oral cosmetic problems – If you have a minor dental flaw like tooth discoloration, minor misalignment, or cracked or chipped porcelain veneers can help correct such dental issues.
• Veneers easily fix stained teeth – Consuming highly-pigmented foodstuffs, smoking cigarettes, and taking coffee for years can affect your smile appearance by causing your teeth to develop an unattractive brown or yellow shade. Veneers remain an easy way to whiten your teeth without worrying about any discoloration.
• They act as a replacement for damaged enamel – Although your enamel is designed to be strong, it is still destructible and may wear down due to highly acidic foods and drinks consumption or overzealous brushing of teeth. Going for dental veneers in Saint Paul, MN, can replace the damaged teeth enamel.

The Cons

• The teeth veneer process is permanent and irreversible, meaning that your teeth will always need veneers.
• Some patients report increased sensitivity after having veneers placed on their teeth.

In conclusion, both are ideal options, but booking a personalized consultation with a dentist near you is the best way to know the right treatment that best suits your needs. Our dental team will conduct a comprehensive oral exam and listen to your concerns before suggesting the most appropriate treatment solution.