Veneers and dental bonding are two common methods for repairing discoloration, misshapen or cracked teeth, and other cosmetic flaws of the teeth. Which of these methods is best to meet your dental needs will depend on a few factors. Here is a comparison of veneers and dental bonding to help you make an informed decision.

Appearance

While veneers and dental bonding can be used to repair similar problems with the teeth, these restorative techniques are very different in both composition and application to the teeth. Dental bonding is done with a composite resin that is applied to the teeth in putty form. After the resin is cured, it hardens to form a surface that is very similar to natural enamel in color. Unfortunately, dental composite is a porous material that can turn yellow over time, especially if you are a smoker.

Veneers are thin coatings that are applied to the front of the teeth, typically made from porcelain. Like the composite resin used in dental bonding, veneers match natural teeth very closely in color. However, veneers are much better at simulating the reflectiveness of enamel compared to the slightly duller appearance of composite resin. This means that porcelain veneers will provide a somewhat more natural look for your restored teeth.

Level of Damage

The level of damage to the underlying tooth will have a significant impact on whether veneers or dental bonding is the best choice. Veneers are better suited for masking minor cosmetic imperfections, such as surface-level cracks and small chips, that have no impact on the functionality of the tooth.

Dental bonding is a better choice if you have one or more teeth that have suffered from structural damage. Examples include deep cracks and large chips in the enamel that expose or nearly expose the tooth pulp. A porcelain veneer covers only the front of the tooth that it is applied to. Dental composite resin can be molded to cover chips from all angles and can be used to fill deep cracks so the pulp is no longer exposed to bacteria in the mouth.

As these comparisons show, choosing between veneers and dental bonding is a complex decision that involves several factors. Keep the pros and cons of veneers and dental bonding in mind when you talk to your dentist about teeth restoration options so you can make an informed decision about the best solution for your teeth. If you're looking for a dentist in your area, visit Leidenheimer Dental Group Inc.