What’s the Difference Between Dental Bonding and Veneers?
Are veneers worthwhile? Is Dental Bonding? Every patient and situation is different, so you are going to need more context to answer that question. Both are viable replacement options for dental damage or decay, but both involve different procedures. It will depend on how much you want to spend, what caused your tooth damage, whether or not you have insurance, and which dentist your decide to see. To decide which option may be right for you, lets explore the differences between the two.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are pristine and polished porcelain teeth which are attached to otherwise healthy root structure, to provide a picturesque smile. They are famous around hollywood, lots of people have them. They look like perfect teeth, and if maintained properly they rarely show signs of wear. However, if they are true porcelain they are prone to some chipping. They are often made of high quality ceramic now as well, making them strong and shiny. They are attached with an adhesive bonding agent.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is the process of layering composite material onto a healthy root structure to replace a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth. It can also be layered over teeth which have bad staining. Dental bonding also requires a healthy root structure to adhere to, but it can usually be completed in one sitting. Veneers may require time to mold and construct.
The Dental Bonding Process
After a dentist has seen you, cleaned your teeth, and examined your dental health–they may decide that dental bonding is an option for you. In this event they will isolate the teeth that need bonding, using rubber separations. These will help to reduce the presence of moisture from other teeth, allowing the bonding agent to adhere better. They will then scour the surface of the teeth, typically through use of a low grade acid. The acid will promptly and safely be removed, and then the composite material will be added.
In some cases, this is the step when an adhesive would be applied. In adhesive bonding, a dental cap or crown–like a veneer- is attached to the tooth. In a way, veneers are a form of bonding!
Whether you opted for Adhesive bonding or direct composite bonding, once the material is attached to the tooth, it will be shaped and set. Often, dentist use a high powered curing light to ensure the materials are secure.
The difference between veneers and dental bonding…are not that different. It just depends on the patient, their insurance coverage, their budget, and what they really want. The really important thing is how you care for them. With either option you will still need to brush after every meal, floss twice a day, use mouthwash, and see your dentist regularly.
Begin by seeing your dentist and discussing your options. They will be able to advise you on the best treatment for your individual condition. Ask to se a hygienist before and after the bonding, to check for signs and symptoms of infection, and monitor overall dental health.