If you’re reading this article, chances are that you are researching everything possible about cosmetic dentistry and are asking yourself: ‘Which one is better: veneers or bonding?’
While many articles focus on providing you with a side-by-side comparison of both these cosmetic correction techniques, we will discuss all the various aspects that make these options different. This way, you’ll have the information to discuss with your dentist and decide which option fits needs the best.
What Is Composite Bonding?
Composite bonding (also known as cosmetic bonding) is when a dentist uses a tooth-colored material and adds it to your natural teeth to enhance your teeth’s size, shape, or color. A professional will apply composite while you sit in a dental chair, and it is generally done in a single appointment. Composite bonding is carried out entirely by your dentist, who artistically carves your smile’s aesthetics over the composite resin material placed on your teeth.
During composite bonding, you don’t have to remove any enamel, so there is zero damage to the underlying tooth. However, the overall lifespan of composite bonding is very short. Even if you do everything you can to keep them well-maintained, they will typically only last between three to five years.
Porcelain veneers (often called dental veneers) are custom-crafted dental enhancements that can help you improve the overall appearance of your teeth. They are meticulously crafted in a dental lab by a skilled technician who specializes in cosmetic dentistry. Like an artist crafting a masterpiece, these technicians have years of training to prepare thin pieces of porcelain with great precision.
This craftsmanship and attention to detail help make porcelain veneers a high-quality, long-lasting solution. These veneers are known for their stain resistance, durability, and ability to mimic the translucency of natural teeth, making them a popular choice. Given all the additional work needed to order porcelain veneers, these veneers cost more than composite bonding or composite veneers. Moreover, you will most likely require multiple appointments to get porcelain veneers.
How Does The Process Work?
During your initial visit, our team from Mitchell Dental Spa will check to see if porcelain veneers are the right choice for you (given the current condition of your oral health). Once you are good to go, we will prepare your tooth or teeth for porcelain veneers. Our doctors will aim at preserving maximum tooth enamel and take impressions of your teeth once they are done removing some enamel from the surface of your teeth. They will then fit temporary veneers while your porcelain ones get made. During your second appointment, your dentist will replace your temporary veneers with definitive ones (given you are happy with the shape, color, and fit of the product).
Top Factors To Consider When Deciding Between Porcelain Veneers And Composite Bonding.
Now that you know how both these dental processes work, let’s look at all the various factors you must consider when deciding which one should be the right choice for you.
Time
If time is a critical factor for you, composite veneers may be best. This is because we can place composite veneers in a single visit. While dentists can try to make you composite veneers seem natural, there are better choices when blending in with your other teeth. Porcelain veneers offer such an option, but take at least two visits to install. While you wait for your porcelain veneers to be fabricated, your dentist will place temporary veneers on your teeth for the time being.
Durability
Porcelain veneers should easily last 20 years with proper care and regular visits. Composite bonding generally lasts only three to five years. Once your porcelain veneers are bonded to a tooth, they are incredibly durable against chips and cracks. While composite is also durable, they are less strong than porcelain and more prone to damage.
Aesthetics
While composite bonding looks great, porcelain veneers are of much higher-quality. The translucent properties of porcelain veneers enable them to catch light just like a natural tooth does. Another incredible advantage of getting porcelain veneers is that they are stain-resistant. Once you have your porcelain veneers, you don’t have to worry about whitening your natural teeth. Composite resin, on the other hand, will be prone to staining, just like natural teeth.
The Cost
Porcelain veneers cost more than composite veneers, initially. Placing porcelain veneers takes a lot of time, expertise, and resources. However, if you carefully break down costs by longevity or how often you must repair (or replace) composite versus porcelain, your final price might come out even or in favor of porcelain veneers over time.
The Final Verdict!
Ultimately, the best way to determine which treatment would be the best for you is to speak with Dr. Margaret Mitchell from Mitchell Dental Spa regarding your aesthetic goals and weigh other personal considerations. Composite bonding might be the right choice if you want a cost-effective solution. However, if you want a complete aesthetic transformation, then porcelain veneers would be the right fit. Remember, porcelain also gives you the most natural-looking and durable solution, making it the best solution for many patients. Regardless of which process you select, as long as you have discussed your goals and are working with a skilled dentist, like Dr. Margaret Mitchell, you can rest assured that both options will offer you a fantastic smile enhancement.
Contact Mitchell Dental Spa For More Information Today!
Mitchell Dental Spa has been Chicago’s number-one cosmetic dentist for the past 15 years in a row! Dr. Mitchell has won several awards, which show how experienced and capable she are in the field. We have all the tools and experience needed to quickly determine whether porcelain veneers are the right choice for you. Dr. Mitchell has helped hundreds of patients achieve an aesthetically pleasing smile in no time. With Mitchell Dental Spa, you are not just choosing a dentist but selecting a dependable partner in your journey to a radiant smile. Want to join our satisfied patients? Call our team today at 312-642-1014, and we will book your appointment today!
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