Are you considering getting a cosmetic dental treatment to hide slight imperfections on your front teeth such as chips, small gaps or discolouration? Then you might be interested to know more about dental bonding and veneers - two cosmetic procedures that can get the job done for you, with varying results.
In this day and age, folks are more and more insecure about their smile, younger adults being more affected than the elderly. Nearly 87% of individuals under the age of 35 have felt self-conscious about their teeth.
Sometimes the cosmetic issues are so tiny that they are hardly noticeable; yet, patients feel uneasy about them. This explains why so many people rush to a cosmetic dentist to get veneers in Singapore or bonding.
Schedule an appointment to discuss what is the best course of action for you - bonding or veneers.
Key Takeaways
- Both veneers and bonding are used to improve the appearance of the teeth, making your smile more attractive
- Bonding can be done in one sitting and does not usually require thinning out of the tooth structure
- Dental veneers look more natural but are more expensive
- You can use veneers, but not bonding, as a means of teeth whitening (front teeth only)
- Veneers have no do-overs, unlike dental bonding
However, there are important aspects of the two cosmetic procedures worth pointing out. If you want to learn more about the main differences and similarities, stick around.
Similarities between Bonding and Porcelain Veneers
First off, a personal consultation is required alongside a thorough examination of your smile. The dentist will make sure your teeth are in perfect condition before you can undertake any of the cosmetic treatments mentioned above.
Second, neither procedure requires extensive treatment (unlike dental implants which take months to finish). With respect to bonding, you can complete your plan in one appointment, whereas for veneers, you will need a couple of dental visits.
Further to this, no anaesthesia is used during the process.
Plus, patients need to take proper care of their teeth after bonding and porcelain veneers. This way, you will not only keep up with your oral hygiene but also ensure the outcome stays the same for years to come.
Advantages of Dental Bonding over Veneers
Each procedure has certain features that you need to consider before you decide how to conceal your misshapen teeth, slightly crooked teeth, or discoloured teeth.
Let’s start over by reviewing the upsides of both cosmetic dentistry treatments.
With dental bonding, you don’t have to pay as much as for other cosmetic dental treatments. It’s quite cost-effective. Not to mention, it’s easy to perform. There is no need to use anaesthesia.
If you choose dental bonding, it will be carried out in a single visit (as opposed to veneers that are done in the course of several dental appointments). There is no need to remove any tooth surface in order to finish the treatment.
Now, dental veneers are a quick solution to aesthetic issues such as discolouration and chipped or damaged teeth. They look and feel natural, plus there is little to no maintenance involved (all you have to do is brush your teeth like you normally do).
Compared to dental crowns, veneers don’t require that you sacrifice lots of enamel. Just a little bit of the front surface is thinned out, and with composite veneers, this may not be necessary at all. The tiny shells can improve both your smile and self-confidence.
Disadvantages of Bonding vs Veneers
Let’s compare the two cosmetic dentistry treatments in terms of disadvantages.
Dental bonding
Dental bonding has two main disadvantages worth noting, particularly in the durability and stain-resistance compartment. Bonded teeth aren’t as durable as veneers. The material tends to last 3-10 years.
What is more, it’s prone to chipping and staining. This means that you need to replace the bonding every few years.
Without a doubt, this is an area where dental veneers outcompete tooth bonding. However, if you choose porcelain veneers, you should know they have their downsides too.
Dental veneers
First and foremost, it’s the cost: porcelain veneers have a heavy price tag.
Second, part of the enamel has to be removed from the teeth if you want to get a smile makeover. This is done to allow more space for the material to fit onto the surface.
Third, if veneers aren’t the right fit, they could easily pop out, which will require a prompt visit to the dentist.
Moreover, after placing veneers, your teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold. If you choose composite, you will have to avoid certain foods so as not to develop stains. Talk about berries, red wine, and coffee.
Not to mention, there are no do-overs. The moment your teeth are filed down, you will need porcelain veneers for the rest of your life. That’s something to think about that dentists need to reiterate.
Even though veneers are sturdy, they can still crack in certain cases, compromising your dream smile; e.g. if you eat hard foods or clench your teeth. And if they get damaged, you will need new ones. There is no way to fix cracked veneers.
Cost of Dental Bonding and Porcelain Veneers
Without question, porcelain is more expensive than the tooth-colored resin material from which dental bonding is fabricated. This makes porcelain veneers a costlier alternative. When it comes to composite veneers, there may be cheaper options depending on where you have them done.
- Porcelain veneers cost: $720-$2,000 per tooth
- Composite resin material: $170 per tooth upward
- Dental bonding resin cost: $300 upward per tooth
You may be interested in reading our post comparing composite vs porcelain veneers.
Whether you go with veneers or dental bonding, it is important to understand that MediSave covers neither treatment plan.
The exact costs for the treatment can be determined only after a consultation - feel free to book an appointment with one of our dentists and they will explain everything from start to finish, including the total cost of the chosen treatment plan.
Is it Better to Get Bonding or Veneers?
Even though porcelain veneers are generally more expensive than dental bonding, they are favoured by cosmetic dentists and patients alike. The reason for this is twofold.
Veneers are sturdier and they can last up to 20 years, looking exactly like they did in the beginning. (Porcelain veneers don’t attract stains.)
Not to mention, they are natural looking. Being similar in appearance to tooth enamel helps them blend in with the rest of the teeth. In the long run, veneers can save you lots of money since dental bonding is prone to chipping and cracking, which means you need to have it replaced over and over.
That being said, the choice of treatment needs to be based on a patient’s preferences and budget. Whether you choose dental bonding or veneers, the decision is made in collaboration with the dentist.
All in all, if you have discolouration or small gaps in your front teeth that you want to fix, veneers and bonding are worth considering. Find yourself a good dentist within your neighbourhood and surrounding communities.