Over half of all American adults feel insecure about their smiles! Whether it’s due to crooked teeth, cracks, stains, or any other aesthetic issues, they don’t want to show off their pearly whites! Can you relate?
It might be time to talk to a cosmetic dentist about your options. Two popular options are dental bonding and veneers. But when it comes to veneers vs bonding, which is the right option for you?
Let’s talk about it. Read on to learn all about these two cosmetic dental solutions.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are like little tooth-shaped shields that go over your natural teeth. They’re often made of porcelain, but many cosmetic dentists also offer composite veneers as a more affordable (but still expensive) alternative.
Veneers are a great solution for anyone with aesthetic dental issues that aren’t easily fixed through more traditional solutions. For example, if someone has teeth that seem “too small” for their smile, veneers can make them look larger.
What Is Bonding?
Dental bonding is similar to veneers, but not identical.
Instead of placing a shield over the tooth, the dentist will prepare a composite material and apply it directly to the tooth. They’ll use a special light to harden the composite and then shave it down to the desired size.
Dental bonding is effective for smaller aesthetic issues. Many people use it after chipping or breaking a tooth (after getting emergency dental care, of course).
Veneers vs Bonding: Factors to Consider
So how do you know which one of these options is right for you? There are a few factors that you should keep in mind when you’re making your decision. Here’s a quick rundown so you can decide between bonding vs veneers.
Cost
Cosmetic dental work is always going to be more expensive than standard dental work, but dental bonding is more affordable than getting veneers most of the time.
This is especially true if you get the more popular veneers that are made from porcelain. When it comes to the bonding vs veneers cost, bonding is best for people on a budget.
Goals
Why are you getting bonding or veneers anyway?
If you have small issues to fix, such as small chips or cracks, dental bonding makes far more sense. The dentist will be able to add just enough composite material to your tooth to restore it without having to cover your entire tooth.
Longevity
This is one area in which veneers win every time. As long as you get porcelain veneers, longevity is no issue. As we mentioned before, they can last for up to 25 years.
Bonding is not a permanent solution.
Will You Choose Bonding or Veneers?
When it comes to veneers vs bonding, it really comes down to three things: your budget, your goals, and how long you want the results to last. For most people fixing minor imperfections, bonding makes more sense. For anyone who wants a smile makeover, springing for veneers may be the better solution.
Talk to your local cosmetic dentist about your options today.
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