The Differences Between Veneers and Bonding
You may have heard the terms “veneers” and “bonding” for tooth restoration and thought they were the same process. But they aren’t, and here’s why --
Veneers
Veneers are thin porcelain strips that cover the front of each tooth. They are very durable and can last for many years with proper application. Veneers are custom-made to both widen and lengthen teeth if needed. Since their commercial introduction in the 1980s, veneers have become very popular for solving several dental issues:
- Discoloration
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Creating a uniform tooth appearance
- Giving a person a new smile
- Bonding is normally done in a single visit, where veneers can take several visits to complete
- No anesthetic is needed
- No tooth surface is removed
- Bonding is useful for a single tooth repair
- Bonding can be easier to repair rear teeth not seen when smiling
- It is normally a less expensive repair for one or two teeth
It is important to note that a small amount of each tooth surface must be ground away to make room for the veneer attachment. New veneers are very thin so very little tooth removal is needed. Any discomfort to the patient can be alleviated with a local anesthetic if needed. When the tooth surface is prepared the veneer is cemented to the tooth and cured with light. The underlying tooth can still decay so careful dental hygiene is needed after veneers are attached.
Bondings
Bondings use a composite resin that is shaped to a tooth to cover minor defects or discolorations. The tooth is first given a treatment which roughens the tooth surface for a stronger bond. Once the bonding is in place it is also cured with light. Since there is less tooth surface preparation versus veneers, bondings typically require no anesthetic.
Advantages of each type
Veneers
Ceramic veneers are stain-resistant; bonding resins are somewhat porous and can absorb stains over time
Veneers typically have a longer useful life than bonding
Veneers are normally used on visible front teeth to create a new smile
Bonding
Every patient is different, so Dr. Lattinelli will perform a visual inspection of your teeth and recommend the best course of action for you. For more information about our services please call 212-752-7188.
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