The Main Differences Between Dental Bonding and Veneers

One chipped tooth can have a significant impact on how you feel about your smile. Today’s dental options for repairing flawed teeth are numerous, and depending on your needs, can be as simple as a bonding procedure or as extensive as dental implants.

At Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, Dr. Blaustein offers his patients in Chelsea, New York, two of the most popular choices for fixing tooth imperfections quickly -- dental bonding and veneers. While both services are effective at covering common tooth flaws, the specifics of your situation determine which treatment is best for your needs.

To better understand which flaw-fixer is right for you, we’re sharing this information about bonding and veneers.

How dental bonding works

Dental bonding is a restorative procedure where Dr. Blaustein uses a dental-safe bonding liquid and resin material to fill in missing areas of your cracked or chipped tooth. He can also use a bonding procedure to improve the appearance of discolored or stained teeth.

The resin material is skillfully shaped and polished to look like your natural tooth. This type of procedure is typically completed in just one visit and can instantly restore both the look and functionality of your tooth. In many cases, results will last 3-5 years before needing attention.

Why veneers are popular

Veneers are also a restorative treatment designed to enhance the look and functionality of your natural teeth. However, the veneer procedure is a little more complex than a simple dental bonding.

To correct a number of tooth flaws, Dr. Blaustein applies a veneer -- a thin, porcelain tooth-like shell -- over the front surface of your tooth. This shell covers up common tooth issues like:

• Gaps
• Fractures
• Irregular shapes
• Severe discoloration

Veneers give you a dramatically improved smile and long-lasting results. The porcelain materials resist stains and are custom-designed to look just like your natural teeth.

Applying veneers usually takes multiple appointments and requires an impression to be made of your teeth that serves as the template for the custom veneers. A dental laboratory makes each veneer, and when they’re ready, you return to the office for the bonding procedure.

To make sure the veneer fully adheres to the surface of your tooth, Dr. Blaustein prepares it by removing a tiny bit of enamel from the natural tooth to match the thickness of the veneer. For this reason, the veneer procedure is not reversible. The veneer is then bonded into place using a strong dental cement.

Making the right decision for you

Ultimately, your dental health may determine which procedure is right for you. In many cases where a tooth needs to be quickly repaired in just one appointment, dental bonding is an excellent choice for treatment.

If you’re looking for a solution to enhance the appearance of your whole smile, veneers may be the way to go. With this procedure, you can expect lasting results, whereas bonding may need maintenance treatments from time to time if the resin becomes unstable or damaged.

To find out if dental bonding or veneers are best for achieving your desired results, schedule an appointment today using the online booking feature or by calling the office.