Bonding vs. Veneers: Which is Right for Uptown Charlotte Residents?

Are you thinking about visiting your Uptown Charlotte cosmetic dentist to improve the appearance of your smile? There are several cosmetic dentistry procedures that will fix your dental issues and create the smile of your dreams. Dental bonding and dental veneers are two common options for individual tooth or whole mouth makeovers.

Both procedures can fix a distracting gap, crack, or chip in your teeth or brighten your stained, worn, or discolored teeth. However, they have distinct differences, and one may be more suitable for a situation than the other. This post compares some of their essential aspects to help you make a well-informed decision. 

What Is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding (also known as cosmetic bonding) is a dental procedure that enhances your smile by fixing teeth issues with a tooth-colored composite resin material. This cosmetic dental treatment can hide stains and discoloration, close gaps, repair chips, and change the size and shape of a tooth. Unlike other cosmetic dental procedures like veneers, the treatment is completely reversible because it does not require significant enamel removal.

Dr. Alston often recommends this procedure for minor imperfections in the front teeth, where there’s not much biting force. The teeth bonding procedure is easy and painless. Your dentist can complete it in one office visit, and you most likely won’t need a pain reliever. 

How Does Dental Bonding Work?

During this procedure, your dentist will prepare your tooth surface and apply a resin that matches the color of your natural teeth directly to the top. The resin is molded and smoothened to the desired shape and cured with a special light to bond it to your tooth surface to cover the imperfections. Your tooth is then shaped and polished until it looks natural.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

A dental (porcelain) veneer is a custom-made porcelain shell placed over the front surface of the tooth to cover imperfections and improve your smile. Its shape and color are made to match the natural look of the surrounding teeth. Depending on your goal, it can also help create a healthy white smile that does not fade. 

How Do Porcelain Veneers Work?

Porcelain veneers work by covering your tooth imperfections with a thin shell made from porcelain material. During a dental veneer procedure, your dentist will remove some of your enamel to allow the veneers to fit snugly over your teeth and give you a smooth and even look.

This procedure is relatively painless but may require a few office visits to find a perfect fit that will last a lifetime. Like bonding, veneers are minimally invasive. Moreover, it’s essential to find a dentist in Uptown Charlotte who is experienced in dental bonding and porcelain veneers to get an accurate color match and placement.

Dental Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers: Which Should I Choose?

People often ask us this question, and we do our best to inform our patients so that they can know the pros and cons and make a well-informed decision. To determine the right cosmetic treatment option for you, here are some areas you need to consider:

Cost

Porcelain veneers are usually costlier than tooth bonding material. However, they are permanent and can save you hundreds of dollars over time. Porcelain veneers are often the preferred solution if a professional teeth whitening treatment does not help your teeth stains or discoloration. Bonding will work better to fix gaps, chips, or cracks in your teeth since your dentist can shape the material like clay to fit your tooth.

Durability

The porcelain used in veneers is more durable than the resin used in cosmetic bonding. Porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years, depending on your dental care routine. Depending on your needs, bonding is also a durable alternative that can last up to 10 years when you take proper care of your teeth.

Appearance

Both cosmetic treatment options blend in with the color of your natural teeth. However, porcelain veneers are resistant to stains, while the resin in dental bonding may darken over time. Bonding is easier to shape, so it’s more suitable for chipped or damaged teeth.

Maintenance

Caring for veneers and dental bonding are both quite similar. You must avoid activities that can damage the materials, such as chewing on hard objects or playing sports without a mouthguard and stick to a good daily oral hygiene routine.

Treatment Goal

Depending on your goal, a combination of veneers and bonding may be the best way to go. You can try professional teeth whitening first if you want whiter teeth, then veneers if you’re not satisfied with the result.

Choose a Reliable Dentist for Veneers or Dental Bonding in Uptown Charlotte

Sometimes, the biggest question is not what cosmetic procedure to choose but finding a professional dental practice to do the job right the first time.

Located in Uptown Charlotte near Plaza Midwood, Genesis Family Dentistry provides gentle, experienced, and compassionate dental services. We offer dental bonding and veneers in Uptown Charlotte and make choosing the proper cosmetic treatment to brighten your smile easy! Schedule an appointment today or call (980) 272-4700 to discover your possibilities!