Having the perfect smile is something many covet. Unfortunately, whether it is from diet or childhood medication, many are left with existing teeth that are less than ideal. To fix these problems, many individuals turn to cosmetic procedures to quickly create a smile makeover, generally leading them to one of two options: dental bonding and porcelain veneers.

While these procedures are used to produce similar end results, the process, material, cost, and longevity of them are world apart. These differences are important to identify before speaking with a cosmetic dentist to ensure you know what options are available to you and which is the best for your needs.

Veneers and Bonded Teeth: Why You Want Them

Most cosmetic dentistry seeks to solve a common set of problems: tooth imperfections that are either not fixed (or not worth fixing) through an orthodontist. These include several common problems including the following.

  • Discoloration of the tooth
  • Chips and cracks
  • Widely-spaced teeth
  • Short or eroded teeth
  • Misalignments and gaps
  • Poorly shaped teeth
  • Damage to the enamel
  • Narrow teeth
  • Whitening-resistant discoloration
  • Enamel damage due to orthodontic treatment

Both veneers and bonding can effectively solve these imperfections. The questions remaining are how long will they last, how long will it take, and whether there are budget restrictions.

Through answering these questions for yourself, you can compare the different treatments and see which is best suited for your situation.

Dental Bonding vs Veneers: Quick Comparison Guide

When comparing two types of procedures, it’s easiest to have all your information in one place showing you the pros, cons, and points of consideration for each procedure. In the chart below, we have looked at the 7 most important categories you should consider when getting cosmetic dentistry.

Dental Bonding Veneers
Recommended Use Bonding is best for small repairs or when the cosmetic changes you are seeking are minor. Veneers can offer striking cosmetic dental changes to improve your smile ranging from reshaping teeth, fixing crookedness, and even hiding permanent discoloration.
Material  Composite resins made to cure quickly with the use of a UV light. These materials can be mixed to match many different colors, but will not respond to teeth whitening methods later on. Made from a thin layer of porcelain material, veneers are opaque and color matched to your liking before your procedure. Because the color is in the material itself, it does not respond to whitening treatments at a later date.
Invasiveness Dental bonding uses a tooth colored bonding material that is cured directly on the tooth surface. This makes the procedure minimally invasive. Veneers are custom fitted pieces of porcelain. For them to fit correctly, your original tooth must be ground down. This means that the procedure takes several appointments and is far more invasive.
Procedure  The exterior of the tooth is made rough to promote traction. Your bonding material is mixed, applied, and cured. This is all done in a single appointment. First molds must be taken and sent out to have custom veneers made and color matched. The original tooth must then be ground down and each veneer bonded separately to the surface of the tooth. This takes a minimum of two appointments.
Cost  $300-600 per tooth on average $900-1,300 per tooth on average
Longevity Composite resin does not bond well to the tooth surface, making it prone to chipping or damage over time. Veneers are permanently bonded to your natural teeth, often needing very little maintenance and problem free for 15 years or more.

Speaking With Experts: Dentists in Mesa, AZ

While we like to be a source of information for anyone researching on the internet, nothing can replace speaking to a dentist about your options and concerns. East Valley Dental Professionals has made its home in Mesa, Arizona. Established in the 1980s, we take great pride in having local clients who receive the best dental care and the best service.

If you are in Arizona, don’t hesitate to give us a call at: 480-838-3033 so you can speak to a professional who can help answer your questions or set up an appointment to get a consultation. We are only one call away from a healthier smile.