Both dental bonding and dental veneers can solve a variety of cosmetic issues. But what is the right treatment for you? The longevity of the treatment results is one important factor to consider when choosing between these two options. In this article, we compare veneers and dental bonding and answer the question: Do veneers last longer than dental bonding?
Do Veneers Last Longer than Dental Bonding?
Dental veneers are considered to be an irreversible cosmetic solution, as a small portion of the tooth’s enamel is removed in order to place veneers on your teeth. However, veneers do not last forever and will eventually need to be replaced, the same as dental bonding.
In general, dental veneers can last longer than dental bonding. However, the lifespan of your veneers will depend on the material they are made from. Porcelain veneers are more durable than composite veneers and tend to last 10 to 15 years before they have to be replaced. In comparison, composite resin veneers can last for 4 to 8 years. Dental bonding typically lasts for 3 to 10 years.
The longevity of both these cosmetic treatments depends on factors such as oral hygiene habits, lifestyle, diet, and overall dental health. Oral trauma can also impact dental bonding and veneers.
What Is a Dental Veneer?
A dental veneer is a thin shell that is attached to the front surface of a tooth in order to cover a variety of cosmetic concerns:
- Severe staining or discoloration
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Misshapen teeth or teeth that are too short
- Gaps between the teeth
- Worn out teeth
- Gummy smile
Dental veneers can be made of porcelain or resin composite. Porcelain is a more popular material for veneers as it closely mimics the appearance of natural teeth and is more durable and stain-resistant than composite.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a method which employs resin composite material to alter the appearance of a tooth:
- To repair chipped or cracked teeth
- To cover minor staining or fill in cavities
- To fill in gaps between the teeth by altering their shape
- To restore worn-out teeth
Composite is applied to a tooth’s surface or part of it and then hardened. Resin composite can be closely matched to the color and shade of your natural teeth.
Dental Veneers Versus Dental Bonding
Both cosmetic solutions have advantages and disadvantages and can ultimately solve similar issues. The choice might depend on the available budget and medical needs and considerations. Working with an experienced cosmetic dentist is essential to seeing results that match your goals and look like a natural part of your smile.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
- Veneers tend to look more natural than dental bonding. These thin porcelain shells are slightly translucent, allowing light to reflect off them like natural teeth.
- Porcelain veneers are more stain-resistant than resin composite materials used for dental bonding.
- Dental veneers tend to be more durable than dental bonding and can last longer.
- Veneers can help with a variety of cosmetic concerns. They can cover discoloration and staining, cracked or chipped teeth, gaps between teeth, and changes in shape and length.
Benefits of Dental Bonding
- Dental bonding can be used for both cosmetic and medical purposes (e.g., treating cavities or covering exposed roots).
- Dental bonding requires less preparation than dental veneers. The tooth’s enamel is usually removed to some extent before veneer placement. Your dentist will also slightly roughen up the surface of the tooth when doing dental bonding, but the procedure is less invasive overall.
- Due to the fact that the tooth enamel remains intact with dental bonding, the procedure might be reversible, depending on the circumstances and the tooth’s initial condition. Dental veneers, however, are an irreversible treatment, as the tooth will not be able to survive without its enamel if the veneers are removed. Thus, dental veneers are a lifetime commitment.
- Dental bonding tends to be more affordable than dental veneers.
Make an Appointment Today
Dental veneers can dramatically enhance your smile and boost your self-confidence. If you are considering this cosmetic solution, make an appointment at our dental office today. Our dental veneer specialists use only high-quality materials and will ensure that your smile looks its best.
We look forward to welcoming you to our office.
