Find Out if Porcelain Veneers or Direct Dental Bonding is Right for You

There is nothing worse than having a smile you feel you must hide. When imperfections and flaws keep you from enjoying time spent with your family and friends, it is time to consider your options when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. With so many available treatments, how do you know which one is right for you? If you are having trouble choosing between porcelain veneers and bonding, take the time to learn about each one and why one might be the better solution for your individual dental needs.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

If you think of them as little masks for your teeth, porcelain veneers are thin shell coverings that bond to the front of your teeth and hide a variety of cosmetic flaws, including:

• Chips and cracks
• Stains and discoloration
• Gaps between teeth
• Minor alignment problems
• Misshapen or undersized teeth

They are custom-made to the size, shape, and color of your liking and serve to instantly improve the look of your smile. Porcelain veneers are often referred to as “instant orthodontics” because of their ability to dramatically change your smile in less time than braces.

What is Direct Dental Bonding?

Instead of placing a thin covering over an imperfect tooth, direct dental bonding offers a less invasive approach to hiding cosmetic flaws. Using a composite resin that is matched to your natural tooth color, your cosmetic dentist will place it directly on the tooth before shaping and sculpting it, blending it in a way that prevents others from noticing a difference between your teeth.

Direct dental bonding hides many of the same problems, including:

• Stains and discoloration
• Chips and cracks
• Small gaps between teeth

With direct dental bonding, your dentist can quickly fix minor imperfections at a much lower price, so if affordability and a less invasive procedure are what you are looking for, this might be the solution for you.

How Can I Tell Which Treatment is Right for Me?

It is often most difficult trying to determine how best to improve the look (and health) of your smile. If your dentist has suggested porcelain veneers or direct dental bonding are two viable solutions, here is how you can tell which one you should invest in:

Cost – Direct dental bonding is significantly less expensive than porcelain veneers simply because there is no custom creation required. Other than matching the composite resin to your smile, you can achieve a new and improved smile for a cheaper price.

Longevity – Porcelain veneers do tend to last longer (15 years) than direct dental bonding (10 years); however, much of the longevity of your treatment depends on how well you take care of your smile.

Convenience – If you do not want your treatment to take multiple dental visits, direct dental bonding should be your choice. It only takes one visit, whereas, porcelain veneers require two appointments.

Complexity – Both treatments cover a wide variety of cosmetic flaws, but porcelain veneers are known to be used for cosmetic/serious problems, in comparison to direct dental bonding that is typically used for minor changes.

No matter which method of cosmetic dentistry you choose, you can feel confident and comfortable knowing a qualified team of professionals will give you the results you desire.