If you’re craving that picture-perfect smile, you may be wondering if either cosmetic bonding or dental veneers are right for you. The great thing about both of these cosmetic dentistry procedures is that they offer beautifully transformational (and relatively quick!) results.

However, there are a variety of advantages (and some drawbacks) to consider before making the decision about whether cosmetic bonding or dental veneers are right for you. Check out this guide to help inform your decision.

What is Cosmetic Bonding?

Cosmetic bonding, also known as dental composite bonding, is a simple and conservative way to correct imperfections in your smile. During the bonding process, a composite resin material is placed directly onto the tooth structure.

Because the resin is malleable and puttylike when first applied, it can be shaped and sculpted to fit the tooth and correct any flaws in the tooth’s appearance. The composite resin is then hardened, trimmed, and polished to provide a lasting, aesthetic restoration.

Dental bonding typically requires just one quick and comfortable treatment with little to no tooth preparation required — and no recovery time needed.

Check out these five benefits of cosmetic bonding to consider:

Advantages of Cosmetic Bonding?

1. The results look natural.

Not only is the composite resin material tooth-colored to match the best variation for your smile, but it is custom-shaped and sculpted specifically for your teeth. This ensures an entirely natural appearance.

2. Your tooth enamel is preserved.

No teeth are harmed in the dental bonding procedure! Composite bonding does not compromise the tooth structure — and many patients appreciate this less invasive approach to correcting cosmetic flaws, as it gives them the flexibility to consider other cosmetic options later.

3. Cosmetic bonding whitens your teeth.

Sometimes no matter how many whitening treatments you do, your teeth do not respond as you’d prefer. Composite bonding can fix stains and discoloration more permanently, so you can have that whiter smile you desire.

4. Cosmetic bonding corrects minor tooth imperfections.-

If you have minor imperfections like small gaps, a chipped tooth, or uneven teeth surfaces and length, dental bonding can easily fix these problems. The composite material smooths over any rough edges and corrects imperfections quickly and easily. For patients with minor alignment issues, they are often delighted they won’t have to explore orthodontics to see similar results.

5. Cosmetic bonding is cost-effective.

While your teeth will look like a million bucks, dental bonding won’t cost anywhere near that amount. While the cost is dependent on the extent of dental bonding required, there’s really no other cosmetic dental procedure that offers such a marked transformation at such an affordable price point.

Drawbacks of Cosmetic Bonding

Make sure to take into account these potential downsides of cosmetic bonding.

Cosmetic bonding is limited in scope.

The primary disadvantage of cosmetic bonding is that it is limited in scope. More significant tooth imperfections, alignment issues, or tooth damage may preclude you from being a candidate for composite bonding.

Cosmetic bonding is generally not covered by insurance.

While dental bonding is a more affordable cosmetic dentistry procedure, it’s important to note that insurance will most likely not cover the cost — since it is considered cosmetic.

What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are very thin shells, typically made of porcelain or resin, that are bonded to the front of your teeth to enhance the beauty of your smile. The veneers procedure starts with impressions of your teeth to ensure your veneers are customized specifically to your smile.

After perfecting the shape, color and fit of the veneers, your teeth are prepared for the procedure. Some of the enamel is removed so the veneers can be permanently bonded in place.

Like cosmetic bonding, there is virtually no recovery time required after this procedure. You can return to normal activities and eat and drink immediately after your appointment.

Advantages of Dental Veneers

Check out these three benefits of veneers to consider:

1. The results look natural.

As with cosmetic bonding, expertly made veneers also look incredibly natural — as they are fully customized to your unique smile. The color and translucency of porcelain veneers provide a great match for the natural appearance of tooth enamel. Resin veneers can also be matched to your natural tooth color.

2. Veneers provide a whiter smile.

Also like cosmetic bonding, veneers are an instant whitening treatment and can correct significantly stained and discolored teeth. Porcelain is stain-resistant, as well, so your smile will stay bright for years to come.

3. Veneers can correct more severe tooth imperfections.

Veneers are a power player in fixing more significant smile imperfections. From closing large spaces and gaps between teeth to improving the appearance of small or irregularly shaped teeth, correcting slightly crooked teeth, and restoring teeth that are broken, chipped, worn, or fractured, veneers can do it all.

Drawbacks of Dental Veneers

Make sure to take into account these potential disadvantages of veneers.

Veneers are permanent.

For many patients, the biggest potential downside to veneers is that natural tooth enamel is removed in the process of applying the veneers. That means that veneers are also generally not reversible. They require a full commitment.

Veneers can be costly.

Another thing to keep in mind is that veneers can be an expensive investment — and they are also not covered by most insurances because they are purely a cosmetic dentistry procedure.

—

SMILE! Advanced Dental Center provides family dentistry for every life stage, starting at age 2 and up. From pediatric dentistry and preventive treatments, including regular teeth cleanings and exams, to braces, orthodontic dentistry, mouth guards, and more, our team of dental professionals ensures our families receive the most state-of-the-art care in a comfortable friendly environment.

Call our office in Summerville, SC, at 843-873-1261 to make an appointment today!