Veneers and dental bonding address common cosmetic dental issues, but there are some key differences. 

Dental imperfections can take a toll on your confidence and quality of life. Despite the out-of-pocket costs, many people find dental bonding and veneers to be an essential part of their wellness. For relatively minor dental problems, dental bonding and veneers are two of the most common ways to fix your smile. 

There are plenty of similarities between dental bonding and veneers, such as the natural appearance and feel of the teeth. However, specific key differences between the two exist, so you should consult your dentist before making any decision. 

Let’s compare dental bonding vs. veneers to provide a clearer idea of which procedure is relevant for your dental needs. 

Veneers vs. Dental Bonding 

Bonding and veneers offer two different approaches to similar cosmetic issues. Dental bonding and veneers can provide a long-lasting solution if your teeth are unevenly spaced, too small, cracked, or misshapen. Once the procedures are completed, both approaches closely resemble natural teeth. Bonding or veneers can look just like real teeth to the untrained eye!

Despite the similar appearances, the two procedures are quite different. Some of the main differences are: 

• Application. When veneers are applied, your dentist will usually remove a thin layer of enamel to attach veneers to the surface of your teeth. For porcelain veneers, this procedure often takes three visits. Dental bonding usually just requires one visit, in which your dentist will shape a naturally-colored resin around a tooth and harden the resin. 
• Material. Veneers can be made of porcelain or composite materials, offering the hardness and functionality of natural teeth. Dental bonding uses a unique type of resin, which your dentist can file down to the size and shape of a natural tooth. 
• Longevity. Veneers tend to last longer than dental bonding, making them a popular choice for convenience. Porcelain veneers usually last 10-15 years, while composite veneers last 5-8 years. Comparatively, dental bonding lasts 3-9 years. 
• Cost. Getting veneers is more expensive than getting dental bonding. However, the ultimate price tag of both procedures is competitive since dental bonding requires replacement more often. 
• Coloration. Both types of cosmetic dentistry allow you to match the color of your new tooth to the color of your natural teeth. Because of custom coloration, bonding and veneers are incredibly lifelike. However, it’s essential to remember that bonding resin stains more easily than porcelain or composite veneers. 

How Do I Know Which One I Need?

Espire offers both dental bonding and veneers if you’re on the fence. With the right dentist and home care routine, either procedure can provide a comfortable and realistic solution for your dental imperfections. If you are looking to fix more than one tooth, your dentist may also recommend a combination of bonding and veneers for different teeth.  

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s La Mesa location today for high-quality bonding and veneers! Our highly trained dentists can help you determine which cosmetic procedure is right for you and install a lasting solution for your dental imperfections. Don’t live near our La Mesa, CA office? Find one of our other locations near you.

La Mesa, CA
8555 Fletcher Pkwy 
Suite 102 
La Mesa, CA 91942