How Does Dental Bonding Differ from Porcelain Veneers?

At Montefoire Medical Center, patients can obtain a wide range of dental restorations with our team of professionals. Cosmetic repairs can also be achieved by using solutions such as dental bonding and porcelain veneers. What makes dental bonding and porcelain veneers similar, and how are they different? Today, we will discuss and compare these two cosmetic treatments.

What is a porcelain veneer?

The word veneer is defined as something that covers something else. A veneer is just that in the dental world. Porcelain veneers are created to bond over the front of a tooth to change its appearance and improve the appearance of one’s smile. This method of treatment is best for teeth that have imperfections such as staining, breakage, or gaps. The veneer is custom-made to bond onto one or more anterior teeth to disguise issues that may impact the appearance of the smile. The veneer can last ten years or more as long as patients maintain their oral health and visit their dentist regularly for examinations.

Composite resin bonding

Also known as dental bonding, composite resin is a clay-like material that a dentist can use most anywhere in the smile to repair or restore one or more teeth. This resin is used in fillings that are performed after cavities have been diagnosed. However, the material can also be used in the same way as a porcelain veneer. It can be applied to areas of imperfection, shaped over the tooth, and hardened with a special light that cures the material. The dentist can then file and polish the resin to look like natural tooth enamel. The benefit of cosmetic resin bonding is that the entire process can be completed in one appointment, while porcelain veneers require at least two appointments and approximately one to two weeks from start to finish. However, composite resin bonding is susceptible to staining and often needs to be replaced every few years.

Discuss cosmetic restorations with the team at Montefoire Medical Center today!

Patients are welcome to book a consultation appointment with our team to discuss their aesthetic needs and transform their smile into something they are excited to share with others! Montefiore Medical Center has 11 convenient locations throughout the area, and an appointment can be made by calling the main line at (888) 700-6623.