Is Bonding as Effective as Veneers?

Dental bonding and veneers are the leading cosmetic dentistry procedures that can change your smile. Both treatments have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice is ultimately determined by your dental requirements and financial resources. 

Because bonding and veneers are similar in some aspects, it's reasonable to wonder which one is a better choice for you. In this blog, our team at Robin Lambert Mells DDS in San Jose, CA, will show you the difference between the two.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are a high-quality cosmetic dental treatment. Veneers are actually small shells placed over your teeth that instantly improve a dull or uneven smile. At Robin Lambert Mells DDS in San Jose, CA, our dentist can help you attain a more harmonious and brilliant aesthetic look with veneers.

What Is Bonding?

Bonding is a low-cost and simple way to improve the appearance of your smile. Its key benefits include the fact that it is a non-invasive procedure and that it can correct flaws ranging from tooth discoloration to gaps, spacing, or chipped teeth. 

Dental bonding provides the following benefits:

• It is less expensive than dental veneers 
• It can instantly change a tooth’s color and contour
• The amount of maintenance required is negligible
• It generally only requires one dental visit 

Bonding vs. Veneers

Bonding is usually the ideal option for someone who only needs to correct one tooth or repair a minor flaw. Dental veneers or crowns may be a better option to cover the entire tooth if you want to modify the appearance of your entire smile or have many imperfections that need to be corrected. 

Here's a breakdown of some of the fundamental differences between bonding and veneers.

• While bonding typically costs between $100 and $500 per tooth, veneers can cost up to $1500 per tooth.
• Bonding can be finished in a single dental visit while veneers may require two to three dental visits.
• The appearance of veneers is more translucent and natural than that of bonding. 
• Veneers are far more durable than bonding. Bonding can chip and stain, whereas veneers can last for a decade or more if properly maintained. Bonding typically lasts 5 to 7 years.

If you want to know if bonding or veneers are right for you, or if you have any questions about either treatment, contact Robin Lambert Mells DDS in San Jose, CA at (408) 243-4216. We can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.