Chipped Tooth Bonding Vs. Veneers
Your smile lights up your face and draws others to you. It makes you look more attractive and appear more youthful. Smiling also boosts the immune system, relieves stress, and elevates your mood. Hiding your smile because of self-consciousness about chipped teeth means missing out on the social and physiological benefits of smiling. The good news is that you don’t have to hide your smile forever. Dental bonding and dental veneers are two simple ways to address a chipped tooth so you can set your smile free once again.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding, also known as tooth bonding, involves a pliable composite resin adhered to the tooth to repair minor chips, or cracks. Dental bonding is done in one visit. The dentist first prepares the tooth, then applies the resin to the surface of the tooth to correct the imperfection. Once the resin has hardened, it is then shaped, molded, and polished to create the most natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance possible. Dental bonding can also be used to address minor gaps between the teeth.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are wafer-thin porcelain shells that are custom created to fit over the front surface of a tooth to correct minor imperfections including stained, uneven, or chipped teeth. Dental veneers require at least two visits to the dentist. During the first, the dentist begins by removing a thin layer of tooth enamel in order to make room for the veneer and ensure proper bonding. An impression is then made of your tooth and sent to the lab where your customized veneer is created. You’re sent home with a temporary veneer to wear until your permanent veneer is ready. During the second visit, your new veneer is applied and cemented into place.
Both dental bonding and porcelain veneers can fix a chipped tooth and restore a full radiant smile. So how do you know which one is best for you? Take a look below at some of the pros and cons of dental bonding and porcelain veneers for correcting your chipped tooth.
Should I choose porcelain veneers or dental bonding?
When it comes to fixing your chipped tooth, porcelain veneers and dental bonding are great options, though depending on your specific needs, you may find one more preferable. Here are some things to consider when choosing between dental bonding and porcelain veneers.
Aesthetics
Although both bonding and veneers can be used to correct imperfections and restore the beauty of a smile, veneers have an edge when it comes to aesthetics. Their sheen reflects light in the same way natural teeth do, and they are more stain resistant than dental bonding, so they stay looking great for a long time.
Treatment time
Bonding can usually be done in under an hour in a single visit. Veneers require at least two appointments spaced a couple of weeks apart.
Durability
The composite dental resin that bonding is made from doesn’t have the same strength and durability as porcelain veneers. The veneers can last 7 to 15 years with proper care, but the lifespan of the dental bonding is typically between 3 and 10 years.
Dental Bonding Cost
Dental bonding is the more affordable option, at $250 to $350 per tooth. Veneers can run anywhere from $800 to $2000 per tooth. But when you consider that bonding needs to be replaced sooner, the cost difference between the two decreases a bit.
If you’re still not sure which option is best for your chipped tooth, come see Dr. Hage for a consultation. He’ll examine your teeth, explain your options in more detail, and customize a treatment plan just for you.
Dental Bonding vs Veneers
| Pros | Cons | |
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| Dental bonding |
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| Porcelain veneers |
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Chipped tooth? Visit Our Dental Office in San Diego today!
At Smile Designers in San Diego, we’re committed to patient education, comfort, and satisfaction. Give us a call at (619) 222-6000 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hage today.