Veneers or Bonding — Which Should You Choose?

If you have some aesthetic imperfections in your teeth, such as cracks, chips, or discoloration, Dr. Makadia and our cosmetic dentistry team can help! We offer a number of treatments that may allow you to reach your goals for your smile, including veneers and dental bonding.

Both treatments come with a unique set of considerations and benefits. During your consultation, we can help you decide between them. In the meantime, here is an overview of how these services compare to one another:

What Are They?

Both veneers and bonding can hide imperfections in teeth. Veneers are thin, custom-made pieces of porcelain that we attach to the teeth. Bonding, on the other hand, is made of tooth-colored composite resin that gets molded over the teeth and then hardened with a special curing light. Both options can look very beautiful and natural.

What Can They Fix?

Both treatments can hide numerous types of aesthetic flaws, including stains, chips, cracks, small gaps between the teeth, and more. However, if you are looking to completely transform your smile, veneers may be the better option. Bonding is usually recommended only for minor improvements that alter just one or a few teeth.

What Does the Treatment Process Involve?

The bonding process is simple and usually takes just one appointment to complete. It is also relatively comfortable and non-invasive. All we do is slightly roughen the tooth’s surface, apply the color-matched resin, mold it, harden it, and make any necessary final adjustments.

The veneers process takes a couple of appointments.  We prepare your teeth, take detailed impressions, and coordinate with the lab that will fabricate the veneers. (If you are getting Lumineers, a special type of veneers, any required tooth prep will be minimal.)

Which One Lasts Longer?

Dental bonding is more fragile than veneers, so it usually needs to be replaced every few years. Veneers have the potential to last for decades. They are also more stain resistant than bonding, so you can expect them to retain their original beauty for many years.

Of course, the lifespan of both treatments depends partially on how you care for your teeth and gums. Good oral hygiene and a reasonable diet are essential! You should also avoid the use of cigarettes and other tobacco products.

How Much Do They Cost?

Veneers cost more than bonding. However, they can be regarded as an excellent value due to their many benefits, such as their long life expectancy and exceptional resistance to stains.

Which Is Right for You?

The treatment that is best for you depends on the type of imperfections you want to hide, your budget, and your personal preferences. Visit us for a consultation so we can design a treatment plan that is customized to your unique needs!

Meet Dr. Makadia

Dr. Makadia has more than 30 years of experience in dentistry. Throughout his accomplished career, he has completed countless hours of continuing education in order to stay up to date with developments in his field. He has special enthusiasm for helping patients achieve smiles that are both beautiful and healthy! To learn more about him and our practice, contact Sunrise Dental Service in Bohemia at 631-567-5566.