Chipped edges, small gaps, uneven sizes, stains that whitening cannot lift: veneers and bonding can both correct them. They work differently, though, and the right choice depends on your teeth and what you would like to achieve.
What is bonding?
Bonding uses tooth-coloured composite, the same kind of material as a white filling. It is applied to the tooth, sculpted by hand, then hardened with a light so it bonds to the tooth. It is shaded and polished to blend with the teeth around it.
- Usually done in a single visit.
- Little or no enamel is removed, and anaesthesia is generally not needed.
- Reversible, and easy to repair or adjust later.
What are veneers?
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells, custom-made in a dental lab and bonded to the front of the teeth. They can change the colour, shape, size and length of a tooth.
- Usually less than 1mm of the surface is removed, and prep-less veneers are used when possible.
- Porcelain is stronger and lasts longer than composite.
- You preview the result with temporary veneers while the final ones are made, usually over one to two weeks.
How to choose
For a single chip or a small gap, bonding is often the gentlest answer. When several front teeth need a change of colour and shape, or you want a result that lasts as long as possible, veneers are usually the better fit.
Sometimes a crown is the right answer instead, for example when a tooth is weakened. Dr. Doaa examines your teeth, shows you the options and explains the trade-offs before you decide.
