What Is the Difference Between Bonding & Veneers?

Applying either bonding or veneers to damaged teeth accomplishes a similar purpose: to provide dental restoration. The primary differences between the two procedures involve preparation, cost and after-care.

Types

• With dental bonding, a plastic material is applied to the tooth and solidified or bonded by the heat from a curing light. Veneers are ceramic or porcelain covers placed over the tooth's surface.

Purpose

• Bonding and veneers are similar in purpose, since both are used to correct a damaged tooth or teeth. Depending on the severity of damage, a dentist will recommend bonding or veneers to repair teeth that are decayed, chipped, cracked, discolored or misaligned. Veneers are used in the most severe cases.

Time and Preparation

• Dental bonding requires minimal preparation. Bonding may be completed in about an hour for each tooth. Veneers require multiple office visits. The dentist prepares a tooth by removing enamel so the veneer fits comfortably and provides a temporary set of veneers while the final version is being prepared. The final, customized set of veneers is then applied.

Warning

• Bonding materials and veneers do not last forever. Eating foods such as pizza or bagels can cause a bonded tooth or veneer to chip or break. Bonding materials are replaced more frequently than other restorative dental applications, according to WebMD.com.

Benefits

• Dental bonding is the least invasive of restorative dental procedures, and the cost tends to be less than for veneers. With bonding, the least amount of tooth enamel is removed. Veneers protect the outer surface of a damaged tooth.