For those looking to improve the appearance of their teeth at a trusted Melbourne and Williamstown dentist, there are a variety of pathways to take, but two of the most common treatments are teeth bonding and dental veneers.
Both dental treatments can assist in enhancing the overall look of your teeth, but they are not the same; do not get them mixed up.
Teeth bonding and dental veneers work differently from one another, and both have distinct considerations you’ll have to understand.
Their appropriateness for you will be determined by your goals, budget, and overall needs when it comes to your oral health.
In this Parker Dental blog, we will break down exactly what teeth bonding and dental veneers are, how they differ from one another, the pros and cons of each option, the costs involved for both treatments, and lastly, how to determine which option is right for you.
What Is Teeth Bonding?
Teeth bonding, or otherwise known as dental bonding, is a popular dental procedure that is used by dentists to repair, reshape and improve the appearance of a person’s teeth.
It is a great option for those who have chipped, cracked, discoloured or have gaps.
Teeth bonding involves the use of a tooth-coloured resin material in the affected area.
From here, it is then moulded and carefully sculpted so that it blends in with the surrounding teeth.
Dental bonding is a great aesthetic choice for those looking for an effective and affordable choice.
It is generally seen to be a minimally invasive, quick, and pain-free treatment.
The procedure can usually be completed within one sitting; this also depends on the number of teeth being bonded.
Overall, teeth bonding is an effective and long-lasting solution that can significantly improve the appearance of your teeth.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are another popular cosmetic treatment in Australia.
These veneers are commonly made from porcelain and are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth.
These shells are perfect when it comes to masking imperfections and elevating the overall appearance of your smile. Whether you need to fix chips, cracks, misalignments, or gaps between your teeth, dental veneers can be a great choice.
Generally, in Australia, veneers are primarily used to improve the overall appearance of teeth, which provides a step up from other teeth whitening treatments.
There are a variety of different veneers available depending on your specific goals.
Dental veneers are not a suitable option for every patient, especially if you have extremely damaged or unhealthy teeth; alternative methods would often be recommended over veneers.
Click if you want to learn more about veneers in Melbourne at Parker Dental.
What are the Key Differences Between Teeth Bonding and Veneers?
As we’ve said, both teeth bonding and dental veneers can help fix teeth and enhance your smile, but there are a variety of differences between the two.
Dental bonding is a great choice for minor repairs or cosmetic improvements, while dental veneers are a great long-lasting option that carries higher costs and is overall more invasive.
In the table below, we have broken down the main differences between the two :
| Topic | Teeth Bonding | Dental Veneers |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure | A tooth-coloured resin is then applied and shaped directly onto the tooth | Involves the creation of porcelain or composite shells that custom-fit and are bonded to the front of the tooth |
| Suitability | Bonding is best used for minor cosmetic fixes, such as chips and gaps | Veneers are a good choice for major cosmetic improvements, such as discolouration and large chips |
| Longevity |
|
|
| Cost |
|
|
| Aesthetic Results | Provides a natural appearance; however may not be as precise as veneers | Veneers offer a highly natural, customisable, and more aesthetically pleasing option |
| Completion Time | Bonding can usually be completed in one visit, and typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes per tooth | Requires, on average, two visits, with one being centred on impressions and the other on actual placement |
The Pros and Cons of Teeth Bonding
Below, we break down exactly what the main considerations you’ll need to take into account when it comes to dental bonding.
Is bonding the correct choice for you and your teeth?
The Pros of Bonding :
- Affordability : Teeth bonding is one of the most cost-effective dental options in Australia, especially when compared to similar procedures such as crowns or veneers.
- Quick Makeover : The procedure is not a complex one, and can be completed in most cases within one visit. This means you do not need multiple appointments, saving money overall.
- Minimally Invasive : Dental bonding requires little to no removal of enamel, meaning it’s a much less invasive method compared to other treatments such as veneers and crowns.
- A Versatile Choice : Dental bonding is a popular choice due to its ability to help with a variety of cosmetic issues. Whether it’s a small crack, chip, or gap, bonding can help to repair such an issue and improve the overall appearance of your teeth.
- Reversible Treatment : Due to there being such a small amount of enamel being removed, bonding is easily reversible. If you are not satisfied with your treatment, the bonding can be repaired or replaced.
The Cons of Bonding :
- Durability : As you can expect with a cheaper price tag, dental bonding is significantly more prone to chipping and staining when compared to other cosmetic options.
- Not Appropriate For All : Bonding is a great option for minor repairs, but it is not a suitable choice for large-scale cosmetic repairs or severe dental cases.
- Lifespan : Compared to other cosmetic options, dental bonding only has a general lifespan of between 3 and 10 years before it must be repaired or replaced.
- Staining : Dental bonding does not provide as much of a barrier to coffee, tea, and red wine staining compared to other cosmetic options. You must be very much on top of your diet and hygiene.
The Pros and Cons of Veneers
Below, we break down exactly what the main considerations you’ll need to take into account when it comes to dental veneers.
Are veneers the correct choice for you and your teeth?
The Pros of Veneers :
- Stronger Appearance : At their core, veneers have been designed to emulate real teeth. When done well, veneers create a stronger and more uniform smile that also looks natural.
- Long-Lasting Results : Veneers are lauded throughout the dental community due to their longevity. A porcelain veneer can last up to 20 years if looked after properly.
- Stain Blocker : Porcelain veneers are also a popular choice, thanks to their high resistance to staining. Whether it be coffee, wine, or a cigarette, you’ll be able to enjoy a white smile as long as you keep consumption to a moderate level.
- Minimally Invasive : Especially compared to other procedures, such as dental crowns, veneers require much less tooth reduction, with a large portion of your natural tooth being preserved.
- Confident Smile : Many people report a significant boost in confidence in the aftermath of getting veneers. It isn’t just about improving aesthetics, but also your day-to-day happiness.
The Cons of Veneers :
- Irreversible : You need to be sure before getting veneers, as the dental procedure permanently removes enamel. Once you have them, you will have them for life.
- Expensive : Veneers are, for the most part, pretty costly. This is mainly due to not being covered by insurance, as it’s considered to be a cosmetic procedure. Porcelain veneers will run the highest cost, especially when performed by an experienced dental practitioner.
- Potential Sensitivity : In the aftermath of getting veneers, some patients experience a high level of sensitivity to hot or cold foods. However, this usually subsides within a few days.
- Replacing If Damaged : Veneers cannot just be patched up if they are damaged; they need to be fully replaced, which will incur further costs.
Dental Veneers or Teeth Bonding – Which Lasts Longer?
If longevity is your biggest concern, then you should pick veneers over dental bonding.
There is a reason why veneers carry a higher price tag than bonding, and a lot is due to their longevity.
Porcelain veneers, when looked after properly, can last up to 20 years before they need to be replaced. On the low-end, you can still expect to get more than 10 years of wear.
On the other hand, dental bonding will only last between 3 and 10 years, and is often prone to chipping and staining.
Porcelain Veneers :
- Highly durable
- More stain-resistant
- More natural look long-term
- More costly
- Requires permanent enamel removal
Composite Bonding :
- Less expensive treatment
- Can be repaired easily if damaged
- Shorter overall lifespan
- Prone to staining and wear over time
In summary, if your biggest concern is longevity, dental veneers will offer 2-3x the lifespan of composite dental bonding, as long as proper care is maintained.
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Bonding?
If you generally have healthy teeth and gums, and are just wanting to correct an issue such as a gap, chip or stain, then composite bonding can be a great choice.
It is a minimally invasive and affordable dental procedure that allows patients to quickly improve their smile in one sitting.
If you are experiencing any of the following, then you could be a strong candidate for teeth bonding :
- Minor chipped teeth
- Discoloured or yellow teeth
- Small cavities
- Gaps between teeth
- Misshaped teeth
- Small, uneven or large teeth
- Looking for a low-cost solution
- Don’t frequently grind or clench
Who is a Good Candidate for Veneers?
Whether or not you should get veneers entirely depends on your overall oral health, lifestyle habits, and aesthetic goals.
On the whole, a patient must have healthy teeth, gums, and enamel to be suitable for veneers.
The expectations that come from looking after your veneers also need to be laid out, as it is an expensive procedure, and you want to get the most out of it.
So who is the ideal candidate for veneers?
- Has overall healthy teeth and gums
- Wants to improve cosmetic issues
- Has sufficient enamel for veneers to bond
- Has no severe crowding or bite issues
- Is committed to ongoing high levels of oral hygiene
If you are someone who has an array of other structural dental issues, then you will have to get these fixed before considering veneers.
A sturdy foundation is a must to properly support veneers.
Dental Veneers or Teeth Bonding – Which Costs More?
As discussed throughout this blog, composite bonding is the cheaper option when compared to dental veneers.
In Melbourne, you can expect to pay between $200 and $600 per tooth.
Porcelain veneers cost, on the other hand, carry a higher price tag between $1000 and $2,500+ per tooth.
The total cost will entirely depend on your personal circumstances, how many teeth need treating, and how much work they need.
During your initial consultation, your dentist can let you know the exact cost you can expect.
Click here if you wish to read more about how much veneers cost.
Conclusion : What Should You Pick Between Teeth Bonding and Veneers?
At the end of the day, veneers and teeth bonding are both minimally invasive treatments that can be completed in one to two visits.
However, they both serve different purposes, and the right candidate is different for both.
Speak to your dentist and see what they recommend between veneers and bonding, while highlighting specifically what it is you want to change or achieve through such a procedure.
If you wish to repair or cover up a small imperfection, then bonding will likely be the right choice.
Where veneers are a better choice if you want to cover up the majority of your front tooth’s surface.
Remember, you may not immediately be an appropriate candidate for either procedure.
If you have gum disease, active decay, or frequently grind your teeth, then you will most likely need another type of treatment before you can do any cosmetic procedure.
Why Choose Parker Dental?
If you are considering dental veneers or composite bonding in Melbourne, make sure to consult with a trusted provider like Parker Dental Care, where our team will guide you through the process and help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
We pride ourselves on consistently delivering outstanding service and care to all of our patients across Melbourne.
Located in the beautiful bayside suburb of Williamstown, Melbourne, our trusted practice is renowned for its highly experienced and talented team.
Book your appointment with us today via email or call us on 03 9397 6021.