The Great Debate: Dental Bonding vs. Veneers – Which Is Right for Your Staten Island Smile?

“What’s the difference between dental bonding and porcelain veneers?” 

It’s one of the most common questions we get asked here at Healthy Smiles. 

And while that might surprise a lot of you, especially with how popular implants and dentures are today, many are drawn to the idea of a less-invasive procedure that doesn’t require as big of a commitment.

And I’m sure that includes some of you in the Staten Island area…

Enter dental bonding and porcelain veneers. 

Bonding and veneers are two cosmetic dental procedures designed to enhance the beauty of your smile. While they treat similar issues and produce similar results, they do so in two completely different ways. 

Don’t worry—we’re going to detail everything you need to know before deciding if it’s right for you!

Dental Bonding: Applied Directly to the Surface of Your Teeth

Most people know what a cavity is and probably even know what a filling is. 

But what if we were to take the material we use for a filling and use it to repair cosmetic imperfections to the front surface of our teeth? 

Well, that right there is the whole idea behind dental bonding. 

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure where a tooth-colored resin (the same used with a filling) is applied to the front surface of the tooth, then hardened with a special light to bond the resin to the tooth.

It primarily addresses cosmetic issues like chips, cracks, discoloration, and gaps, but can also alter the shape, size, color, and texture of teeth.

Here’s a brief look at what you can expect from the procedure: 

1. Discuss your goals and determine if bonding is right for you
2. Evaluate your teeth to check for underlying issues like decay
3. Find the right shade to match the surrounding teeth
4. Create a suitable surface by cleaning and shaping the teeth
5. A conditioning liquid is applied to help the resin bond better
6. A soft, putty-like resin is applied to the tooth
7. The dentist sculpts the resin to the desired shape
8. A special ultraviolet (UV) light or laser is used to set the material
9. The dentist trims, shapes, and polishes the bonded resin

While there’s often no recovery time following a dental bonding procedure, patients will need to maintain good oral hygiene and be careful about what they eat, while also scheduling regular dental check-ups. 

Dental Veneers: Worn Over the Front Surface of Your Teeth

On the surface, veneers might not look much different than dental bonding. 

And they’ll both fix a lot of the same issues people have with their teeth. 

But don’t let that fool you—these two procedures are very different from one another and are reserved for two entirely different patients. 

So, what exactly are dental veneers? 

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored porcelain that are cemented to the front surface of the tooth. While that makes them more durable, it also makes them more permanent. 

Here’s a look at what you can expect from the procedure: 

1. The dentist discusses your goals and assesses your dental health
2. You and your dentist choose the number, shape, size, and color of the veneers 
3. A treatment plan is customized based on your preferences and structure
4. The dentist removes a small layer of enamel (about 0.5 mm) from the tooth surface
5. Impressions or digital scans are taken of your prepared teeth
6. The impressions are sent to a dental lab where the custom veneers are crafted
7. Temporary veneers may be placed if your teeth are noticeably altered or sensitive
8. The dentist secures the permanent veneers to your teeth and makes final adjustments

Some patients may have tooth sensitivity and gum soreness, but these are normal symptoms for the first few weeks post-procedure. Following aftercare instructions is very important, but they differ for everyone. 

Bonding vs. Veneers: Let’s Make That Decision Together!

As we mentioned earlier, there are a lot of similarities between bonding and veneers. 

They both aim to correct cosmetic imperfections, they both use tooth-colored materials that blend seamlessly with natural teeth, they’re both minimally-invasive, and the procedures are both painless. 

But they also differ in a lot of ways—and not just with the procedure. 

For example, porcelain veneers will never stain on you, but dental bonding is subject to staining. Veneers also last longer, but the process is a little longer and more tedious.

Dental bonding can be completed in one visit, but veneers take several weeks. 

At the end of the day, dental bonding will save you a little money in the short-term, but won’t last as long. Meanwhile, dental veneers will save you more money in the long run, but will cost you more up-front. 

Don’t worry—your local cosmetic dentist in Staten Island will help you narrow down your options. 

Healthy Smiles: We’re Here for You, Staten Island!

Are your teeth discolored or stained? Do you wish all your teeth were the same color? Do you feel self conscious about gaps, cracks, or chips in your teeth? Do you often hide your smile when around friends? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist!

And with that, we’d like to welcome you to Healthy Smiles—one of the best dentists in Staten Island. 

We understand you have a lot of questions and you’re probably eager to discuss your goals with us. Don’t worry—we can’t wait to hear how we can best serve you and we’re excited to get you smiling freely again. 

‍Feel free to contact us today or call us at (718) 948-1600 to discuss if dental bonding or veneers are right for you!