Thanks to innovations in the field of cosmetic dentistry, when it comes to smile makeovers, we now have more options than ever before. Whether we want to improve the color, placement or just the overall appearance of our teeth, there is a cosmetic dentistry solution out that that suits every problem.

Dental veneers and dental bonding are two of the smile makeover treatments that are now widely available. They both involve altering the outside of the teeth so that they are whiter and more uniform in appearance. However, they are often confused with one another. To help you decide which is right for you, we have put together this blog post which explains the differences between them.

What are veneers?

Veneers are ultra-thin, tooth-shaped covers that sit on the outer enamel of your teeth. They can hide tiny gaps between your teeth, make them appear to be a more uniform size, mask tiny imperfections and give an overall impression of a whiter and more aesthetically-pleasing smile.

Veneers are made from porcelain and can be created in a wide range of shades. Each set of veneers is also custom-designed to fit the individual needs of the patient, meaning that you can achieve a smile that looks completely natural.

Fitting dental veneers

To enable your veneers to be fitted, it is necessary for your dentist to file down some of the natural enamel on your teeth. This will allow the veneer to fit flush against your teeth and give you the best aesthetic result.

The filing is performed after you have been given a local anesthetic, so you should not feel any pain while it is happening. However, it is essential to be aware that once the enamel has been filed away, it will not regenerate and cannot be restored. Therefore, once you start the process to get veneers, you are committed to the procedure.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding has a similar purpose to veneers. It is designed to improve the shape, placement of your teeth so that they look closer to society’s definition of ‘beautiful’. However, the process of bonding is very different.

​​​​​​​The process of dental bonding

The improvements are made using a special composite resin. This is pasted on to your teeth, and manipulated so that it covers any imperfections or gaps between them, and creates a uniformity of height across your smile. Once your dentist is satisfied that the resin is correctly distributed, it is then hardened using a special curing light.

Key differences between veneers and dental bonding

In addition to being totally different treatments, there are some other key differences between veneers and dental bonding that you should be made aware of. Generally speaking, veneers have several advantages over bonding. These include:

- Greater resistance to stains and discoloration.

- Availability in a wider variety of shades, making it easier to choose one that suits your skin tone and looks natural and discreet.

- Greater longevity than dental bonding.

Both veneers and dental bonding can transform the appearance of your teeth and give you the smile that you desire. If you still aren’t sure which of these cosmetic dental treatments is right for you, contact and make an appointment with our dentist who will be happy to advise you further.