Porcelain Veneers vs. Cosmetic Bonding

When it comes to improving the smile with beautiful, natural-looking results, Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist Dr. Kevin Sands offers a full range of potential solutions. Two of the most versatile options that Dr. Sands performs for correcting dental damage and perceived smile flaws are cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers. Both of these treatments can conceal deep dental stains, gaps between teeth, chipped/cracked teeth, worn/short teeth, and misshapen teeth.

Depending on your individual needs, one treatment may be more suitable for you than the other. Below, Dr. Sands has outlined a few key points for patients to consider when deciding between veneers and bonding.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of high-quality ceramic material that are bonded to the visible front surfaces of teeth to both conceal cosmetic concerns and enhance each tooth’s appearance. The durability, stain-resistance, and natural aesthetic properties of porcelain veneers can make them a long-lasting option for smile improvement. A unique feature of porcelain veneers is their ability to correct the appearance of mild to moderate tooth misalignment. In the majority of cases, porcelain veneers are the best option for achieving comprehensive, star-quality smile makeovers.

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic dental bonding utilizes tooth-colored composite resin material to cover aesthetic dental flaws and restore/reshape teeth. The resin is layered onto the tooth, hardened with a curing light, and then shaped and polished to achieve the final result. This treatment may be an excellent option for patients who desire changes to their smile but are not ready to invest in porcelain veneers.

Both options can offer a variety of benefits – especially when performed by a seasoned professional like Dr. Sands. That said, each comes with potential drawbacks, as well. For instance, cosmetic bonding can’t provide results that are as dramatic or long-lasting as veneers, which generally makes it better suited for temporary fixes or minor repairs. On the other hand, porcelain veneers require some enamel removal to fit the restoration, which may not be ideal for every patient. Additional factors, such as the cost of treatment, can also play a key role in deciding between veneers and bonding.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Sands will explain these options in detail, listen to your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals. To learn more about how porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding could give you the smile you’ve always wanted, schedule your appointment with Dr. Sands today! 

Editor’s note: This blog was originally posted on May 18th, 2021