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If a chip, a small gap, or a stubborn stain bothers you every time you smile, you have options. Two of the most popular are veneers and bonding. Both can make a real difference. They simply work in different ways and suit different goals.
What is dental bonding?
Bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin that is shaped and hardened directly on your tooth. There is no lab involved, and little or no tooth structure needs to be removed.
Bonding is a great fit for:
- Small chips and rough edges
- Closing small gaps
- Reshaping a single tooth
- Covering a small stain or spot
Bonding is conservative and budget-friendly. The tradeoff is that composite can stain and wear over time, so bonded teeth may need touch-ups. Learn more on our dental bonding page.
What are dental veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom shells, usually porcelain, that cover the front of your teeth. They are designed in a dental lab to match the shape, size, and shade you want.
Veneers are a great fit for:
- Changing the shape or length of several teeth
- Deep stains that whitening cannot lift
- Worn or uneven teeth
- A more complete smile makeover
Porcelain resists staining and holds its polish for many years. Veneers usually require some reshaping of the tooth surface, so they are a bigger commitment than bonding. See our dental veneers page for more.
Veneers vs. bonding at a glance
- Best for: bonding suits small fixes on one or two teeth; veneers suit bigger changes across several teeth
- Durability: porcelain veneers generally last longer than bonding
- Stain resistance: porcelain resists stains better than composite
- Tooth preparation: bonding needs little or none; veneers usually need some
- Cost: bonding costs less up front; veneers are a larger investment
Consider whitening first
Neither bonding nor porcelain changes color with whitening. If you would like brighter teeth overall, it often makes sense to start with teeth whitening, then match any bonding or veneers to your new shade.
Sometimes the answer is both
Many smiles benefit from a mix. For example, you might choose veneers on your front teeth and bonding to touch up a chipped tooth nearby. Dr. Bevan will talk through what you want to change and recommend only what you actually need.
Not sure which is right for you?
Book a free online consult and talk through your smile goals from home. Call us at (707) 255-3007 or visit our contact page for more options.
