Bonding Vs Crowns Vs Veneers

Bonding Vs Crowns Vs veneers, question patients always ask us. Let us first explain the meaning of each one of these procedures.

What is bonding?

Dental bonding is treatment in which a resin (plastic) material is “glued” to the tooth and hardened with a special blue light.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or resin that are bonded to the front of the teeth. Porcelain veneers are stronger than resin veneers and do not stain.

What are crowns?

Crowns are "caps" that fully cover the teeth.

Selecting bonding Vs veneers

Dental bonding and veneers have almost the same indications. Dental bonding usually requires a single visit. In contrast, veneers (and crowns) require at least two dental visits to apply.

Dental bonding is a less complicated procedure than veneers; therefore, it is less expensive. If this is the case, why would we sometimes suggest that you get veneers and not bonding?

1. Dental bonding is much weaker and does not last as long as a veneer. Therefore, we only suggest it for the repair of small chips in a tooth.
2. If you have more extensive damage to your tooth, a veneer would be stronger, would last longer, and would give a better cosmetic result.
3. Dental bonding does not resist stains as well as veneers and crowns.

Selecting crowns Vs veneers

A veneer is a more conservative restoration as it only requires alteration of the front of the tooth. Veneers are great for closing gaps between teeth. However, in the following situations, Dr. Elseweifi would recommend a crown vs a veneer:

• When the back surface of the tooth is worn or decayed. A veneer requires a sound and healthy back surface with intact enamel.
• If you clench your teeth. People with teeth clenching (bruxism) are not good candidates for veneers.
• If you have lots of active decay. Veneers are only good if decay activity is not severe.
• If you have a bit problem that needs to be modified.
• If you have very thin or eroded enamel on the front surface of the tooth. Veneers require good amount of enamel on the front of the tooth.
• If your teeth are significantly crooked.
• If you require several crowns and veneers making color matching a challenge. In this case, better cosmetic results are achieved with placing crowns on all the teeth involved.

We hope this information would help you make an informed decision and understand the rationale for our recommendations. You can further ask questions at the consultation appointment.