How Do Dental Veneers and Bonding Compare? Our Santa Monica Dentists Explain

Written by Dr. Follette on Nov 28, 2023

We know that it can be tough to figure out on your own which dental treatments are appropriate for your smile and your situation. That is why our Santa Monica cosmetic dentists are here to help! We are here to give you the information that you need to make a great decision for your oral health.

Today we are going to be reviewing the respective attributes of dental veneers and dental bonding. As you’ll see, these two treatments are often used in similar situations, but they have key differences to consider. Keep reading to learn more!

Dental bonding and cosmetic veneers are both designed to cover a patient’s natural teeth in order to achieve an aesthetic or functional result. Using these treatments, you can close gaps between teeth, correct dental damage, cover dark or stained enamel, and even make teeth look better aligned.

The difference between bonding and veneers is that they utilize different materials. Dental bonding is done with composite resin, while veneers are made of porcelain. These material differences affect the treatment process in a number of ways:

  • Composite bonding can generally be completed in just one appointment, while veneers take two to three appointments to place
  • Porcelain veneers require that your natural tooth be shaved down somewhat so that the veneer will fit comfortably and not look bulky
  • If dental bonding is damaged it can be repaired, while damaged porcelain veneers need to be replaced
  • Bonding is a more affordable treatment option than porcelain veneers

As part of the process of finding the right treatment for you, our team will consider your timeline, budget, current oral health, and long-term dental goals. You don’t have to try to decipher the particularities of dental options yourself; the easiest way to get started is to call our Santa Monica dental team to schedule a consultation!