Teeth Bonding vs Veneers: What is the Difference?

While both teeth bonding vs veneers can correct stains, imperfections and discolorations, teeth bonding vs veneers have some significant differences. Cosmetic dental treatments all have different purposes, such as correcting deformities and improving functionality. So let’s look into the details of these procedures to understand how they differ and how to decide which suits you best! 

dental treatments before and after

Descriptions of Teeth Bonding vs Veneers

So, what exactly is teeth bonding vs. veneers? Teeth bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to the surface. A special light is applied to harden the material to hold it in place securely. The bonded tooth is polished to match the rest of the tooth’s color. This technique can fix chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps, or improve discolorations

Veneers, conversely, are custom-made thin shells generally made from Emax or porcelain and fitted on the front side of the tooth. They improve the tooth’s color, shape, size, and length. For this procedure, a very small amount of enamel must be removed from the front of the teeth to place veneers in this gap. After taking an impression, the custom-made veneers are made in the dental lab, and then the dentists bond them to the teeth with special cement and light. 

You can take a look at the teeth bonding vs veneers pictures below to understand them better: 

teeth bonding picture
Teeth bonding
dental veneers picture
Dental veneers

The Differences Explained

What are the differences between teeth bonding vs veneers? As we discussed before, teeth bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to the problematic surface and it is a minimally invasive procedure. The process is quick, can often be completed in a single visit and it is suitable for correcting minor problems such as chips, gaps, or slightly misshapen teeth. It is also very affordable. However, the resin material is less durable than veneer materials and may require replacements every few years. 

Veneers, on the other hand, are thin shells that are custom-designed to cover the front surface of the teeth. The procedure involves removing a small amount of enamel to ensure a perfect fit for the veneers. Once the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken and sent to a dental lab, where the veneers are crafted to match the patient’s desired shape, size, and color. Porcelain veneers, in particular, are highly resistant to staining and are very durable, often lasting 10 to 15 years or more with proper care. So, veneers provide a more permanent and aesthetically pleasing solution than bonding as bonding only addresses minor imperfections. However, when comparing the cost dental bonding vs veneers they are also more expensive, and the process is irreversible due to the removal of enamel. This makes veneers a more significant investment and commitment for those seeking a long-term solution to cosmetic dental issues.

choosing the color of dental veneers

Which One is Right for You?

How can you decide whether to choose teeth bonding vs veneers? The choice actually depends on your specific needs, aesthetic desires, teeth condition and budget. If you are looking for minor adjustments without any tooth preparation, a quick and less expensive solution, teeth bonding may be a viable option for you. The teeth bonding does not require a tooth preparation, while during dental veneers, a small enamel of the tooth should be removed as it covers the whole surface of the tooth.

mcan dental's dentist in istanbul turkey
MCAN Dental’s Dentist and Patient

However, if you desire more aesthetic outcomes and much more durability, dental veneers can be what you are looking for. Dental veneers cover the whole front surface of teeth, while the bonding only covers the problematic areas such as chipped or cracked parts. So, if you desire to address more pronounced cosmetic problems such as severe discolorations, large gaps or misshapen teeth, dental veneers can be the most appropriate option rather than teeth bonding. Also, teeth bonding needs more touch-ups than veneers. Veneers can last around 10-15 years with proper care. So, veneers offer durable and aesthetic results and provide a natural and life-like appearance due to the translucency of the material. Ultimately, the choice between bonding vs veneers depends on your needs and desires. 

dental veneers removing of enamel

It is important to consult with a dental expert to discuss your needs and expectations. During your face-to-face consultation, the dentist can inform you about your oral health and how to improve the aesthetic and function of your teeth and then recommend the best option. It is important to honestly share your medical history and expectations with the dentist. 

Cost Dental Bonding vs Veneers

We have covered the essential differences between teeth bonding vs veneers. How about taking a look at the cost dental bonding vs veneers? We know it is important to know the dental treatment prices to make an informed decision. As we stated before, teeth bondings are less expensive as their material are less durable, they only cover the problematic areas and there is no need for dental preparation and multiple visits. Dental bondings in Turkey generally cost around  £150, while in UK or in USA the price can go up to £400 per tooth

Veneers, on the other hand, are much more expensive, as the material is high-quality and very durable. The cost of dental veneers in Turkey ranges from £130 to £300 per tooth. This cost can go as high as  Veneers are custom-made in a dental lab, so they fit perfectly with your natural teeth’s color and shape. Therefore, veneers require multiple visits, which also adds to their costs. During the initial consultation, the dentist examines the teeth thoroughly and prepares the teeth for the veneers. The dental impressions are taken and sent to the dental lab. During the second visit, custom veneers are bonded to the teeth, requiring skill and time. 

dental veneers in turkey

Although dental bondings can be partially covered by insurance in the USA or NHS in the UK if it is deemed medically necessary, dental veneers are seen as elective and cosmetic enhancements. Therefore, they are not covered. This makes them significantly expensive, as well as long waiting and treatment times. In this case, dental treatment abroad can be a cost-effective and viable option. Countries like Turkey have a strong medical infrastructure with highly experienced dentists. Dentists have the chance to practice much more than their colleagues in other countries as each year, there are millions of medical tourists coming to the country. When trying to find the most suitable and reliable dental clinic, you should take into account several aspects. These include the national and international accreditations of the company, the multilingual staff, the experience of the medical team, case studies, and before-after photos of the dental treatment patients.  

mcan dental before and after dental veneers