Whether you’re seeking a cosmetic correction or a smile makeover, veneers are an excellent option. Primarily there are two different types of veneers: composite and porcelain. When considering composite veneers vs porcelain veneers, multiple factors determine which is most suitable for you. Read on to learn more about the differences between the two treatments, and then schedule a consultation at our dental clinic.
Composite veneers vs porcelain veneers – What’s the difference?
Both composite veneers and porcelain veneers cover the front of natural teeth to conceal deep stains and correct minor cosmetic issues to improve the smile’s aesthetics. But they are very different treatments.
Because porcelain veneers are fabricated in a dental lab and bonded to the front of the teeth, dentists refer to them as indirect restorations.
On the other hand, composite veneers are hand-crafted by a dentist directly onto the affected teeth, using the same type of composite resin used for white tooth fillings. Both are coloured to match or whiten your natural teeth and improve the overall appearance of your smile.
Let’s look at the factors that may determine which is best for you.
Time
If time is of the essence, composite veneers are the quickest to apply to teeth because they are applied chairside in a single dental visit. The dentist will colour the composite to match the shade of your surrounding teeth, so they blend seamlessly into your smile.
The resin is layered onto the front surface of the teeth and skilfully moulded and shaped by the dentist. The veneers are then cured and polished to resemble natural teeth. You walk out the same day brandishing your brand new look.
Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, typically require two dental visits. Our dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from the teeth receiving your veneers, take an impression, and send a mould to the dental laboratory.
While waiting for your dental veneers to come back from the lab, you may be issued temporary veneers to protect the prepared teeth. During the second visit, we will get you to try on your permanent new veneers, check your bite, and bond them to your teeth.
Durability
When comparing composite veneers vs porcelain veneers for durability, the latter wins hands down. You can expect porcelain veneers to last between 10 and 15 years before they need replacing. Composite veneers, on the other hand, have a shelf-life of between 4 to 8 years.
Although porcelain is fragile, it becomes very durable when bonded to a healthy tooth. While composite is durable, it’s more susceptible to chipping as it’s not as strong as porcelain. However, a repair isn’t always possible when a porcelain veneer is damaged, and replacement may be necessary, whereas your dentist can quickly repair a composite veneer.
Aesthetics
Porcelain has translucent properties that catch the light similarly to tooth enamel, giving a smile its natural sparkle. While composite veneers look great, it’s no match for porcelain.
One of the advantages of porcelain veneers is that they are highly stain-resistant. If you place this type of dental veneer on both your upper and lower teeth, you could find yourself never needing to whiten your teeth again. Unfortunately, composite veneers stain just like natural teeth.
Another point to mention when comparing composite veneers vs porcelain veneers is that porcelain veneers are not reversible. On the contrary, your dentist can quickly remove composite veneers if you tire of them.
Cost
If cost is your primary concern, then choose composite veneers. These are the cheapest option. Porcelain veneers are more expensive because of the quality of the material and the dentist’s expertise in placing them. In addition, there are lab costs to factor in. That said, if you were to break down the costs by the number of times you may have to repair/replace composite vs porcelain veneers, things even out in the long run.
Composite veneers vs porcelain veneers – What’s the verdict?
The only way of knowing whether composite or porcelain veneers are more suitable for you is by weighing up your situation and discussing your smile goals with your dentist. In other words, consider what matters most to you.
If you’re seeking the most cost-effective solution, a composite veneers treatment plan will probably work for you. However, porcelain veneers produce fantastic results if you have more severe aesthetic concerns or are considering a natural-looking and long-lasting solution.
Regardless of which material you ultimately opt for, both treatments offer fantastic smile enhancement.
If you’re unhappy with the shape or colour of your teeth, you might want to consider dental veneers. We’re happy to discuss your best veneer options with you. Why not schedule a consultation with the experienced, friendly team at Beyond Dental Care. Get in touch today.
