Comparing Porcelain and Composite Veneers: Pros and Cons

Are you seeking a dental solution to reinforce damaged enamels and mask underlying flaws? Consider the benefits of dental veneers in cosmetic dentistry.

Understanding Dental Veneers: How They Work and What They Are

Dental veneers are restorative devices that dentists in Trafalgar employ to improve teeth’ appearance by modifying the colors, shapes, alignment, and sizes. They are primarily cosmetic solutions for restoring teeth with various imperfections.

​Dental veneers near you work by masking underlying flaws, usually from the front side. Ideally, a dentist will prepare the front surface of target teeth, then layer them with porcelain or composite veneers to better their aesthetics. Therefore, dentists will often recommend dental veneers for elevating the appearance of the front upper and lower teeth, but not the molars.

Porcelain Vs. Composite Veneers

Whether you get porcelain or composite dental veneers in Trafalgar, they will elevate your smile’s appearance. The major difference between them is the material; porcelain and composite have different pros and cons.

​Porcelain veneers are ceramic materials custom-made in a dental laboratory. The material resembles natural tooth enamel, providing a translucent, natural-looking appearance. Composite veneers, on the other hand, feature a tooth-colored resin material directly applied and sculpted on teeth surfaces. The cosmetic dentist typically matches the resin to the desired tooth color and can shape and polish it to achieve a natural look. Other than the material, other differences between porcelain and composite veneers are:

• Procedure:

Porcelain veneers usually involve multiple dental visits. During the first appointment, your dentist removes a small amount of enamel to accommodate the dental restorations. Afterward, (s)he takes the teeth’ impressions, sending them to a dental lab for fabrication. The dentist then places a temporary veneer over the prepared tooth as you await the permanent one. The dentist will bond the porcelain veneers to your teeth in the subsequent visit using dental cement.

Composite veneers are placed in a single dental visit. The dentist applies and sculpts the composite resin directly onto the teeth, layer by layer, shaping and polishing it to achieve the desired appearance. The process is generally quicker compared to porcelain veneers. In about 45 minutes, you should be ready to leave the dental office with a fresh new smile.

• Longevity:

Porcelain veneers are popular for their durability and longevity. They can last for 10 to 15 years or even longer with proper care. Meanwhile, composite veneers can last between 5 and 10 years, depending on how well you care for your teeth post-treatment. Besides, they may require more frequent maintenance and repairs due to wear and staining.

Invasiveness Porcelain veneers require intense preparation for the front surface of teeth. The preparation is necessary to account for the size of the porcelain laminate. However, composites do not require extensive preparation. Instead, the dentist will only remove a small portion of the tooth to roughen it before treatment.

• Aesthetics:

Porcelain veneers offer excellent aesthetics, easily mimicking the translucency and shine of natural tooth enamel. Further, porcelain veneers are highly customizable, allowing for precise color matching and shaping.

While composite veneers can also provide a natural-looking appearance, they may achieve a different level of translucency and luster than porcelain. However, advancements in composite materials have improved over the years, allowing composite veneers to provide better aesthetic results.

• Cost:

The higher cost of materials makes porcelain veneers more expensive than composite veneers. Besides, the extensive work in a dental laboratory to create them further heightens the cost. Composite veneers are generally more affordable than porcelain veneers since they can be fabricated directly in the dental office.

Which Is the Best Between Composite and Porcelain Veneers?

Ultimately, the choice between porcelain and composite veneers depends on your needs, budget, and your dentist’s recommendation. Take your time to consider the factors that make each type of veneer unique, such as durability and cost relative to the desired outcome and the initial condition of your teeth. The good news is that you can rely on our dental team at Indian Creek Family Dentistry to guide you steadily toward picking the best dental restoration for your smile.