Composite Or Porcelain Veneers

Dental work is crucial, and people pay a lot of attention to it. People work hard on getting the perfect smile which improves their confidence and self-esteem. Dental experts make sure that they have all the tools necessary for them to provide outstanding service to their clients at any moment possible, but there are also different procedures that these dental professionals perform for them to achieve perfection when working with patients.

One of these procedures includes composite and porcelain veneers which both serve similar functions while having their pros and cons. This makes choosing one difficult because some are not aware of how the procedure works before going through it themselves.

This article will continue to outline the differences between composite and porcelain veneers so you can decide which is right for you.

What are composite and porcelain veneers?

The topic of composite vs porcelain veneers often comes up among dental patients. So, what must you know about these two types of veneers?

Composite veneers are made from a resin material bonded to your teeth’ front surface. On the other hand, porcelain veneers are created in a lab and consist of thin pieces of porcelain that are custom-made to fit over your existing teeth.

What are the differences between composite and porcelain veneers?

The first difference is that composite veneers are made from plastic, whereas porcelain veneers are made from ceramic. Composite veneers usually take one appointment to be installed because they are pre-made and ready to go. However, porcelain veneers require at least two appointments to have them successfully fitted on your teeth since they need to be molded in shape according to your teeth’ dimensions.

The other big difference is that composite veneers stain easier than their ceramic counterparts. This means that if you drink coffee or tea often, your composite will look darker and more stained over time. Porcelain veneers do not have this issue because they are resistant to staining, so your smile will stay white for a more extended period if you decide to get them installed.

The last difference is that composite veneers are cheaper than porcelain veneers. However, the quality of the service is not as good as what you would get with ceramic veneers. So, if you are looking for a cheap option and don’t mind having to replace them every few years, then composite might be right for you; but if you want something that will serve you longer and look great while doing it, then porcelain is the way to go.

Pros and cons of using composite or porcelain veneers for your treatment

Composite veneers

Pros

• Composite veneers are made using composite resin, which is a tooth-colored material. It is sometimes mixed with glass or ceramic filing to increase its strength
• Composite resins are more affordable than porcelain veneers
• You don’t have to wait a long time for the composite resins to be ready
• The longevity of the treatment is short as compared to porcelain veneers

Cons

• The main drawback of composite veneers is that they are not as strong as porcelain and can chip or break more easily
• They also tend to stain more easily than porcelain, so they need to be regularly cleaned and may not be the best option for people with a history of tooth decay

Porcelain veneers

Cons

• When comparing composite vs porcelain veneers, you must note that the latter is more strong and more durable. Porcelain veneers can serve you for over 15 years, unlike composite veneers, which might need replacement after approximately five years
• As stated by the dentists at Dentist 4U, porcelain veneers are also highly resistant to stains compared with other restorative materials such as bondable resin composites (or bonded fillings). This is because porcelain is a ceramic material that does not absorb stains from food and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, etc. It looks natural due to its translucent property and reflects light similarly to your teeth’ enamel. They look very much similar to your natural teeth in terms of shape and shade but may be slightly thicker than them
• Another advantage of porcelain veneers is that it is better suited for individuals with sensitive teeth

Cons

• However, porcelain veneers are more expensive when compared to composite ones. The cost is between $800 and $2500 per tooth in the US market
• Also, they need a higher maintenance routine because they can chip or fracture if you clench or grind your teeth (bruxism) too hard or consume lots of stain-causing food and drinks regularly without brushing them off immediately after consumption. You will require regular dental checkups every six months to ensure their health and hygiene so that cavities do not form around them due to bacterial build-up

Which is the best option for you?

Back to the big question: Which is the best option for you, composite vs. porcelain veneers? The answer: it depends.

Composite veneers are a perfect option if you have teeth that are slightly crooked, gapped, chipped, or discolored. They’re also an excellent choice to improve your smile when you don’t have time for major dental work. Composite veneers can usually be applied in one visit to the dentist, and they typically cost less than porcelain veneers.

However, composite veneers aren’t as strong as porcelain, and they may not last as long. As explained by dentists at Dentist 4U, if you have very stained or damaged teeth, composite veneers might not be the best option. You may need a stronger veneer, or you might have to undergo another procedure first.

If your budget allows, porcelain veneers are a better choice than composite. Porcelain is stain-resistant and lasts longer than composite, so it’s a good option if you want your veneers to last for many years.

But porcelain veneers can be expensive, and they require two appointments to the dentist – one for preparation and one for placement. They also need some dental work (like tooth whitening) before the veneers can be applied, which means that the total cost of getting porcelain veneers may be higher than getting composite veneers.

Final Word

So, as you can see from the article above, there is no simple answer for picking between composite and porcelain veneers. The best thing to get you started is to talk to your dentist about which option would be best for you.