Dental veneers are an excellent option for addressing various cosmetic concerns, including stained or discolored teeth, chips, gaps, misshapen, or crooked teeth. They’re also ideal if you want a flawless, perfectly aligned smile without undergoing lengthy treatments or painful teeth whitening sessions. But before you can benefit from this transformative cosmetic treatment, you must decide whether to choose porcelain or composite veneers.
Choosing the right veneer ensures you’re delighted with your treatment results. So, it’s important to understand the different types of veneers and their potential advantages and setbacks. In this article, we’ll review each material’s pros and cons to help you make an informed decision based on your needs.
WHAT ARE VENEERS?
Veneers are paper-thin, tooth-colored shells designed to cover the outer surface of a tooth to correct imperfections or improve its overall look. Veneers are made from different materials and can be custom-made based on your facial aesthetics, desired outcome, and the health of your natural teeth. The purpose of veneers is to help you achieve a natural-looking smile that complements your unique facial features and enhances your natural beauty while improving or maintaining the function of your teeth.
Veneers are incredibly versatile; you can have as few as one or two applied to cover specific imperfections, or you can have eight or more veneers to cover all visible teeth for a complete smile makeover. With proper care and maintenance, veneers are a long-lasting solution that can protect your teeth from further damage, improve your bite, and even reduce tooth sensitivity in some cases.
What are Composite Veneers?
There are two types of veneers: composite veneers and porcelain veneers. Composite veneers are created from tooth-colored composite resin used in fillings and teeth bonding. When comparing composite veneers vs porcelain veneers cost, they’re more affordable than porcelain. They can be sculpted directly onto each tooth, meaning the entire process can be completed in just one or two appointments.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
When choosing between composite vs porcelain veneers, porcelain is the superior option, offering increased durability and a natural-looking appearance. Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells that fit snugly over your teeth, providing greater strength and a more aesthetically pleasing finish. While they may be slightly more expensive than composite veneers, the investment is worth it for their durability and realistic look.
COMPOSITE VENEERS VS PORCELAIN VENEERS
Apart from being made from distinct materials, porcelain and composite veneers differ in other aspects, including their final appearance, durability, affordability, and more. Below are some of the main differences between composite and porcelain veneers.
Look
High-quality porcelain veneers are handmade by skilled ceramicists at specialized dental labs, which gives them a unique depth effect that composite veneers or snap-on teeth cannot match. They are also translucent, catching light like natural teeth, making them look highly realistic. In contrast, composite resin veneers have a dull, matte finish that doesn’t reflect light and tends to make the veneer look far more apparent and unnatural.
Durability
Porcelain veneers are generally considered more durable than composite veneers. Porcelain is a stronger material and less likely to chip or crack than composite resin. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last up to 10-15 years or even longer.
On the other hand, composite veneers may need to be refreshed or replaced more frequently since they are not as strong as porcelain and may break more easily. Composite veneers can last 5-7 years with excellent care, but they can be easily damaged, too.
Whitening Abilities
Porcelain veneers are less likely to stain than their composite resin counterparts. That is because porcelain is a non-porous material, meaning it doesn’t absorb stains from food and beverages like natural teeth. Conversely, composite veneers are porous, so they’re more prone to discoloration or staining from smoking, drinking dark-colored beverages, or eating dark foods.
It’s worth noting that even porcelain veneers can become discolored over time if not properly cared for. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices and avoiding habits that can lead to staining, such as smoking or consuming highly pigmented foods and drinks, such as wine and coffee, is essential for longevity.
Process
One relative advantage of composite veneers over porcelain is that they require minimal prep work on your teeth. Additionally, the material can be easily repaired or replaced by a dentist, and it can be reversed or removed if necessary without causing much damage to your natural teeth. However, the superior results and increased durability of porcelain veneers make them worth the wait and the extra preparation.
Although the process for porcelain veneers is a bit more involved and may require more appointments, the results are often much more realistic and aesthetically pleasing. Porcelain veneers are incredibly strong and can last for 10 to 15 years without chipping, staining, or losing their shine with proper care. In contrast, composite veneers may only last for 5 to 7 years.
COMPOSITE VS PORCELAIN VENEERS: WHICH VENEERS ARE BETTER?
Although composite veneers have some advantages, including affordability, there are two areas in which they simply can’t compete with porcelain veneers: aesthetics and durability. Porcelain veneers are known for their strength and natural appearance. They’re crafted from a high-quality ceramic material that closely mimics the look and feel of natural teeth. On the other hand, composite veneers are made of a tooth-colored resin material bonded to the front of your teeth, often resulting in a thick, bulky appearance.
In terms of aesthetics, porcelain veneers are the preferred choice by top cosmetic dentists because of their lifelike appearance. Plus, porcelain veneers are more resistant to staining and discoloration, which can help them maintain their beauty over time.
COSMETIC DENTAL PROCEDURES FROM MR DENTAL AESTHETICS
Whether you just want to fix a couple of flawed teeth or are considering a full smile makeover, dental veneers can make a huge aesthetic and functional difference.
The decision between composite vs porcelain veneers largely depends on your goals, budget, and the current state of your teeth. However, porcelain is generally considered the better-quality option and the only material Dr. Rashti offers her patients for cosmetic dental restorations.
Dr. Rashti believes in accessing overall health before discussing any cosmetic options. She specializes in working with phobic individuals and treats all patients with respect and privacy. At MR Dental Aesthetics, you will be seen by Dr. Rashti and receive her full attention at every appointment.
With a range of personalized cosmetic dental procedures, compassionate treatment, and impeccable service, MR Dental Aesthetics offers the best dental care in a luxurious and peaceful environment right at the heart of Beverly Hills.
Call 310-623-3330 or click here to book an appointment with a leading Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist and take the first step towards a brighter, healthier smile.
