5 Little Known Differences Between Composite and Porcelain Veneers

Have you always wanted to improve your smile? If so, dental veneers are be a great option.

However, before you can benefit from veneers, you have to decide between composite veneers vs porcelain veneers. This may seem like a difficult decision, but it doesn’t have to be.

Use the information here to make an informed decision regarding which type of veneers is right for you.

Who Is Eligible for Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are designed to cover up tooth imperfections and help you improve your smile. Some imperfections that dental veneers can help with include misshapen or crooked teeth; teeth that need to be whiter or are discolored, stained, or chipped; and situations where the enamel has eroded.

Veneers will cover part of your teeth, but they aren’t the same thing as a crown, which is thicker and will cover an entire tooth 360 degress– the front, sides and back. Crowns are also going to require more grinding of the tooth, which is not needed with veneers.

If your teeth are in pretty good shape, and you want to change your appearance, including the color and shape of your teeth, veneers may be a conservative and smart option. Usually, crowns are only used for teeth that are more damaged. If you have a broken tooth or if you need a root canal, a crown will be a better option.

Types of Veneers

When you decide that veneers may be right for you, your dentist will evaluate and present to you with 2 main options:

  • Composite Veneers (direct and indirect)
  • Porcelain veneers

Learn more about each of these here.

Direct Composite Veneers

These veneers are made of composite resin and artistically applied directly to your teeth. With these veneers, litlle to no tooth structure needs to be removed. That means little or no grinding.

The application process is also the most minimally invasive of the two veneer options.

 

Porcelain Veneers

These veneers are custom made for your teeth. For these, the dentist will make an impression of your teeth, which means the veneers will be made from a mold in a lab. Sometimes the process may take up to a two weeks or more.

You will receive a set of temporary veneers while you are waiting. This is similar to getting a crown.

When the permanent porcelain veneers are ready, your dentist will use bonding cement to apply the thin shells to the front of your teeth.

The fact is, technology for composite veneers has come a long way, thanks to dedicated professionals in the industry. For example, Dr. Eshom’s Bioclear Uveneer Procedure is extremely effective and provides the desired results in less invasive and more affordable price than the porcelain option.

Composite Veneers vs Porcelain Veneers

It is important to understand there are advantages and disadvantages to both types of veneers. You need to consider the benefits and potential downsides before making a choice.

Composite Veneers

Some of the pros of composite veneers include:

  • They cost less
  • Short application process (same day treatment)
  • Can cover any aesthetic issue (i.e., discolorations, misshapen teeth, etc.)

The cons of composite veneers include:

  • Material is 5% weaker than porcelain and could chip
  • Last 7-10 years
  • Look slightly less natural than porcelain
  • Can make teeth look whiter but not with extremely dark teeth

Porcelain Veneers

The pros of porcelain veneers include:

  • Custom made
  • Longer lasting because of the stronger materials used
  • Ability to fix darker stained teeth
  • Most natural look

Cons of porcelain veneers include:

  • More expensive
  • May fall off and need to be replaced
  • The application requires more than one dental visit
  • more tooth structure needs to be removed than composite

With this list of pros can cons, you will have a general idea of what each type of veneer offers.

The Main Differences in Composite Veneers vs Porcelain Veneers

Now that you have a basic understanding of what each type of veneer material offers, knowing the specific differences is key. The top 5 differences include:

1. Time

Composite veneers can be applied faster than porcelain veneers. This is because they are applied during a single chairside visit.

Porcelain veneers take a minimum of two visits two weeks apart to apply.

2. Durability

When porcelain veneers are properly cared for, they can last for 10 to 20 years. Composite veneers only last 7 to 10 years.

3. Aesthetics

Porcelain veneers look more natural because the translucent properties allow it to catch the light like your natural tooth. Composite resin still looks good but can’t match the look provided by porcelain.

4. Cost

Initially, porcelain veneers are the more expensive option. That is because the placement of these will take more resources, expertise, and time. However, composite veneers may have to be repaired or replaced more often, so the cost could even out over time.

5. Dentist Recommendations

Your dentist will likely recommend one option or the other for your needs and situation. This will help in deciding.

Making a Decision

At the end of the day, the best way to determine if you should go with composite veneers vs porcelain veneers is by speaking to your Dr. Eshom and team. You should discuss the aesthetic goals you have and weight your personal considerations.

What this means is that you have to figure out what is most important to you. If you are searching for a more cost-effective solution, then choosing composite veneers is going to be the best fit.

However, if you have a more serious aesthetic concern or if you want the most durable and natural treatment solution possible (and the cost isn’t an issue), then porcelain veneers will provide you with the best results.

If you are ready to get started or have more questions about dental veneers, contact us.

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