Don’t let tooth problems leave you unwilling to show off your smile. Consider having a dentist create veneers for you. To make your appropriate selection of this popular type of tooth covering, consider the differences between porcelain and composite veneers and regain a winning smile. Mark L. Civin, D.D.S., P.A., has the advice to help you decide which one would be ideal for you.
The Importance of Veneers
Dental veneers are a common choice to treat imperfections in someone’s teeth that are cosmetic in nature. These are thin coverings that fit over the front of the teeth. They have a color and shape that resemble natural teeth, hiding imperfections without being obviously synthetic.
Patients can receive a veneer on one problematic tooth or have several installed. Some of the dental problems that veneers can treat include:
- Chips
- Cracks
- Discoloration
- Gaps
- Misalignments
- Misshapen teeth
- Oddly sized teeth
Veneers don’t address cavities, root damage, or similar health issues related to your teeth. Your dentist would need to address such problems first before applying a veneer.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
The primary distinction of porcelain veneers is that they are a custom-fit option for solving many types of cosmetic issues. Dentists remove part of the tooth’s enamel before adhering a porcelain veneer, helping it stay in place.
Offers Maximum Durability
When comparing veneer durability, porcelain offers significantly greater longevity. Each one should last 10 to 20 years. Regular checkups can help extend that timeline, as dentists can perform maintenance on the veneers. By comparison, a composite might only last four to eight years.
Porcelain also resists stains and chips, which enhances its longevity. Composite veneers are more likely to show stains.
Delivers Realistic Appearance
Porcelain offers an almost translucent quality that closely resembles natural teeth. Because of its appearance, porcelain works nicely for hiding the most severe dental problems, including significant discoloration or odd shapes.
Advantages of Applying Composite Veneers
The main advantage of composite veneers is that they consist of resin, which means they’re cheaper to make and apply. Dentists do not need to remove the enamel of the tooth to apply composite material, which means you’re not damaging the tooth when applying the veneer, as happens with porcelain.
Composite Veneers Cost Less
Weighing the cost factors of dental veneers is essential when comparing porcelain and composite veneers. Estimates show that composites cost about two-thirds to one-half of what you can expect to pay for porcelain veneers. If you need the treatment across several teeth, the lower cost of composite can be a significant advantage.
Easier To Make Repairs
If the composite veneer suffers damage, repairing it is a far easier and cheaper process compared to porcelain veneers. And while it’s less likely you’ll need repairs with porcelain, which is more durable, some damage to porcelain veneers is not repairable, meaning you’d have to pay for a full replacement. Composite veneers are almost always repairable, saving you money.
Installation Is Less Time Consuming
Dentists can often inspect the teeth and apply the resin to create composite veneers in a single appointment. With porcelain veneers, the dentist takes measurements of the affected teeth and sends the data to a laboratory that makes the veneers. The laboratory often needs several days to make them, leading to a delay, though some dentists may install temporary veneers while you’re waiting.
Let Mark L. Civin, D.D.S., P.A., Explain How Veneers Can Give You the Perfect Smile
Understanding the difference between porcelain and composite veneers is important when you need this type of dental work. Because of the different costs, appearances, and application techniques, you want to have all the dental veneer facts in hand.
Mark L. Civin, D.D.S., P.A., has extensive experience delivering cosmetic dentistry options that clients love and is committed to optimizing every smile. For help with comparing porcelain vs. composite veneers and to learn how they can improve your smile, contact the practice today at (561) 624-2224.
