Composite or Porcelain Veneers? Which Is The Right Option For You And Your Smile?
Are you looking to improve the aesthetics of your teeth and get that dream smile you have always wished for? Dental veneers are a good option to consider.
Whether you have crooked or badly shaped teeth, chipped or broken teeth, or teeth that are spaced too far apart, veneers can be very effective in correcting them all.
There are two types available to you in Liverpool, composite veneers & bonding and porcelain veneers. These two can help you achieve a really beautiful smile when done well.
However, since they are two different types of veneers, how do you know which is best for you? How do you tell the difference, and hence decide on which is right for you?
There are a couple of factors you should consider before arriving at the right one for you. In this post, we will be highlighting the major differences between composite and porcelain veneers. And we hope it will help you decide on which one you will like to opt for.
What’s The Difference Between Them?
Before we look at some factors to consider before deciding on which to go for between the two, let’s first define the major difference between the two veneers.
Porcelain veneers
These are thin shells of porcelain that are custom made to fit directly over your teeth. Think of it as false fingernails but in this case, they are for teeth. This type of veneer is used to recreate the natural look of teeth to improve your smile.
Composite veneers
Composite veneers are engineered resins affixed to the surface of your teeth in layers to achieve the desired aesthetic appearance. It uses composite materials that are non-destructive and could last for a long time.
Composite veneers are often used in a situation where there is chipping or discolouration of natural teeth. They are also used to give crooked teeth a straighter look instead of using braces such as Invisalign.
Both composite and porcelain veneers are made to look just like your natural teeth to improve your overall smile and boost your confidence. Now, let’s see some factors to consider when in doubt of which of them to go for.
Composite or Porcelain Veneers? Factors to Consider
#1: Which is quicker to achieve?
This is one of the pointers to show you which of them you would prefer. If you thinking of going for the one that can be done in the fastest time, then composite veneers might be your best option.
Composite veneers can be applied to your teeth in just one visit and right in Dr Andrews dental chair. Dr Andrew will check the natural colour of the surrounding teeth looking to receive the veneer and find a resin that best matches that exact colour.
He then adds the resin to your teeth, cures them, and polishes them. You can walk out of our dental practice that same day with a new smile.
Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, will take at least two visits to achieve. Dr Andrew will need to first take an impression of your teeth and send the mould out to the lab where the veneers will be fabricated for you.
While you await your new veneers, you will need to wear temporary veneers. During the second visit, Dr Andrew will now use tooth coloured cement to bond the new porcelain veneer to your teeth.
Porcelain veneers are not as fast as composite veneers.
#2: Which last longer, porcelain or composite veneers?
If durability is your major concern, you might need to endure the waiting time for porcelain veneers because they last longer than composite veneers.
When properly taken care of, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years while composite can only last about 4-8 years. Even though porcelain looks more fragile, once bonded to your teeth, it can be extremely durable.
#3: Ability to repair porcelain or composite veneers?
Even though porcelain veneers are stronger than composite veneers, if any damage happens to porcelain veneers, you cannot repair them. You will have to go for a replacement. On the other hand, if you chip a composite veneer, you can easily repair it.
#4: Which is more expensive?
Because porcelain veneers require more expertise, time, and resources, it is more expensive than composite veneers. Fabricating restorations in the lab costs more and great care. And now, considering the fact that it cannot be repaired compared to composite veneers, the cost could even go higher for porcelain veneers.
If you don’t have much cash to throw on getting a new smile (which of course is worth it), you can consider going for composite veneers instead if applicable to you.
#5: Which of them produces the best result
While both types of veneers are great in helping to achieve a wonderful smile, porcelain veneers tend to look more polished and last longer. The translucent properties of porcelain help it catch light extremely similar to how your natural teeth do.
Porcelain veneers are also stain-resistant. That means with porcelain veneers, you may not need to spend extra money for teeth whitening.
But composite resin is susceptible to stains just like your natural teeth would and will require polishing every year or so to remove the stains.
However, if you are not happy with the result at any time, you cannot reverse porcelain veneers; they are completely irreversible. But you can always reverse composite veneers which gives you so much flexibility.
Composite or Porcelain; what’s the Verdict?
At the end of it all, the only way to know which is best for you is to speak with your dentist. We’ll understand your aesthetic goals while also considering your personal options. That means considering what is most important to you.
If you are looking for the most cost-effective option, then you might need to go with composite veneers. However, if your priority is the most natural and durable option (and the cost is not a problem), you will get the best result with porcelain veneers.
Contact our team now by filling in our contact form and we shall help advise you to the right option for you.