Porcelain Veneers vs Composite Veneers
Dental veneers (also known as instant orthodontics) are a popular treatment option for patients who have misaligned, crooked, discolored, or chipped teeth. Patients who are good candidates for veneers will have the option of choosing either composite veneers or valparaiso porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers are designed to fit the unique structure of your mouth and shade of your natural teeth by adhering thin porcelain shells to the surface of your tooth or teeth. Composite veneers are made of composite resin that is adhered to the surface of your tooth or teeth.
There are benefits and drawbacks to each veneer type, which are detailed below.
What are the Advantages of Composite Veneers?
There are a number of advantages to composite veneers, but the most commonly cited benefit is the cost. Porcelain veneers typically cost twice as much as composite veneers, which can be an especially significant issue given that the procedure is not typically covered by insurance, which means patients have to pay out-of-pocket.
The time involved in having composite veneers placed is also much shorter. Porcelain veneers typically take two or three visits to complete, whereas composite veneers can be performed in a single visit. During your appointment, your dentist will determine a shade of resin that matches your surrounding teeth and will then apply, cure, and polish the veneer. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, will require multiple visits and will likely require that patients wear temporaries between appointments.
Finally, composite veneers have the advantage of being reversible. The composite veneer process requires minimal prep work on your teeth, which means they can be replaced easily, whereas porcelain veneers will require that your natural teeth be reshaped to fit the veneer.
What are the Advantages of Porcelain Veneers?
One of the biggest advantages to porcelain veneers compared to composite veneers is durability. Porcelain veneers are significantly stronger than composite veneers and can last as long as twenty-five years, provided they are properly cared for, whereas composite veneers will typically need to be replaced every five to seven years. One of the primary drawbacks to porcelain veneers is that they do cost more than composite veneers, but due to their longevity, the overall difference in cost between porcelain veneers and composite is not as significant as it initially seems.
Along with added durability, porcelain veneers also have a distinct advantage of allowing patients to preserve the natural appearance of their teeth. Porcelain veneers are also much more resistant to chipping or staining compared to composite veneers. This added strength means you will not have to make any alterations to your diet and are less likely to require maintenance appointments.
Which is Right for Me?
Fortunately, both treatment options are highly effective solutions, so which option is right for you typically comes down to personal preference. Patients who are more concerned with having a cost-effective solution that requires fewer appointments will likely be happiest with composite veneers, whereas patients who have a strong preference for the aesthetic appearance of porcelain and/or are interested in a longer term solution will likely be a better fit for porcelain veneers.
More on Porcelain Veneers : How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?