f you’re like most people, you probably don’t care too much for your smile. Research shows that if someone wanted to change something about their appearance, they would start with their smile.
This is why cosmetic dentistry is such a popular field. Experts expect this industry to reach $32 billion by the year 2026. One of the most popular cosmetic treatments is dental veneers (1).
In this article, we’ll explain more about traditional dental veneers including the advantages and disadvantages of composite resin and porcelain. Plus, we’ll explain how you can decide which one is right for you.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment designed to improve the appearance of teeth. This process involves placing thin, tooth-colored shells over the front of the teeth, typically the upper 6 to 8 front teeth (2).
Veneers address issues such as discoloration, size, shape, chips/cracks, and small gaps.
Permanent dental veneers are made of composite resin or porcelain and usually require extensive tooth preparation. However, there are also “no-prep” veneers, which are applied differently.
Composite Veneers
Composite resin veneers are made from the same material as tooth-colored dental fillings. There are two types of composite veneers: direct and indirect.
In the case of indirect dental veneers, the veneers are fabricated outside of the mouth. In the case of direct dental veneers, the composite resin is applied in layers directly to the teeth.
Advantages of Composite Veneers
There are several advantages of composite veneers, including:
Cost Effective
Composite veneers typically cost about $400 to $2,000 per tooth- which is much lower than the average of $925 to $2,500 per tooth for porcelain.
Placement
Composite veneers are easier to place than porcelain because they can be done directly, with layers being applied to teeth. Additionally, composite doesn’t require as much enamel reduction since it can be a direct application process.
Easy Repairs
Over the years, veneers may be damaged for a variety of reasons. Composite veneers can be repaired, while porcelain will need to be replaced.
Disadvantages of Composite Veneers
There are also a few disadvantages of composite veneers, including:
It is not as durable as porcelain
Composite veneers are made to last an average of 5 to 7 years but may last up to 10 with proper care and maintenance.
More Maintenance
Since composite is not as strong or durable as porcelain, it will require more repair and replacement than porcelain.
Less resistance
Composite veneers offer less resistance than porcelain, which means they are more likely to become damaged.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain dental veneers are thin shells made of medical-grade ceramic. The dentist will remove some of the enamel and etch the teeth to apply them.
Advantages of Porcelain Veneers
There are several advantages of porcelain veneers including:
Durability
Porcelain veneers are of higher quality and last up to 20 years or more with proper care and maintenance.
Stain Resistance
Porcelain is resistant to stains- but should still be cared for by brushing regularly, limiting consumption of staining foods/beverages, and visiting the dentist every 6 months.
Appearance
Porcelain looks more like natural teeth than composite resin.
Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers
On the other hand, there are also several disadvantages of porcelain veneers, including:
Cost
The average cost of porcelain dental veneers ranges from around $925 to $2,500 per tooth- which is much higher than the average of $400 to $2,000 per tooth of composite.
Long Placement Process
Porcelain veneers must be fabricated in an outside lab, which means the process takes much longer than composite, which can be directly applied.
Durability
Porcelain is much stronger and longer-lasting than composite resin.
Which Option Is Right for You?
There are several factors to consider when determining which type of veneer is right for you, including:
- Dentist’s recommendations
- Treatment timeline
- Cost
- Appearance of veneers
- Lifespan of veneers
Conclusion
Dental veneers are a popular way to improve the appearance of your smile. There are two options for permanent veneers: composite and porcelain. Both have advantages and disadvantages. You must weigh these to determine which option is right for you.
If you have concerns about the appearance of your smile, dental veneers may be worth considering. While more invasive than teeth whitening, the results last longer and are often better. If cost is a concern, you may want to consider dental financing options.
Still Have Questions Related To Composite vs. Porcelain Veneers?
Give us a call! Perfect White Smiles is a state of the art cosmetic dental clinic in Beverly Hills, CA and rated as one of the top cosmetic dental clinics in California.
Dental Veneers FAQs
If you have any questions about dental veneers or other cosmetic treatments, reach out to your dental health team. They will be able to help you. Below are some of the most common questions when it comes to dental veneers.
Are porcelain veneers stronger than composite?
Yes, porcelain veneers are stronger and last longer than composite. On average, porcelain veneers last 10 to 15 years and may last up to 20 or more with proper care and maintenance. However, composite veneers last an average of 5 to 7 years and may last up to 10 with proper care and maintenance.
Can you drink coffee with composite veneers?
There are no food or drink restrictions with composite veneers. However, it is important to note that certain foods/beverages may stain your veneers. Therefore, it’s important to brush your teeth after consuming these- or at least rinse well with water.
How long do composite veneers stay white?
Veneers, much like natural teeth, will stain over time. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the material, teeth whitening cannot be used on them. However, as long as you brush regularly, limit your consumption of foods/beverages known to cause stains, and visit your dentist every 6 months, you can keep your veneers white.
How many hours do composite veneers take?
The length of time it takes to get composite veneers depends on whether you have chosen direct or indirect veneers and how many teeth are being treated. Typically, the process takes about 30 minutes or so per tooth.
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