Composite vs. Porcelain Veneers
By Joe McIntyre, DDS on March 29, 2022
If you have teeth that are chipped, stained, cracked, gapped, or poorly aligned, you may be intimidated by the number of treatment options out there. However, getting veneers may be all you need to improve the appearance of your smile. Veneers are a versatile cosmetic dentistry option for numerous aesthetic flaws.
Many people who come to Smiles for Life Dental Care from Harrisonburg, Bridgewater, and Staunton, VA, wonder if porcelain or composite veneers are better for them. Let’s compare these two veneer options and give you an understanding of why one option may be better than the other.
How Veneers Work
Before discussing materials, let’s look at the basics of veneers. A veneer is a thin shell that fits over the front of a person’s tooth. Once bonded in place, the veneer masks flaws from view while blending in with the natural appearance of a person’s smile.
We can use multiple veneers to achieve a full smile makeover.
Comparing the Two Materials
Porcelain is a dental ceramic that is custom fabricated in a lab. The porcelain veneer is made specifically for your tooth and is adhered in place once it is received from the dental lab.
A composite veneer is made up of a dental resin, a material that is used in the dental bonding procedure. The composite veneer can be applied directly to the tooth in the office or can be created out of resin in a dental lab.
The Advantages of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a far more durable alternative to composite veneers. The porcelain is strong and less likely to experience wear and tear from normal use. Aesthetically, porcelain tends to be more natural-looking and less noticeable.
The Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are much more expensive than composite veneers, which is important to note if you have a set budget. Porcelain veneers will also require at least two visits to the dentist to have placed, which can lead to some scheduling issues.
The Advantages of Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are an affordable alternative to porcelain veneers, especially if the composite material is applied directly at the office rather than off-site at a lab. It is also a quick single-visit process to apply direct composite veneers.
The Disadvantages of Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are less durable than porcelain veneers, which may mean multiple repairs or replacements over the course of several years. Composite veneers may not be a viable option for treating deep and dark stains or issues with tooth alignment and spacing.
Which Kinds of Veneers Are Right for me?
The right treatment for you depends on your cosmetic issues, your budget, and your dental health goals. During your visit to Smiles for Life Dental Care, we can go over all of your options for treatment and determine if composite veneers or porcelain veneers are right for you.
Contact Us Today
Veneers can be nothing short of life-changing for the right patients. During a consultation with one of our dentists, we can discuss candidacy and your options for payment. To set up an appointment, contact our dental practice. You can also reach our offices today by calling (540) 828-2312.
