Veneers are often considered an option for individuals seeking a smile makeover or to enhance their smile.  That choice is fairly simple to make.  What requires more consideration is the decision as to what material you are going to use for your veneers.

Currently, the two most commonly used materials for the veneer fabrication process are composite resin and porcelain.  An experienced dentist can use either material to enhance your smile and create a smile you would be proud to show off.  Whether composite veneers or porcelain veneers, both types can be used to address multiple dental issues, including noticeable gaps between teeth, and severely stained, cracked, chipped, broken, discoloured, or unevenly shaped or sized teeth. The decision then becomes more difficult.  How does one know which are the right veneers for you – composite veneer or porcelain veneers?

The decision and the advice given by your dentist are based on the individual’s needs, which take into consideration the level of issue that needs to be solved, cost, treatment time, durability, and versatility.  Both composite veneers and porcelain veneers have their pros and cons so what is important to an individual would ultimately help decide which type of veneers the dentist uses to create your dream smile.

What are Composite Veneers?

Composite resin veneers are made from high-grade resin, which is frequently used by dentists to make other prosthetics as well. This material can be manipulated easily to address issues dental issues, and it can mimic the unique shade of a patient’s tooth.

Another noteworthy characteristic of acquiring composite veneers in Millwoods is that the process is less invasive than if you were getting porcelain veneers; your dentist does not need to etch off very much of your original tooth enamel for the veneer to stick.

Furthermore, the resin can be directly applied to your teeth, and then the dentist shapes it accordingly. Individuals who are eager to remedy their teeth in a timely fashion should certainly explore this path.

Benefits

There are several reasons why you may want to think about getting composite veneers, and they include:

  • Cost – Composite veneers are typically less expensive to obtain.
  • Simple to fix – If your veneers get damaged, repairing them is an easy matter since they don’t require as much preparation to apply.
  • Same-day treatment – You’ll be able to get your veneers, and a new smile, in just one appointment.

Drawbacks

It is wise to be aware of the drawbacks of getting composite veneers as well so that you can make an informed decision.

  • Less durable – On average, composite veneers usually only last between 5-7 years.
  • Less stain resistant – This type of veneer isn’t as resistant to stains as porcelain, which means it won’t look as bright and will require additional polishing by a dentist near you.
  • Not the best for more major issues – If your smile has more serious problems like deep discoloration, for example, that need to be addressed, composite veneers may not be the most suitable solution.

For more information about direct composite veneers, please talk to our dentist in Millwoods, who will be happy to answer all your questions.

The Composite Veneers Process

Prior to having the veneers placed, you’ll need to book a visit with your dentist so they can assess your smile through x-rays and an oral examination to make sure this is indeed the best option for you. When they’ve approved you for treatment, you’ll be able to get going right away.

With that said, noted below are the pros and cons of this particular process:

Pros:

  • Straightforward – Your entire visit should be no more than an hour or so. Because there is little to no prep work that the dentist needs to do, you’ll be able to get back to your day soon. Your smile will be cleaned and then, once the resin has been applied and shaped to your standards, the dentist will make final adjustments like curing the material in place before polishing your brand-new smile.
  • Versatile – Whether you’re looking to remedy chips, cracks, surface-level stains, or teeth that are too short, composite veneers are a wonderful choice, as they can help address any problem that negatively impacts the aesthetic appearance of your smile.
  • Affordable – We all know that visiting a dentist can be costly, especially when it comes to cosmetic dental services. This is because, for most people, dental insurance packages only cover the cost of medically necessary treatments, like root canals and fillings. Composite veneers are worth considering due to their low cost and effectiveness.

Cons

  • Not as natural-looking – Composite resin can, and does, blend in with your smile, but only to a certain degree, meaning that it doesn’t look quite as natural as porcelain.
  • Weaker material – While being able to achieve a beautiful new smile in a shorter time frame is great, this is possible because the material being used isn’t as tough and doesn’t require additional handling before being given to the patient.
  • More checkups – Since composite resin prosthetics have a shorter lifespan, you will most likely need to come in for more frequent checkups so your dentist can make repairs to your veneers to keep your smile looking beautiful.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers can be thought of as very thin, nearly invisible shells that are applied over the front surface of your teeth. They are generally considered to be permanent cosmetic changes.

When you receive this form of treatment, you’ll need to come in for at least two or three sessions, as it takes time to fabricate and apply the porcelain coverings to your smile. A bit of the enamel on your teeth’s surface needs to be etched off, otherwise, the veneers won’t properly bind.

To ensure that the veneers fit the specific dimensions of your smile, you will need to have impressions taken, either using technology that utilizes digital scans or physical moulds. This information is delivered to a dental lab where the veneers are made over a period of 1-2 weeks or so.

Benefits

There are a number of reasons why porcelain veneers are a popular option for patients interested in refining their smiles, including:

  • Durable – One of the biggest advantages of porcelain veneers is that they last for several years, typically between 7-10 years with good hygiene habits.
  • Looks natural – Porcelain very closely mimics the appearance of a natural tooth, much more than composite resin does; your friends and family won’t be able to notice any difference!
  • Customization – Dental professionals take their time to create your veneers, ensuring that your oral dimensions, colour preferences, and the shape of the actual covering are exact. This also helps establish a more natural aesthetic.

Drawbacks

Being familiar with some of the drawbacks of porcelain veneers is a smart decision as well. Some of these are:

  • Costly – Porcelain veneers do not come cheap; with lasting results comes a higher price tag.
  • Multiple visits – Because these veneers require a few sessions in order to be applied, you’ll need to carve out more time in your schedule to visit your dentist.
  • Permanent – Once the enamel on your tooth is removed, it cannot be replaced.

What is the Process of Getting Porcelain Veneers?

Receiving veneers designed from porcelain is similar in some ways to getting composite veneers, but there are some distinct differences as well. Once again, you’ll need to talk to your dentist in Millwoods about your desires and oral health goals before you can have any official work done.

Pros and cons of the porcelain veneers treatment include:

Pros

  • Routine process – A lot of people have chosen to get porcelain veneers as a form of cosmetic dentistry and will continue to do so in the future. This treatment is a routine one, and all general dentists as well as dentists who specialize in cosmetic services can perform this process. You’ll be in capable, experienced hands the entire time.
  • Authentic – In addition to their durability, porcelain prosthetics look authentic. Your smile will look healthier and naturally beautiful, which, in turn, will help boost your self-confidence when it comes to grabbing lunch with friends, giving a presentation at work, or meeting someone new.
  • Versatile – Porcelain veneers are extremely versatile; they can help remedy many problems, especially problems that are more severe. Deep stains have seeped below the enamel, with severe fragmentation, and wider gaps between individual teeth.

Cons

  • Expensive – Unfortunately, porcelain veneers often come with a weightier price tag and are not covered by dental insurance plans. According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, a veneer can be priced at $925 to $2,500 per tooth.
  • Invasive – Multiple steps must be done so the veneers can adhere to your smile. Known as tooth trimming, this is when the dentist adjusts the shape of your tooth and removes areas of decay. Then the enamel is removed. When the veneers are ready, your smile is polished before a special bonding gel is applied, which keeps the prosthetic in position. Temporary veneers are provided to protect your teeth while the permanent ones are being fabricated. They’ll need to be taken off so the other ones can be applied, and this involves yet another appointment.
  • Replacement – Porcelain veneers run the risk of falling off, and if this occurs, you will need to have them replaced. Compared to composite veneers, porcelain shells cannot be repaired, they must be completely replaced.

Composite Resin vs Porcelain Veneers: Main Differences

In summary, the main distinctions between veneers made of composite resin and porcelain are:

Time

Only a single visit to a dentist near you is necessary to get composite veneers; porcelain veneers need two, sometimes three, visits to have them made, applied, and adjusted.

Durable

Both types of veneers are durable, but their lifespan differs. With good care, composite veneers may last up to 7 years. Porcelain can last up to 10 years, perhaps more.

Appearance

Again, both porcelain and composite veneers mimic the look of natural teeth; however, the former imitates the look of your natural teeth due to its transparency. Composite veneers can’t replicate this quite as well.

Budget

Neither of these veneers is typically covered by insurance so in either case, you’ll need to be prepared to pay out of your own pocket. With that said, getting porcelain veneers are more costly, while composite veneers tend to be more affordable.

What Your Dentist Recommends

Regardless of what form of veneers you’re interested in, it’s always best to talk to your dentist and see what they recommend. Your current oral health status and preferences will be taken into consideration.

 Ready to Schedule a Session? Call Us Today

Are you looking to get started with your cosmetic dental journey? We highly encourage you to reach out to our fantastic team here at Agape Dental. We’re here to help you achieve all your goals and ensure that you walk away feeling nothing less than satisfied.

Phone us or drop by our local dental practice in Millwoods to set up an appointment. We hope to see you soon!