Veneers improve the appearance of your teeth and help you smile with confidence again. In dentistry, there are two types of veneers: composite and porcelain resin. To decide which to get between the two types of veneers, it is important for you to know the difference between them and how each serves to refine your smile. So, what are “porcelain” veneers? And how are they different from “composite” veneers?
More importantly, which is right for you? To help you decide, here’s a complete guide to composite vs porcelain veneers, and how you might benefit from our veneer fitting services.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are “caps” that are placed over your teeth. They’re bonded to the front of each tooth and they aim to improve the look of your smile. Of its many benefits, veneers can:
- conceal gaps between teeth
- disguise chipped teeth
- hide discoloured teeth
- make teeth appear longer
At Paddington Dentistry, we also use veneers to help repair a “crooked” or misaligned smile.
What Are Composite Veneers?
Composite veneers are made from a synthetic blend of glass and resin (plastic). They’re shaped to cover entire tooth fronts and are applied by dentists using special glue, which is added to each tooth followed by the composite veneer.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are made of porcelain “shells”. These thin shells are less bulky, designed to feel no different to natural teeth, and are also tailored to match your teeth shape. To apply porcelain veneers, a dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel then bond the veneer to your tooth.
The Differences Between Porcelain Veneers and Composite Veneers
Porcelain and composite veneers are quite similar in many ways. Yet, there are key differences that should be beared in mind, especially when deciding which veneers you’d like to proceed with, such as:
Aesthetics
All veneers are designed to hide imperfections and enhance your smile.
But while composite veneers can do this job sufficiently, porcelain veneers have an edge here. Since they’re thinner, they look – and feel – more natural in your mouth. And if it’s a bright, white smile you’re looking for, porcelain veneers are much more translucent and realistic looking than composite veneers. So, you can easily achieve that natural, “Hollywood” smile perfection.
Durability
Composite veneers are relatively sturdy, but they’re more prone to cracking and chipping than porcelain veneers. Though in most cases the cracks and chips to composite veneers can be fixed by your dentist, the repairs made might remain visible. Moreover, composite veneers stain just like natural teeth. Meaning, over time, you’ll start noticing the veneers darken, especially from drinks like coffee and red wine.
Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are stronger. They’re are also less likely to break and can resist stains better, for they don’t absorb particles like natural teeth. Brushing your teeth and visiting your dentist regularly is usually all that’s required to maintain porcelain veneers and keep them looking good.
Lifespan
Porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years if cared for properly, whilst composite veneers have a shorter lifespan and usually last around 5-8 years, if treated well. Also note, that porcelain veneers are permanent installations and not meant to be removed. Alternatively, composite veneers are reversible, and can be removed by your dentist should you have a change-of-mind and wish no longer to have veneers on your teeth.
Tip: To give your veneers the utmost care - whether they’re composite or porcelain - brush at least twice a day and regularly floss between your teeth. Avoid chewing ice and don’t use your teeth to open bottle caps.
Cost
Composite veneers are much cheaper than porcelain veneers, because they don’t require as much work when being applied to teeth, and can be completed in a single say. This is unlike porcelain veneers, which require multiple appointments to be fully applied on one’s teeth.
Depending on your dental wants, however, porcelain veneers can be deemed cheaper in the long-term, as you’ll often pay more in the short term, but for longevity. Like previously mentioned, composite veneers are more prone to breaking, which means there’s more repair and maintenance cost associated with them.
With porcelain veneers, you won’t need to replace them often, for they’re super solid and durable. Consider your flawless smile as an investment. If you can budget for higher-quality caps, porcelain veneers may be the way to go.
Procedure Time
There’s less prep work required in fitting composite veneers, so your treatment will likely only take one visit. Favourably, less enamel is also removed when installing composite veneers, so more of your natural teeth exist post procedure.
On the other hand, given porcelain veneers are designed to look more natural and bond perfectly to your teeth, there’s more work involved. It could take two or more visits to choose the right veneer shade, prepare your teeth, make the veneers, and fit them in properly. But once the work is done, you will have a great, natural-looking smile within limited need for check-ups.
Veneers at Paddington Dentistry
In the end, both composite and porcelain veneers demonstrate value in aesthetically improving your smile. In the end, the decision of which type of veneers you should get will come down to your own preferences.
If you want long-lasting veneers that require low maintenance and can give you a stunning smile for many years to come, then porcelain veneers are the right choice for you. But, if you’re after a cheaper alternative that still enhances your smile or are wanting minor fixes to hide small chips and cracks on your natural teeth, then composite veneers may be the choice for you.
For all local patients of Woollahra, Sydney, who’re in search of high-quality composite or porcelain veneers, our experienced team at Paddington Dentistry are here to help. Contact us today to book a consultation with one of our dental experts, and learn more about the porcelain veneer options that can be applied to your smile.
