Which Is Right for You?
The history of modern cosmetic dentistry officially began in 1895. That is when Newell Sill Jenkins founded the company that made Jenkins Porcelain Enamel. With this revolutionary product dentists could permanently cement porcelain inlays, dental crowns and bridges to their patients’ teeth. Mark Twain was so impressed by the technology that he bought its distribution rights in the U.S.
Today porcelain veneers are quite common – but so too are composite (or bonded) veneers, which came along more recently. If you’re considering getting a dental veneer because you would like a perfect smile, or just because you would like to hide cracked or discolored teeth, then you may wonder about the differences between porcelain and composite. Why are both available options? Because both have their own unique advantages!
What’s the Difference Between Porcelain and Composite Veneers?
The key difference between porcelain veneers and composite veneers is right in their names. Porcelain veneers are thin shells made of ceramic, whereas composite veneers are made of solid composite resin.
The two types of veneers are also applied slightly differently. Hard porcelain veneers must be manufactured off-site at a laboratory; composite veneers are created on-site, at the dentist’s office.
Appearance
Advantage: Porcelain Veneers
We have to begin with the all-important question: Which type of veneer looks better? Despite composite’s other advantages, nothing can beat porcelain’s ability to refract light just like natural teeth. Porcelain is also non-porous, so it boasts exceptional resistance to staining. If you opt for a porcelain veneer, you may no longer have to whiten your teeth at all. Conversely, composite resin stains just about as easily as natural teeth do.
Time
Advantage: Composite Veneers
Because composite veneers are created right in the dentist’s office, the process lasts no longer than a few hours. It may even take fewer than 60 minutes! With composite veneers, you can receive a whole new smile the same day you go to your one and only dental appointment.
Porcelain veneers take longer: at least two visits to the dentist. Once your dentist has taken an impression of your teeth, they will send the mold to a special lab. You can wear temporary veneers until your bespoke porcelain veneers arrive at your dentist’s office. Your dentist will bond them to your natural teeth during your subsequent visit.
Durability
Advantage: Porcelain Veneers
Composite can hardly be said to be fragile, although porcelain makes a far more durable veneer all the same. Porcelain is fragile on its own, but once it is securely bonded a porcelain veneer will last for 10 to 15 years with proper dental maintenance. A composite veneer, which chips more easily by comparison, should last four to eight years under the same conditions.
Composite does have a distinct advantage over porcelain because it is reparable. A chip in a composite veneer can be mended during a quick dental visit. Unfortunately, a chip in a porcelain veneer requires outright replacement. Furthermore, composite veneers are not permanent. While you can have your composite veneers removed if you do not like them, porcelain veneers are a lifelong commitment.
Price
Advantage: Composite Veneers
Creating porcelain veneers requires special equipment and trained lab technicians. Composite veneers are created right on the spot by your dentist. It only follows that porcelain veneers cost significantly more. But if you take into account the costs of having less durable composite veneers repaired and replaced, then longer-lasting and more resilient porcelain veneers may ultimately represent the better value.
If you are interested in getting a dental veneer and still aren’t certain which is better for your unique needs, then we welcome you to contact All About Teeth in Logan, UT today! We specialize in both porcelain and composite veneers, and we’re here to answer all of your questions during a consultation.
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