Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers: The Showdown

If you are unhappy with the way your teeth look, dental veneers might be your best solution. Often referred to as “instant orthodontics,” veneers can be very effective when it comes to correcting teeth that are crooked or badly shaped, teeth that are broken or chipped, teeth that are stained, and teeth that are spaced too far apart. Veneers are thin shells that are custom made to fit directly over your teeth, and they can dramatically improve the look and appearance of your smile.

There are two types of veneers: porcelain and composite. When done correctly, both can give you a beautiful smile, but what are the differences between the two? And how do you know which one is right for you?

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are made of engineered resin, and they need to be very well polished if they are to look natural. There is little tooth reduction with composite veneers, and they are sculpted while you wait at the dentist office, so it is a same-day procedure.

Because the resin is porous, they will stain (you might want to reconsider this type if you like coffee and red wine), and they are susceptible to chipping. They are durable, however, and they can last for anywhere from four to eight years although regular maintenance is required.

One of the biggest advantages to composite veneers is the fact that they can be removed and replaced, as necessary. And they are more affordable: The cost is usually about half that of porcelain veneers. Because this type of veneer is made by the dentist, it is critical that you do your research and find one who excels at this “art form.” Dentists who use Uveneer are
likely to create perfect composite veneers.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers provide an extremely realistic look that is closest to the teeth given to you by nature. Although they are more expensive than composite veneers, they are highly stain- and chip-resistant after the porcelain has been glazed. They are also a more long-term investment, and they can last up to 15 years or longer if they are maintained well.

The procedure for porcelain veneers involves removing a think layer of the tooth’s enamel, then the bonding of a thin, sculpted veneer that is usually about 0.5 to 0.7 millimeters in thickness. The brittle porcelain bonds to the tooth structure, becoming quite strong. Because porcelain has a translucent, light-reflective quality similar to tooth enamel, they look extremely natural. Since the veneers are made in a dental laboratory, the procedure cannot be completed in one visit, and patients should expect at least two visits to the dentist.
The placement of veneers requires more time, expertise, and resources in order to fabricate and bond and therefore cost more. It is important that you go with a dentist who works with the best ceramists if you truly want a natural look. Porcelain veneers cannot be repaired. If they break, porcelain veneers must be replaced.

In the end, you must make a decision about porcelain versus composite veneers based on a number of factors: the type of work you need done, the budget you have, and the maintenance to which you can commit. Both types can give you a smile that is greatly improved!

 

Dr. Sigal JacobsonUveneer is the invention of cosmetic dentist, Dr. Sigal Jacobson. Though only being launched since February of 2014, Dr. Jacobson’s patented design is already being touted as “groundbreaking” and “essential” by dentists worldwide. A native of Australia, Dr. Jacobson also runs her own practice Jacobson Dental Group of Melbourne. To learn more about what Uveneer can do for you and your patients, visit our FacebookTwitter, and YouTube pages!

 

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