Composite vs. Porcelain Veneers
Cosmetic dentistry is an industry flooded with varying techniques and methods to help people achieve the smile they have always dreamed of. From minuscule changes to full mouth rehabilitations, you can change your entire look with as little as one appointment. The debate as to whether composite or porcelain veneers are superior will rage on forever, however here are a few differentiating points about each treatment, how they work, and finally my opinion.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are growing in popularity as a result of their durability and aesthetic value. Porcelain veneers are placed on the front and biting edges of teeth. They do not always require healthy tooth structure to be removed to facilitate placement. Reduction free veneers are restricted to using porcelain because it is the only material thin yet durable enough to withstand daily use without carving away any tooth. They are fabricated in a specialized factory after a mold of your mouth has been taken. They are custom designed after meeting with your local Vancouver cosmetic dentist to discover your smile goals.
Composite Veneers
The use of resin or composite material has been around for a while now. From filling cavities, to creating turtle shells to veneers, composite material has stood the test of time and revolutionary techniques, and has established itself as a key material in the cosmetic dentistry world. Composite veneers are created by first removing a layer of healthy tooth structure in order to facilitate the presence of artificial material on the front and biting edges of the tooth. The material is then “painted on” layer after layer until the appropriate size is met. This process usually only takes one visit. Resin veneers provide a quick remedy for cracked, broken, poorly sized, and poorly shaped teeth. They do not require a mold of your mouth to be taken and are fabricated in the very same dentist office that you go for simple hygiene appointments. These veneers are durable; lasting four to eight years yet can be easily repaired when required. Composite veneers also come at a significantly reduced cost as opposed to porcelain veneers.
The Bottom Line
Each material brings so much to the table and as a result, may be difficult to decide between. To simplify it I have broken it down into the following categories: cost, effectiveness, time frame, and long-term effects.
Cost: Immediate cost of porcelain veneers may prove too rich for some blood and therefore composite veneers present an appealing option. However, because composite veneers do not last as long as porcelain ones, the cost of maintaining them may prove more costly than an initial investment.
Category result: Tie. Due to the inability to predict the number of times the composite veneers will need replacing and the costs associated, it is impossible to predict which one will be more cost effective.
Effectiveness: Both materials can provide outstanding results and completely transform not only your smile, but also your entire appearance.