Composite vs Porcelain Veneers
Chipped, cracked, misshapen, discolored or broken teeth can be a major cause of self-consciousness and low self-confidence. Nobody likes to smile and show off a tooth that is missing a piece or isn’t the same shade as the surrounding teeth. If you have a damaged or discolored tooth, you’ll want to consider different cosmetic options for repair. One excellent option for repairing a broken, misshapen or discolored tooth is a dental veneer.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are dental repair restorations that replace part of the crown of a damaged tooth. Veneers differ from dental crowns in that they replace only a portion of the crown, instead of the entirety of the crown. Dental veneers are excellent for resolving moderate damage to teeth and can be made to look very similar to the tooth that is being repaired.
What Issues Do Veneers Resolve?
Dental veneers can serve both cosmetic and practical purposes. A veneer helps to provide more support to a tooth that was previously damaged and can help to safeguard against decay and infections. Veneers also improve the appearance of teeth, giving patients a boost to their self-confidence.
Dental veneers are often an excellent choice for patients that have:
- Cracked Teeth
- Discolored Teeth
- Misshapen Teeth
- Chipped Teeth
- Broken Teeth
- Spacing Issues
This makes them an excellent option for patients that don’t like the way that a certain tooth looks and would like to return that tooth to its former, natural appearance.
Composite Versus Porcelain
If you decide that a dental veneer is the right choice for you, your cosmetic dentist will likely give you two different choices: cosmetic or porcelain veneers. Both of these options have their advantages and disadvantages, which should be carefully considered before the choice is made.
Composite veneers are the more affordable option—at least in the short-term. It’s important to understand that composite veneers aren’t as durable, and often only last around three to five years. One advantage to composite veneers is that they are produced and placed the same day. The final result is has everything to do with the skill of your cosmetic dentist.
Porcelain veneers are much more durable and long-lasting than composite veneers. They can often last as long as ten to fifteen years, and sometimes even longer if they are properly cared for. This longevity comes with a higher upfront cost, though. Porcelain veneers take longer to produce than composite veneers with multiple appointments.
Speak with Your Dentist
Ultimately, the decision of whether porcelain or composite veneers are the best choice for you is between your dentist and you. They will first evaluate your particular situation to make sure that you are a good candidate for a dental veneer and they will then discuss the advantages of both porcelain and composite veneers—including the costs. From there, you can ask them any specific questions, and determine whether a porcelain or composite veneer is the best choice for you.
More Information About Porcelain Veneers : How Long Do Veneers Last?