If you want to improve your dental aesthetics, you’ll probably want to select dental veneers. However, in most cases, people get stuck on the kind of veneer material to choose. Veneers are either made of porcelain or composite resin materials. Both materials play a significant role in cosmetic dentistry and have the ability to transform one’s smile. However, the main challenge that most people have is determining which is better between porcelain and composite veneers. The answer to these narrows down to various factors including cost, specific needs, treatment time, etc.
What are veneers?
Veneers are custom-fit shells that dentists use on patients to permanently bond on the front side of their teeth to improve their general smile appearance. They can help hide crooked, stained, gapped, and chipped teeth.
What are porcelain veneers?
These are thin porcelain pieces that dentists fit in front of one’s teeth. Porcelain veneers usually match one’s teeth color and shape which makes it difficult to distinguish between their natural teeth. They’ll help transform your smile and are also ideal for those who want to repair fractured or damaged teeth.
Pros
– They’re durable and long-lasting
– Stain resistant
– Quick recovery time
– Natural appeal
– Extremely biocompatible
Cons
– Porcelain veneers are extremely expensive
– They can easily fall off and may require frequent replacement
– Require a lot of care to prevent physical damage
– Their application requires two or more dental visits
What are composite veneers?
These are tooth-colored resins that are applied directly to one’s tooth with the aim of improving teeth appearance. Most people like composite veneers since they’re less costly and can easily reshape their smiles and help cover crooked, misaligned, and cracked teeth.
Pros
– Less costly
– Quick application (same-day treatment)
– Covers all aesthetic issues including discolored, crooked, and misshapen teeth
– Require less prep work
Cons
– They’re less durable
– They have a slightly less natural appearance
– Short lifespan
– Can easily become discolored and stained
Which is better?
The decision of whether to choose porcelain or composite veneers will vary depending on your needs, budget, and preferences. You can weigh their advantages and disadvantages before you make a choice or consult a dentist.
