Whether you’re considering a smile-makeover or want to fix a cosmetic issue, veneers could be the ideal treatment for you. In essence, there are two main types of veneers – composite veneers and porcelain veneers, and while they both produce similar results, there are several significant differences.
Our brief guide to composite veneers vs porcelain veneers will make it easier for you to decide which treatment to choose.
So, what’s the difference between composite veneers and porcelain veneers?
Using composite resin, your dentist applies composite veneers directly to the tooth’s surface. On the other hand, porcelain veneers are manufactured in a dental lab and cover the front of the teeth.
Let’s look at other factors that set the two treatments apart.
Time
Composite veneers are the faster of the two treatments because they can be completed by the dentist chairside in a single appointment. The resin is colour matched to the surrounding teeth for a natural look. The dentist applies the resin to the teeth, cures it with a special light and hey presto, you can walk out of the clinic brandishing a gleaming white smile.
Porcelain veneers typically require two visits to the dentist to complete. The dentist will remove a thin layer of tooth enamel, take a digital impression, and send the images to the lab making the veneers. The dentist may fit you with temporary veneers to protect the prepared teeth. When you come back for your second visit, the porcelain veneers are bonded to your teeth.
Durability
Composite veneers typically last between 4 and 8 years, whereas porcelain veneers can last 15 years with good care. While composite is durable, it’s not as strong as porcelain and is more susceptible to chipping.
Porcelain, while fragile, is extremely durable once it’s bonded to the teeth. When comparing composite veneers vs porcelain veneers, patients need to know that chipped composite veneers can be easily repaired. In contrast, a damaged porcelain veneer would need replacing in most cases.
Aesthetics
Porcelain has translucent properties that enable the veneer to reflect the light similarly to a natural tooth. While composite veneers look great, porcelain veneers look amazing.
Another benefit of porcelain veneers is that they are stain-resistant. Consequently, receiving this type of veneer on the upper and lower teeth in your smile line could mean you no longer have to worry about teeth whitening.
Unfortunately, composite veneers can stain like natural teeth.
Composite veneers vs porcelain veneers – Cost
It’s the cost of porcelain veneers that sometimes leaves patients reeling with shock. Depending on the state in which you reside, they can exceed $1,800 per tooth, whereas composite veneers cost between $411 and $837 per tooth. That said, a private dental insurance plan with extras cover can knock several hundred dollars off the price of porcelain veneers.
Do you want a beautiful smile?
Why not schedule a consultation with the experienced cosmetic dentists at Boutique Dental Care. We provide a variety of flexible payment plans and finance options to help you afford your dental veneers. Call today on (02) 9054 5281 or book online.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
American College of Prosthodontists – Dental Veneers FAQs
https://www.gotoapro.org/dental-veneers-faq
Translucency Of Dental Ceramics With Different Thicknesses
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23849609
How much do veneers cost in Australia
https://www.finder.com.au/cost-of-veneers
Extras cover in Australia
https://www.finder.com.au/health-insurance/extras-cover