Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers
When it comes to improving the appearance of your smile, you have a number of options available to you. Dental veneers are a versatile and effective treatment that can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth. If you decide to move forward with dental veneers placement, you may be wondering if porcelain or composite veneers are right for you. At Artistic Expressions Dentistry, Dr. Bruce Wilderman uses porcelain veneers and a composite resin material to mask dental imperfections. To learn more about porcelain vs. composite veneers, contact our Philadelphia practice today.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers actually refer to cosmetic dental bonding using a tooth-colored composite resin material. This procedure differs from porcelain veneers in a number of ways, including the treatment process, cost, and longevity of results.
The composite material is applied and shaped directly on the tooth. First, Dr. Wilderman will etch the tooth to create a better bonding surface. Then, he will apply the composite resin to the tooth. The material may be used to fill in gaps between teeth, mask discoloration, or improve the shape of the tooth. Once the composite resin has been sculpted to the desired appearance, the material is hardened with a curing light. The tooth’s shape and surface may be further refined to improve results. The entire procedure can be completed in one dental visit.
The cost of cosmetic dental bonding using composite resin is less expensive than porcelain veneers treatment. Because the entire process can be completed in the office, no lab fees are added to the cost of treatment.
However, the composite resin is not as durable or long lasting as dental porcelain. Because dental bonding material may wear, follow-up treatment may need to be performed more frequently.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are generally considered to be superior to improvements made with composite resin. The dental porcelain looks more natural and retains a beautiful translucence that mimics the appearance of real teeth.
The porcelain veneers placement procedure requires two dental visits. During the first visit, the teeth are reshaped to provide a better bonding surface and create space for the veneers. Then, we take impressions of the teeth so our partner dental lab can fabricate veneers that offer a precise fit. While you wait for the lab to craft your custom veneers, you will wear temporaries. Once the veneers are ready, you will return to our office to have them cemented onto the teeth.
Because of the lab fees and high quality of the dental porcelain, porcelain veneers cost more than the cosmetic dental bonding procedure. However, the veneers typically last longer than the composite material, and porcelain is highly resistant to stains.
When it comes to choosing porcelain veneers vs. cosmetic dental bonding, there are a number of factors to consider. If you have a minor flaw that affects one tooth, you may be better suited to bonding, while patients with more noticeable flaws that affect multiple teeth may be better candidates for porcelain veneers. To find out which treatment is right for you, we invite you to contact Artistic Expressions Dentistry at your earliest convenience.
