Veneers are a fantastic cosmetic dental treatment that can help to transform your smile. They are custom-made surfaces that are attached to your existing teeth to achieve the tooth appearance you are looking for.
There are two main types of veneers – composite bonding and porcelain. Whilst both of these can achieve excellent results, there are pros and cons to each that you can consider in deciding which solution is best for you.
Porcelain veneers – Pros:
- Porcelain, once cemented to the tooth, becomes very strong, making these veneers the more durable solution, normally lasting 10-15 years, and in some cases even longer.
- Porcelain has a translucent appearance, allowing it to reflect and refract light similarly to how tooth enamel does. This gives porcelain an extremely natural and excellent appearance.
- A dental technician is able to take their time to create veneers away from the bacteria and moisture of the oral environment. When this is combined with the latest in porcelain layering technology, we are able to create a truly natural and beautiful result.
Porcelain veneers – Cons:
- Porcelain veneers do take a little longer than composite veneers, as they require at least two visits. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared, and digital scans are taken for the dental lab. There is then a period of waiting before the second appointment, at which the porcelain veneers are placed. In between appointments, a temporary veneer is normally applied.
- Porcelain veneers are less prone to chipping. However, in the unlikely event that they do chip, the entire veneer must be replaced.
- Porcelain veneers require removal of a small layer of enamel prior to placement.
Composite veneers – Pros:
- Composite veneers are made by applying the material directly to the tooth, and is the quicker option, as it can be done in the dental chair in one visit.
- Whilst composite is more prone to chipping than porcelain, it can be easy to repair in many cases.
- Composite veneers can be removed and don’t require enamel to be removed in order to place them.
Composite veneers – Cons:
- Composite veneers are more likely to stain and discolour with time.
- Composite veneers are prone to chipping in time, so normally composite veneers do only last for 4-8 years.
- Whilst composite veneers can look amazing, we are limited by the properties of the material. The end result can often appear less natural.
When it comes to price, porcelain veneers are more expensive initially. However, over time, the costs tend to be equal, due to the lower durability and cost of repairs required for composite veneers.
If you are considering ways to improved your smile, why not organise a consultation at Floss Family Dental. We would love to work with you to customise your dream smile.
