Veneers are a common form of cosmetic dentistry that are used to fill in cracked and chipped teeth, fix discoloration, and address a range of other cosmetic issues. They come in two types: composite and porcelain.
Both of them can help improve your smile and your confidence, and each has specific benefits and drawbacks. We’ve put together the pros and cons of each to help you decide which option is best for you.
Composite Veneers: Pros and Cons
Let’s start with the pros:
Affordable price
Composite veneers cost about half of what porcelain does. This is an important consideration for many people as cosmetic dentistry typically is not covered by insurance.
Quick treatment time
This type of veneer is sculpted right on your teeth, so it’s a quick procedure that only requires one appointment.
Low commitment
Composite veneers are easy to prep and apply to your teeth, which also makes them easy to remove and replace when appropriate.
Now for the cons:
Less natural-looking
While composite veneers do look natural, they don’t possess the translucency of real tooth enamel.
Shorter lifespan
You can expect your composite veneers to last for about five to seven years, which is about half as long as porcelain.
Porcelain Veneers: Pros and Cons
Pros:
Superior strength
Porcelain has composite beat hands down when it comes to strength. Although not indestructible, porcelain veneers are considered about equal to the strength of your natural teeth.
Long-lasting
With the proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers have a lifespan of up to 15 years.
Realistic look
Porcelain veneers have a translucent quality that helps them pass for real teeth, and in most cases, you’d never know the difference (which may be why this is the preferred option among celebrities).
Cons:
Less affordable
As noted above, porcelain is the pricier option by a fair amount.
More commitment required
The process of getting custom porcelain veneers takes about three weeks from start to finish, with three separate appointments. The first is for consultation, the second to prep your teeth and place a set of temporary veneers, and the third is when your permanent, customized veneers are placed.
Which one should I choose?
With either option, you will get an improvement to your smile. Choosing between them comes down to your preferences and priorities. For a quick and affordable treatment option, composite veneers are a great choice. For durability and highly realistic results, porcelain is a good investment.
We can help you explore your options! Call us to schedule a consultation.
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