Should You Get Composite Or Porcelain Dental Veneers?

Have you decided that you want to get dental veneers to fix a cosmetic problem with your teeth? If so, you'll next need to figure out if you want to use porcelain or composite material for the veneers. Here is what you should know about both of these materials.

Preparation

One of the big differences you'll notice between these two materials is the amount of preparation needed to be done to your teeth. With composite veneers, there is no tooth structure that needs to be removed for the veneers to be attached to your teeth. 

The opposite is true with porcelain veneers, which require a thin layer of enamel to be removed to attach the veneers to your teeth. Some people don't like the idea of altering their tooth's structure and decide that composite veneers are the better choice. 

Installation

The process of installing the veneers is also a bit different between the two types of dental veneers. With composite veneers, the entire process is done in a single appointment. The dentist will make the veneer in their office on the same day, so you'll walk out the door with nicer-looking teeth.

Porcelain veneers are a bit different and require two appointments. During the first appointment, your teeth will be prepped and a mold will be made of your teeth. Temporary veneers will then be attached while the porcelain veneers are being made. You'll then return for your second appointment where the porcelain veneers are attached to your teeth. 

Cost

The cost of getting composite veneers is going to be cheaper overall. This is not only because it requires a single appointment to have the composite veneers installed, but because the veneer material itself is also cheaper. However, the composite material is made out of a less durable resin material. 

You get what you pay for with porcelain veneers. The material does cost more than composite material, but it is going to be stronger and last longer overall. 

Maintenance

The nature of composite material being made out of resin means that it is fairly easy to maintain the material over the years. If you damage a veneer, your dentist can fix it in their office the very same day. This makes maintenance quick and easy. 

When you damage porcelain veneers, know that the veneer will need to be replaced with a new one. This involves waiting to have a new veneer made and attaching it back to your tooth. 

For more information on cosmetic dental services, contact a company like Thomas J Gilbert DDS PC / Royal Oak Dental.

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