Have you been thinking about getting dental veneers? If so, one of the first things you will need to decide is whether to go with composite or porcelain veneers. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses that make it best suited for different situations. Choosing the right option for you will ensure you are fully satisfied with your treatment, but how should you do this? Our guide will shed some light on the differences between the two main types of veneers and help you decide which is best for your needs.
What is “Composite”?
Composite is a type of resin made by mixing biocompatible plastics with tiny pieces of crushed glass. In addition to being used to create veneers, it is also used to create white fillings.
Composite Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers
Age
People of any age can wear composite veneers, including children, when necessary. Porcelain veneers are usually only offered to adults due to their brittle nature.
Advantages
Composite veneers cost less than porcelain ones and can be applied without sacrificing tooth enamel. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, offer beautiful aesthetics and excellent durability with proper care.
Disadvantages
Composite veneers do not last as long as porcelain ones do and do not look as attractive when placed. In contrast, porcelain veneers must be treated very carefully to avoid chipping or cracking the material. They are also significantly more expensive than their composite counterparts.
Aesthetics
Composite veneers look great but often do not match the colour and lustre of real teeth as well as porcelain veneers do. Composite veneers also stain more easily than porcelain ones.
Manufacturing
Composite veneers are placed in-office by building up several layers of composite. They do not need to be manufactured beforehand. Porcelain veneers must be fabricated in a lab, a process that takes several days to complete.
Placement Time
Depending on how many you receive, it might take more than one visit to get them all done. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, can be placed in a single visit.
Need to Grind Teeth
Composite veneers can be placed right over your teeth and require no enamel grinding. Porcelain veneers require you to sacrifice a very small amount of tooth enamel.
Durability
Most composite veneers last for 5 to 7 years. Most porcelain veneers last at least 10 years. Many are still intact and shining even after decades of wear.
Consistency & Adherence
Composite veneers are less brittle than porcelain ones, but they adhere less strongly to the teeth. Porcelain veneers are more fragile than composite ones but are much less likely to detach from the teeth.
Resistance to Aggressive External Agents
Composite veneers have very little resistance to the acidic substances found in items like tea, coffee, citrus fruits and mouthwashes. Porcelain veneers resist these acids even better than natural teeth.
Comfort Level
Both composite and porcelain veneers are very comfortable to wear. Many people who get them forget that they are wearing them at all.
Biological Reactivity & Hygiene
Composite veneers do not usually produce bad reactions, but they do collect plaque and tartar more easily than natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are equally unlikely to cause a reaction, but they are smoother and less likely to attract tartar buildup.
Radiopacity
Composite veneers are too dense for X-ray beams to pass through. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are less dense than natural teeth, allowing X-rays to easily pass through them and give your dentist a better look at the tooth underneath.
Comparing the Three Types of Porcelain Veneers
There are three main types of porcelain veneers: traditional porcelain veneers, zirconia porcelain veneers, and lithium disilicate veneers.
Material
Traditional porcelain veneers are made of Western porcelain, a beautiful material composed of quartz, kaolin, and feldspar. Zirconia veneers are made from the same Western porcelain but also contain zirconium for added durability. Lithium disilicate veneers, on the other hand, are made from a mixture of ceramic and LS2 lithium disilicate glass.
Description
All three types of porcelain veneers offer excellent aesthetic results. Traditional porcelain veneers and lithium disilicate veneers both look like beautiful natural teeth, while zirconia veneers are slightly more translucent than other materials and allow more of the dentin below them to show through.&
Durability
Traditional porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 with regular visits to the dentist and good home care. Zirconia veneers last 20 years in the same condition, while lithium disilicate veneers can easily last 30 years or more.
Two Types of Composite Veneers
There are two main types of composite veneers: direct composite veneers and indirect composite veneers.
Indirect Composite Veneers
Indirect composite veneers are composite veneers that are made in a lab based on an impression of the patient’s teeth. Once they are ready, they are attached to the patient’s teeth using more composite or dental cement. These veneers are carefully sculpted to create your desired results. However, it can be difficult to make last-minute adjustments to them if their colour, shape, or size are not to your liking.
Direct Composite Veneers
Direct composite veneers are made by carefully building up layer after layer of composite material to create the desired shape. These veneers are sculpted right onto your teeth, so they are easy to adjust and can be tweaked until you are satisfied with the results. The downside to this method is that it requires you to spend significantly more time in the dentist’s chair.
Are Composite Resin Veneers Worth It?
Only you can decide if composite veneers are worth it for you. If your budget is limited and getting veneers will make you feel happy and confident in your own skin, they are a good option for you. However, most people who get veneers prefer the look and feel of porcelain veneers over composite ones. Look at a few composite veneers before and after photos to get a feel for whether this treatment is right for your needs.
Get the Best Dental Veneers in Mississauga
Whether you are interested in composite or porcelain front teeth veneers, you are sure to love how bright and beautiful they make your smile look.
If you are interested in improving your smile with veneers, let Dr. Tousi of Trillium Smile Dentistry help you do it. As one of the most skilled cosmetic dentists in Mississauga, you can trust her to do a great job crafting and placing your front teeth veneers. Contact our office today to inquire about getting composite or porcelain veneers and start your journey toward a better smile.
Also Read: 8 Common Questions Patients Ask About Composite Veneers