There are different types of dental veneers. It can be stated that two types come to the forefront. Composite veneer and porcelain veneer are the two most popular types. Both types have their own particularities and advantages. Then, which one is better? The answer to this question can be found later on in this article.
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What Is Porcelain Veneer?
As the name suggests, it is a material to cover the outer surface of the tooth and it is made of porcelain. It is produced specifically to the patient’s teeth structure, so it is produced in a customized way. It is an application that overcomes visual and functional teeth problems effectively.
What Is Composite Veneer?
A composite veneer is a treatment method used to overcome functional and visual teeth problems. It is produced by using composite material. It changes tooth color, shape, and dimension effectively.
What Are The Differences Between Porcelain and Composite Veneers?
Porcelain and composite veneers are products that are used for the same purpose but have different features. Details about the differences between these two veneer types are as follows:
· Durability
The porcelain type is much more durable and its lifetime can be up to 15 years. Composite veneers on the other hand are less durable, with 4-8 years of life.
If the porcelain veneer gets damaged, it has to be replaced, because it can’t be repaired. Composite veneer, on the other hand, can be repaired when damaged.
· Cost
Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite ones. Additionally, it requires serious expertise to place these veneers. As a result, cost increases. However, when it is considered in the long-term, it is possible to use porcelain veneers without any problem for years.
Besides, composite veneers may cause different problems and these may result in extra cost. When such probabilities are considered, it can be said that porcelain veneers are more advantageous from a cost point of view after a certain point.
· Time
There are some differences between the application time of porcelain and composite veneers. Composite veneer application is way faster. During the first visit, the patient’s tooth color is matched with veneer color. Afterward, a composite veneer is placed on the tooth, necessary corrections are done, tooth polishing is applied and the procedure is completed. Shortly, on the same day, a composite veneer is applied to your tooth and you can leave the clinic with a new smile.
A porcelain veneer, on the other hand, is produced especially in a laboratory environment. During your first visit to your dentist, necessary measurements are done and your veneer is ordered. During the delivery time, a temporary veneer may be applied. After your second visit following the veneer delivery to your dentist, the veneer is placed. So, for this procedure, it can be said that you will need around 2 weeks.
· Aesthetics
The semi-transparent structure of porcelain veneers ensures that the natural white color of your tooth is reflected. The result is so perfect. Additionally, this type of veneer is stain-proof and provides a more aesthetic look.
A composite veneer looks not as good as a porcelain veneer. Besides, it is not stain-proof, just like a normal tooth.
Advantages of Composite Veneer
The first advantage of the composite veneer is related to time. It can be produced at the clinic right after your dentist examines your tooth. It can be shaped by your dentist according to your tooth. Then, it is hardened by using high-density light use. If necessary, additional resin application is done and a perfect result can be achieved. All these are done within a few hours.
Cost is the most important advantage of composite veneers. It has almost a 50% lower cost compared to porcelain veneers. When the fact that teeth veneers are not covered by health insurance in general, it can be said that cost is an important factor for patients.
Another important advantage of this type of veneer is reversibility. That means, for this application, your tooth is not reshaped. Therefore, the process is reversible. Since your tooth is reshaped in the case of porcelain veneer application, the process there is irreversible.
Advantages of Porcelain Veneer
The first feature that comes to mind when porcelain veneer is mentioned is durability. This type of veneer is highly durable and thanks to that, it can be used for long years flawlessly. Lifetime is more than 10 years. Composite resins, on the other hand, have a shorter lifetime.
This veneer type is semi-transparent and therefore, it provides a perfect appearance. On top of that, because of its structure, it is stain proof. When all these are considered, it can be stated that porcelain veneer is more advantageous compared to composite veneer from an aesthetic point of view.
Porcelain veneer provides solutions to problems like genetic defects, erosion, and abrasion in an effective way. That means, it is effective not only from an aesthetic point of view but also it provides solutions to functional problems. Composite veneer, on the other side, provides solutions to functional and visual problems that are not serious.
Which One Is Better?
Above, you read general characteristics, advantages, and limitations of composite and porcelain veneers. After this point, making the right choice is completely related to your expectation. If you are looking for a cost-wise advantageous option, the right choice for you would be a composite veneer. However, if you have aesthetic and durability concerns, then you should prefer a porcelain veneer.