Is there a difference between Composite and Porcelain Veneers?

With more of us aiming to achieve the perfect smile than ever before, the popularity of Cosmetic Dentistry treatments such as Veneers are on the rise. This treatment, achieved by affixing a paper-thin material to the surface of the tooth and available at a multitude of private Dentist clinics, can help to improve the overall visual aesthetics of the tooth; altering its colour, size, shape, and length. This seemingly perfect procedure is offered to consumers in the form of either Composite or Porcelain Veneers, – But what’s the difference between the two, and which one should you opt for?

The main difference found between Composite and Porcelain Veneers is the materials the two are made from. Porcelain Veneers are thin shells made up of, obviously, porcelain that are fixed to the surface of the tooth, while Composite Veneers are created from engineered resin that, once again, is stuck to the outer-surface. While constructed of different material, both types of Veneer are designed to improve the visual appearance of your smile overall.

When comparing the pricing of the two options, it becomes apparent that porcelain, averaging at £550 per tooth, is a bit pricier than composite, averaging at £120 per tooth; however, this is all for good reason. Placement of the Porcelain Veneers in cosmetic Dentistry takes a lot more expertise, time, and resources that must all be accounted for within the final cost of the procedure. This may make Composite Veneers seem the most likely option for many consumers looking into undertaking this treatment, but this is a decision that may change when considering the long term costs and durability of both sets of Veneers. With proper care Porcelain Veneers can last up to 10-15 years, while composite tend to only last around 2-5 years, meaning they will have to be replaced more often. This tends to even the price of both procedures over time. Despite porcelain being known for its fragility, it can become extremely durable when bonded with a healthy tooth. Composite, while it may be durable, is more prone to chipping and cracking in comparison. However, this is an issue that can be easily repaired, while Porcelain Veneers have to be replaced completely.

Due to its translucent property, the use of porcelain allows the Veneer to camouflage well within an otherwise natural set of teeth, masking itself in a way that is incomparable to composite resin; while this is still another option that looks great visually. Porcelain Veneers, unlike composite, are also resistant to staining which is a great benefit when trying to improve the aesthetics of your smile through the use of cosmetic Dentistry. Something to note, however, is that the procedure carried out to achieve Porcelain Veneers is irreversible; whereas Composite Veneers can be removed if you were to become unhappy with them at any point.

The other main difference that can be found between Porcelain and Composite Veneers is the amount of time each treatment takes. Composite Veneers can be applied within a single visit to your private Dentist, as they can be created there and then. This procedure is carried out by matching the resin to the colour of your surrounding teeth to achieve the best possible result; this will then be added to your teeth, cured, and polished. Porcelain Veneers, on the other hand, typically take slightly longer to acquire. They are created by removing a small layer of your tooth, taking a mould of any teeth receiving Veneers and then sending this to the lab. When the Veneers have been fabricated, they can be affixed to your teeth using cement. This is a process within cosmetic Dentistry that takes a minimum of two visits to your private Dentist to achieve.   – Dental veneers can be made available on the NHS, but only in cases where they are clinically required. Cosmetic Dentistry procedures are not offered through this service.

To conclude, whether you opt for Porcelain Veneers or Composite Veneers is a choice completely up to you. There is no right or wrong answer as both are procedures offer very similar results, and were created with the customer’s best interest in mind. Deciding as to whether one is better that the other is a matter of complete relativity, as both have differentiating factors setting them apart from the competition in their own way. Regardless, both types of Veneer yield amazing results, helping you to achieve your perfect smile.

Interested in Veneers? Visit our Dental Veneers page to find out more about how Ascent Dental Care Solihull can help.

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Require a dental appointment, or are looking for cosmetic surgery such as teeth whitening in Solihull, why not contact Ascent Dental Care Solihull today, for a tailored and friendly service.