Understanding Composite Versus Porcelain Veneers

Dental Veneers Albuquerque, NM

Treatments available to improve minor aesthetic issues with your teeth include dental veneers that cover up such imperfections to give your teeth a more uniform appearance. There are two separate treatments that are referred to as veneers, and while they accomplish the same purpose, they have little in common with one another otherwise.

How are composite and porcelain veneers different?

Knowing the difference between porcelain and composite dental veneers can help you determine which treatment option is more appropriate for you.

Material

Composite veneers are so called because they consist of several different materials blended together. The main component is an acrylic resin, which is a type of plastic. This is combined with particles of a material such as silica or quartz for reinforcement. Porcelain veneers are made of a ceramic material.

Application

Composite veneers are applied by painting the liquid resin onto the tooth, sculpting it, and then curing it with a special light to harden it once it has reached the desired shape. The tooth requires very little prep work beforehand.

Porcelain veneers consist of thin shells, each of which fits over an individual tooth. Before veneers can be placed, the teeth have to be prepared by removing small amounts of enamel from each tooth. There is a wait of a few weeks before porcelain veneers can be placed because they have to be custom-made for you in a laboratory.

Customizability

Both composite and porcelain veneers are customizable, but in different ways. Porcelain veneers are made for you in a lab according to specifications provided by your dentist. Composite veneers can be sculpted into the desired shape before curing, and possibly modified afterward.

Appearance

Like natural teeth, porcelain veneers are smooth and slightly translucent, giving them a more natural appearance. Composite veneers are more opaque but can be sanded down to give them the smoothness of a natural tooth.

Strength

Both composite and porcelain veneers can become damaged over time and require replacement. Composite veneers wear out in about five to seven years while porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 20 years.

Versatility

There are some situations in which composite veneers do not work well. Because they are painted onto the tooth, they are not able to close severe gaps between the teeth. If the tooth is deeply discolored, the composite material may not be sufficient to cover it up. Porcelain veneers are able to address issues such as these where composite would not be appropriate.

Treatment time

You have to wait for porcelain veneers to come back from the lab before they can be applied. There are no such delays for composite veneers, which are a same-day treatment.

Reversibility

If you change your mind about composite veneers later, you can easily have them removed. The lack of preparation required prior to application makes it possible to reverse them. Porcelain veneers are considered permanent because they require the removal of some tooth enamel, albeit very small amounts. They can be removed by a dentist but have to be replaced with new veneers.

Which veneer option is right for you?

Each choice is quite different so it is important to determine which one would be the most appropriate for your unique situation. In both scenarios, the affected tooth must be healthy overall. A tooth that is severely decayed, damaged, or does not have a healthy root intact should not and cannot be effectively treated with either type of veneer. In these situations, other options should be explored, such as crowns, bridges, implants, or partial dentures.

Composite veneers work well for people who have mostly cosmetic tooth issues. This includes discolorations that will not respond to whitening treatments and very minor chips or cracks. They can be a good option for people who need a less invasive treatment procedure and are willing to have it redone every few years.

Porcelain veneers can address all of the same issues composite veneers can. However, they are a more appropriate treatment option for more significant tooth damage. In addition, veneers are a good option for people who have unevenly sized, shaped, or spaced teeth. Patients may prefer veneers if they want a longer-lasting treatment option.

Conclusion

Though different from one another, composite and porcelain dental veneers are both effective treatments for improving the appearance of minor flaws in teeth. To choose the right option and develop a proper treatment plan, talk with a dentist about your concerns and goals.

Request an appointment here: https://www.roderickgarciadmd.com or call Roderick A. Garcia, DMD PC at (505) 634-5029 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates in Albuquerque, NM.

Recent Posts

Smile Makeover With Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment solution in smile makeovers. This is because they can address a range of cosmetic and oral health issues, such as teeth stains, misshapen teeth, uneven teeth, chips, and cracks. This review highlights how a dentist might utilize dental veneers during the smile makeover treatment process. Dental veneers are a…

How Are Dental Veneers Made?

As more patients seek cosmetic dental treatment, dental veneers are more popular than ever. These restorations can completely transform a patient's smile. A porcelain or composite veneer can change a tooth's size, shape, or color. It can also be used to repair mild to moderate damage in some situations. This can help protect a person's…

Understanding The Dental Veneers Process

If you are wanting a smile makeover, veneers are an affordable and effective option. As a restorative solution, dental veneers are custom-made shells bonded to the front of your teeth. They are made of thin composite resin or porcelain and attached with dental cement. The veneers share the same color as the natural tooth, but…

Are Dental Veneers Permanent?

Dental veneers can treat a variety of issues, both to improve oral health or simply for cosmetic purposes. They can be used to: Repair chipped or cracked teeth Create a whiter smile when whitening treatments will not work Close gaps between teeth Repair unevenly shaped or sized teeth Restore worn down teeth due to teeth…

Recent Posts

Orthodontics: Teeth Straightening Options From A General Dentist

Orthodontics: Teeth-Straightening Options From A General Dentist

A general dentist can offer many services to preserve patients' oral health, and orthodontics for teeth straightening may be included in that list. Orthodontics, or the process of aligning teeth and fixing the bite, can have a greater purpose than just aesthetics.In addition to beautifying a patient's smile by aligning their teeth, a general dentist…

What To Expect During The Dental Implant Procedure

What To Expect During The Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants can bring back stability and aesthetic value to your mouth. Losing at least one tooth can affect your appearance. It can also affect the way you interact with other people. Getting implants is a big decision. That is why you need to know what the procedure entails. Here are the things you should…

Summer Specials Available through August 2022