Do you cringe every time you smile in the mirror? Maybe an awkward-looking tooth is making you feel self-conscious. You don’t have to keep hiding your otherwise beautiful smile! If you have a severely discolored or deformed tooth, talk to your dentist in Paris, KY. They could determine if you need porcelain or composite veneers.
What’s the difference between composite vs porcelain veneers, exactly? Read on to find out and determine if these treatment options suit your oral health needs!
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are installed directly into the oral cavity. Your dentist will select the color for the veneer material first. They’ll apply it to the tooth in layers. Your dentist will use a UV lamp to harden the photopolymer composite into place. Restoring one tooth will take about an hour. You can receive your composite veneers while receiving treatment for dental caries.
Pros
- If you choose composite veneers, you’ll receive your restoration in one visit. There’s also minimal enamel removal involved.
- Composite veneers are often the cheaper option, as compared to porcelain veneers.
- If your composite veneers are damaged, your dentist can repair them. With porcelain veneers, however, they usually need to be replaced.
Cons
- Talk to your dentist about maintaining veneers before your appointment. You may need to make adjustments to your diet. For example, composite will darken if you consume food dyes.
- Composite is also sensitive to alcohol and cold or hot food. Since composite is less durable, it’s prone to wear. You may notice chipping if you chew hard foods.
- Over time, the porous composite could shrink. Plaque may accumulate around the veneer if you don’t keep up with your oral health. They’ll also lose their shine.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain (also called ceramic) veneers are one of the most popular tooth restoration options available. They’re strong and durable and have a natural light transmittance. Porcelain veneers mimic the appearance of your natural teeth for stunning results. Your Paris dentist will use 3D modeling to evaluate and adjust the outcome of your restoration before the procedure. You can see a visual of the procedure’s results before scheduling your appointment.
Porcelain veneers are created in a dental lab based on impressions of your teeth. Using a digital impression of your teeth will ensure better, natural-looking results. Some dentists have CAD/CAM technology in their offices, this technology can design and make the veneer at your dentist’s practice. You could receive your new veneer in fewer appointments.
The ceramic’s smooth surface can help prevent dental plaque formation and your risk of tooth decay could decrease. During the procedure, your dentist will need to grind down the surface of your teeth, this enamel removal process will ensure the veneer remains bonded to the surface of your natural tooth. After shaving down the surface of your tooth, your dentist will create an impression of your teeth and they will send the mold to a lab for the creation of your porcelain veneer. Once the veneer is ready, your dentist will place it on your prepared tooth and cement it into place using a special light.
Pros
- Porcelain veneers produce highly natural-looking results. Their stain resistance ensures they don’t change due to food dyes. You can eat berries or drink coffee and red wine without severe staining.
- Creating your veneers using porcelain won’t create microscopic gaps in the ceramic. This ensures a tight fit to your tooth. It will also reduce the risk of a cavity forming under the veneer.
- Porcelain veneers are effective at hiding aesthetic defects, such as persistent enamel yellowing, discoloration from tobacco smoke, white spots with fluorosis and noticeability of fillings.
Cons
- In most cases, you’ll need to schedule two to three dental visits to receive your porcelain veneers. However, you’ll spend less time in the dentist’s chair than you would if you choose composite veneers.
- Remember, most dentists send scans to a lab where technicians will create your porcelain veneers. You may need to wait one to two weeks before your veneers are ready. During this time, your dentist can use a temporary restoration to protect your teeth.
- One of the top detriments of porcelain veneers is the cost. These durable veneers are more expensive than composite alternatives.
Choosing Composite vs Porcelain Veneers
Before choosing between composite vs porcelain veneers, you should consult your dentist. They can help you make an informed choice based on your needs, goals, and budget.
Time
If time is a critical factor, consider composite veneers over porcelain ones. Your dentist can place composite veneers in one appointment. With porcelain veneers, a lab will need to create your veneers first.
Durability
Consider longevity before making your choice. Porcelain creates more durable veneers. They’ll last for about 20 years with regular dental visits and proper care. Porcelain veneers are bonded to a tooth. They’ll become more durable against chips and cracks. Composite veneers, on the other hand, only last between five to seven years with possible care. They’re more prone to damage.
Aesthetics
Both composite and porcelain veneers can restore your smile. However, veneers have translucent properties. They can catch the light the way natural teeth do, creating a more natural appearance.
Cost
Since veneers are considered a cosmetic dentistry procedure, they’re usually not covered by dental insurance. The cost of your veneers will vary based on:
- The veneer material
- The brand name
- Your area’s average cost
- Your dentist’s expertise
On average, patients pay about $925 to $2,500 a tooth. Composite veneers can cost between $400 and $2,000 per tooth. They last between five to seven years. Porcelain veneers usually cost more than composite veneers. They’re more expensive because they’re made of high-quality veneer material.
Before choosing between composite vs porcelain veneers, consider longevity. Though porcelain veneers cost more initially, they also last longer (about 15 years!). You may need to pay to repair or replace your composite veneers more often.
Improve Your Smile With Durable Veneers
Don’t let a discolored or misshapen tooth affect your appearance. Instead, talk to your Paris, KY dentist about composite vs porcelain veneers. They can help you make an informed choice.
The team at Bourbon Family Dentistry is committed to providing excellent dental care. Our team of caring, experienced professionals is dedicated to improving your smile. Contact us to schedule your appointment and restore your smile with veneers!
Recent Comments