Porcelain Veneers vs. Composite Veneers

March 1, 2022

 

Are you considering a smile makeover and wondering what the best option is? Porcelain Veneers vs. Composite Veneers? At Dental Implants and Aesthetics, Southport & Tugun locations, we are proud of our experienced team of dental professionals. We offer our patients the highest level of professionalism and care throughout their smile makeover or rehabilitation journey.

We specialise in crafting natural-looking smiles perfectly tailored to complement the natural aesthetics of the face. When it comes to veneers, we offer both porcelain and composite veneers. Our comprehensive consultation process will determine the most suitable option for you, considering your personal needs, budget, and desired outcome.

 

Porcelain Veneers vs. Composite Veneers?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions about veneers. What is the best option? How long do they last? What is the difference between Porcelain Veneers vs. Composite Veneers? We have outlined the pros and cons for each option below:

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Veneers are ultra-thin shells of tooth-coloured porcelain that is cemented over the surfaces of the tooth. Where dental crowns offer full-coverage dental restoration, veneers are also called partial-coverage dental restoration used for cosmetic puropses.

Veneers can help to correct the aesthetics of the smile. Things like teeth discolouration, old and non-aesthetic fillings, minor tooth fractures, uneven tooth alignment or spacing or decayed teeth can be fixed or improved with the use of veneers. Other benefits of veneers include durability and longevity, an improved smile appearance, and the need for minimal removal of the tooth structure and fewer aesthetic concerns.

Pros and cons of Porcelain Veneers?

Here at Dental Implants and Aesthetics, we offer four different types of veneers, three of which are made from porcelain. We offer our patients traditional porcelain veneers, prep-less veneers and mini veneers. Traditional porcelain veneers can assist in the smile makeover that we specialise in, offering you beautifully aligned and shapely teeth. This may also eliminate the need for more extensive treatments. The major advantages of porcelain veneers are minimal intervention or grinding of the teeth, excellent aesthetics and excellent mechanical strength. Our porcelain veneer options also come in the prep-less and the mini-veneers. For patients that desire an improvement in their smile and already have natural teeth without extended decay or discolouration, a thinner application of porcelain, named prep-less, may be viable.

The pros of porcelain include:

• It is a stronger, more durable material
• Has a longer lifespan (at least 10 years if not longer)
• Most natural material, due to mimicking the way that teeth reflect light
• Highly stain resistant

The cons of porcelain veneers include:

• They cannot be repaired, so they must be replaced if they’re damaged
• It takes longer to complete the treatment (usually three sessions)

What are composite veneers?

A composite veneer consists of composite resin, which is bonded on the tooth’s surface. Your dentist will apply the composite resins in layers on the surface of your tooth. A successful application of the composite layers then allows the veneered tooth to have the correct shape, length and form to match the neighbouring teeth. They are an attractive and relatively inexpensive alternative to porcelain veneers.

Pros and cons of Composite Veneers?

The pros of composite resin veneers include:

• The treatment can be completed in a single visit
• Less expensive than porcelain veneers
• Damage to the veneers can be repaired
• Less enamel is removed from the natural teeth

The cons of composite veneers include:

• Composite resin tends to stain more easily
• Less durable than porcelain
• Repaired chips and breaks are often very visible
• Shorter lifespan (around eight years)
• Not as realistic looking as porcelain

 

Here at Dental Implants and Aesthetics, we are proud to be a leading prosthodontist in Southport, Queensland. We specialise in professional veneers that improve the aesthetics and the longevity of your natural smile and we are looking forward to your first visit with us. The diagnostic and examination phase of the treatment process is of high importance because it identifies any possible oral health concerns that we will address before proceeding to the veneer treatment. It also helps to point out the individual aesthetic needs of the patient, so we will discuss any future treatment plans and your individual desires with you.

CTA: Book an appointment online with Dental Implants and Aesthetics today or contact our friendly and professional team for more information on our services.