Veneers are one of the simplest oral restorations used primarily for cosmetic dental purposes. They are wafer-thin restorations that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth to get rid of their surface imperfections and restore their shape and size. Also, they are used to make the teeth look whiter by covering the staining on the teeth.
Veneers are of two types, namely porcelain and composite veneers. Porcelain veneers are made from dental-grade ceramic, which is a material prominently used to fabricate dental restorations. Composite resin is also used to make veneers, as it can be customized to match the exact appearance of the natural teeth in terms of color, texture, and contour. Here is how both these restorations compare:
How long does it take to fabricate them?
Composite veneers relatively take less time to be completed as they can be fabricated and bonded in the dental office in a single visit. The resin will be matched with the color of the adjoining teeth, applied on the tooth, hardened using a curing light, and polished to give it the most natural look. It takes very little time to be completed. On the other hand, porcelain veneers require a preparation phase to remove a thin layer of enamel and take an impression of the tooth. During the next visit, the veneer will be bonded using dental adhesives.
How long do they last?
Ideally, with optimum oral care, porcelain veneers last upwards of 10 years without any hassle. This is owing to the highly durable nature of dental-grade ceramic. Composite veneers last between 4 to 8 years. Though composite is highly durable, it tends to chip more easily due to lesser strength. However, they can easily be repaired in case of any damage.
How do they compare aesthetically?
Porcelain offers just the right amount of translucency, which allows it to match the exact appearance of the natural teeth. They are also resistant to staining, which means they would look as good as new for several years together. Although composite veneers are quite natural-looking, they do not reach the level of porcelain veneers and stain similar to natural teeth.
How much do they cost?
Porcelain veneers tend to cost slightly more than composite veneers as the process takes more time, resources, and expertise. Also, the dentist will have to get the veneer fabricated by a dental laboratory, which includes fabrication costs. Composite veneers cost less as they are simple and take very little time to be completed. Considering the cost of treatment and their lifespan, the investment for composite and porcelain veneers would more or less be even in both cases.
Call us at (949) 786-2820 or schedule an online appointment with Dr. Choi for a consultation at our office in Irvine, CA. We will be happy to guide you further.