Should I Get Porcelain or Composite Veneers? Weigh the Pros and Cons

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are custom-made to cover the front surface of teeth. They are an effective way to repair and improve the appearance of teeth that are misshapen, unevenly spaced, cracked, misaligned, or have stains that don't respond to professional whitening treatments.

Why Get Veneers?

There are many reasons people choose to get dental veneers:

• Mask teeth that are permanently stained or discolored
• Close small gaps between teeth
• Make teeth look straighter without braces
• Repair chips and cracks
• Correct uneven teeth
• Improve smile aesthetics

Veneers provide an instant smile transformation. In just a few dental visits, veneers can give you a smile makeover with brighter, whiter, more even looking teeth.

The Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain is the most popular material used for veneers today. Let's look closer at some of the key pros and cons of porcelain veneers.

Pros of Porcelain Veneers

• Very natural looking: Porcelain veneers made from ceramic materials mimic the light reflection properties of real teeth, providing a bright but natural looking white smile.
• Strong and long-lasting: Porcelain is a very strong material that holds up well to the rigors of daily use. With proper oral care, they can last 10-20 years.
• Stain-resistant: The smooth porcelain surface resists staining from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco far better than natural tooth enamel.
• Easy maintenance: You care for porcelain veneers the same way you care for regular teeth - with brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings.
• Low sensitivity: In general, the porcelain covering reduces sensitivity to hot and cold foods or beverages.

Cons of Porcelain Veneers

• Tooth reduction: Fitting the veneer shells often requires removal of some natural tooth structure on the front surface.
• Higher cost: The cost for porcelain veneers ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth. Most insurance plans dont cover this cosmetic procedure.
• Two+ dental visits required: At least two appointments are needed to take impressions or images of the teeth, make the veneers, and later bond them onto the teeth.
• Not a permanent fix: Veneers eventually need to be repaired or replaced.
• Damage risk: Veneers can become loose or fracture if proper care isnt taken to avoid biting hard objects or clenching.

However, when made by a skilled dentist using high-quality materials, porcelain veneers last well and provide a beautiful natural transformation. Just be sure to discuss all pros and cons with your dentist beforehand.

The Pros and Cons of Composite Veneers

Composite resin veneers are another option for tooth coverings. Here's a look at the main pros and cons of composites.

Pros of Composite Veneers

• Less tooth reduction: Prepping the teeth for composite veneers requires removing less of the natural tooth surface compared to porcelain.
• Strong enough for most uses
• Lower cost: Composite veneers can cost several hundred less per tooth than porcelain options.
• Fast application: They can be completed in just one dental visit, instead of two visits required for traditional porcelain veneers.
• Reparable when damaged

Cons of Composite Veneers

• Less natural looking: Due to their resin base, composites tend reflect less light and look more opaque than porcelain alternatives.
• Higher staining risk: The material absorbs color more readily than porcelain.
• Shorter lifespan: Composites may only last 5-7 years vs. 10-15 years for porcelain veneers.
• More susceptible to surface damage and fractures
• Typically need more frequent replacement
• Higher likelihood of sensitivity to hot and cold

The choice between porcelain or composite veneers depends on desired aesthetics, treatment time, and budget. Discuss your specific needs and smile goals thoroughly with your cosmetic dentist.

Ideal Candidates for Tooth Veneers

While some form of tooth veneers can transform almost anyone's smile, some good candidates for veneers include:

Patients with Noticeable Cosmetic Dental Issues

For those unhappy with the appearance of minorly gapped, stained, chipped, uneven or crooked teeth, veneers are an easy fix. Veneers mask imperfections to create picture-perfect smiles.

Committed Oral Hygiene Observers

Because veneers require cleaning just like natural teeth, patients need to demonstrate consistent and thorough oral care habits. Poor hygiene risks decay, discoloration, and gum disease underneath the veneer shells.

Patients Wanting a Quick Smile Makeover

While not quite as fast as whitening toothpaste or strips, veneers produce dramatic smile improvements in just a few office visits. There's no need for months of wearing braces or retainers.

Those Seeking Long-Term Solutions

For individuals tired of repeating temporary fixes but who aren't ready for major reconstruction with crowns or implants, veneers offer durable decade-plus enhanced aesthetics.

Virtually any adult desiring substantial smile improvements is a potential candidate for tooth veneers. A complete evaluation of oral health, discussion of alternatives, and realistic expectations helps determine if they are the right choice.

The Veneers Procedure from Start to Finish

Now that we've weighed the pros and cons of porcelain and composite veneers, what does the placement process involve? Let's walk through what to expect at your cosmetic dentistry appointments.

Initial Consultation

During a consultation, your dentist or prosthodontist will:

• Evaluate the current condition of your teeth
• Review medical and dental history
• Discuss goals for smile improvements
• Decide if veneers will achieve desired outcomes
• Consider alternative treatments like braces or whitening if appropriate
• Explain the complete veneers procedure and whats involved
• Provide information on available materials and costs

This visit confirms if youre a good candidate, allows you to ask questions, and sets expectations regarding the process.

Initial Tooth Preparation

At the next appointment, the teeth are prepared by:

• Administering local anesthetic for comfort
• Reducing width slightly to accommodate the veneer shells
• Removing approximately 1/2 millimeter from front enamel surface
• Taking an impression of the newly shaped teeth

The dentist sends precise impressions to a dental laboratory that will custom-fabricate the veneers to your exact specifications regarding material, thickness, fit, shape and color.

Veneer Placement

During the placement visit a few weeks later, the dentist will:

• Check that the veneers fit comfortably and achieve desired aesthetics
• Adjust as needed for optimal size, shape, and bite alignment
• Roughen inner surface to enable durable bonding
• Etch front surface of natural teeth
• Apply bonding cement to veneers and teeth
• Press veneers into place, removing any excess cement
• Use curing light to harden cement fully

And just like that - your new enhanced, gorgeous smile is complete! Initial sensitivity generally resolves within a couple weeks as you adjust.

Caring for New Veneers

To keep those pearly white veneers intact and prevent costly repairs or replacements down the road, be diligent about veneer care:

• Brush gently twice daily
• Floss once daily
• Attend regular dental cleanings & exams
• Limit staining foods and drinks
• Wear a mouthguard with contact sports
• Avoid nail biting, teeth clenching, and other habits that can crack veneers

Tell your dentist right away if a veneer becomes damaged or loose so it can be rebonded before tooth decay results underneath.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

With proper oral care and avoidance of trauma, porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years, while composite resin veneers last around 5-7 years. Factors impacting longevity include veneer material and thickness, bite alignment, habits, and adherence to dental recommendations.

Be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding if cosmetic improvement with veneers is right for your smile. But for those seeking an affordable and fast dental facelift, veneers remain a tried-and-true option.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.