Porcelain Veneers vs. Composite Veneers: What's the Difference?
Posted on 3/7/2022 by Alexandra Garcia DDS MS
If you are looking to fix a cosmetic issue or get a smile makeover, veneers are a great choice. Essentially, there are two kinds of dental veneers; composite and porcelain. Our prosthodontist will consider various things to determine the type of veneer that is right for you. Porcelain veneers comprise thin shells of porcelain fixed on the outer surface of your tooth. On the other hand, composite veneers consist of engineered resin attached on the outer surface. Porcelain and composite veneers are both made to match the teeth or whiten and improve the smile. But what is the difference between the two?
Durability
Porcelain veneers can last for 10 to 15 years with proper care. On the flip side, composite veneers typically last 4 to 8 years. Although porcelain tends to be fragile, once it is attached to a healthy tooth, it's very durable. Composite material is durable though not as strong as its counterpart, porcelain. Additionally, composite is more susceptible to chipping. If damage happens to porcelain veneers, you will have to replace them, you cannot repair them. If composite veneers chip, you can repair them.
Aesthetics
Porcelain veneers are able to catch light extremely in a similar way to how natural teeth do. This is due to the translucent nature of these veneers. Composite resin looks great; however, it cannot match porcelain. The good thing with porcelain veneers is that they are stain resistant, but composite resin tends to stain just as natural teeth do.
Cost
Porcelain veneers cost more than composite initially. Replacement of porcelain veneers requires more time and expertise. The dental lab work costs a lot to fabricate restorations. In the long term, if you break down the amount of money you spend on the two based on how you have to replace or repair them, you find that it evens out over time. Schedule an appointment with our prosthodontic team to determine whether you should receive porcelain or composite veneers.
Dental Blog | Prosthodontist Houston, TX | Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS Dr. Alexandra Garcia is offering this blog as a resource to the community. Click here to learn more about procedures, home care, and a variety of other dental topics! Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS, 777 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 625, Houston, TX 77056; (346) 250-2930; dralexandragarcia.com; 12/3/2024; Page Phrases: dental implants Houston TX;
If you are looking to fix a cosmetic issue or get a smile makeover, veneers are a great choice. Essentially, there are two kinds of dental veneers; composite and porcelain. Our prosthodontist will consider various things to determine the type of veneer that is right for you. Porcelain veneers comprise thin shells of porcelain fixed on the outer surface of your tooth. On the other hand, composite veneers consist of engineered resin attached on the outer surface. Porcelain and composite veneers are both made to match the teeth or whiten and improve the smile. But what is the difference between the two?