Composite versus Porcelain Veneers
Every aspect of your veneer treatment with Adawn is carefully considered and bespoke to ensure you have a smile that suits you perfectly- from the shape, translucency and material used, right up to a budget that suits your lifestyle.
There is more than one option for you to choose from when considering veneers. The choice comes down to your preference and budget. Typically, it is one of two options- porcelain or composite veneers.
Composite veneers (also referred to as resin veneers, bonding or caps) are made from tooth coloured engineered resin – the same ones that we use to do ‘white fillings’ with. The dentist usually completes the procedure in a single appointment; where the resin is directly bonded onto the teeth to reshape them.
Composite veneers are additive, which means that the teeth are not reduced. It is a more affordable option (initially) compared to the porcelain veneers and can last between 5-8 years but will require regular maintenance as the plastic composite material can stain, discolour, or chip and needs to be polished or repaired periodically. Porcelain on the other hand is a very durable material and doesn’t stain or chip, especially if you grind or clench your teeth.
Porcelain veneers are thin layers of glass-ceramic that are custom-fit and bonded to your teeth. They tend to be stronger, longer lasting and better quality than composite veneers, but the process is a little more involved and more expensive. Porcelain is a far stronger material than composite resin. Well-maintained porcelain veneers can last over 15 years. Porcelain veneers will offer the most natural, tooth-like aesthetics – if hand-crafted by a skilled ceramist that is! It is also highly resistant to staining and chipping due to the strength of the material and the glaze that is applied after treatment.
The trade-off for aesthetics and durability is that a small amount of tooth enamel will need to be reduced off the surface to be replaced with the veneer. In most cases, we can create no prep or minimal prep veneers where the tooth is either not reduced at all, or only reduced by a fraction of a millimetre to reduce any long-term health Impacts on the teeth. This is also important as it allows the veneer to be very strongly bonded to the tooth enamel so it can last as long as possible.
Each of these options has its pros and cons; and a decision needs to be made with your goals and budget in mind. Do your research by looking at the dentist’s porcelain veneers before and after photos and make the most of your first consultation by talking things through.