Composite vs Porcelain Veneers
While a broken tooth may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, in reality it can lead to a lot of damage to the healthy portion of your tooth, and oral health overall. With a broken tooth often comes decay, infection and further damage. If the issue is left unresolved, the damage may spread—leading to the need for a dental crown to be placed or worse…for the tooth to be extracted entirely. If you have a damaged tooth, it is extremely important to visit your dentist to discuss repair options. One of the most popular repair options for damaged teeth is dental veneers.
What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are dental appliances that are intended to repair a tooth that has been damaged. This damage may include:
- Decay
- Chipping
- Cracks
- Breaks
A dental veneer involves the reshaping of a damaged tooth that allows for the placement of a prosthetic. This prosthetic is secured in place, and can allow the patient to continue to bite and chew much like they did before the tooth was damaged.
Dental veneers are excellent options for patients that have damage to the tooth that is too severe for dental bonding, but not severe enough for a dental crown to be placed. It is important to remember that—if the tooth is not repaired quickly enough—the only option left may be the placement of a dental crown.
What Materials Are Used?
When creating the dental veneer, your dentist has different options. The two most popular are composite and porcelain. Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages to both composite and porcelain:
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are made of a composite material that is easy to shape and place. Because of this, some dentists are able to place composite veneers with minimal prep, and can often place a veneer the same day! Composite veneers are also a lot more affordable upfront, making them an appealing option for patients that are on a budget. The downside to composite veneers is that they aren’t as durable and because of this, they often don’t last as long as porcelain.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are an aesthetically pleasing and durable replacement option. While they do take more time to fabricate, porcelain veneers are made to last. Because of their strength and durability, porcelain veneers often last as long as 10 to 15 years. This is considerably longer than composite veneers.
While the upfront cost may be higher for porcelain veneers, it is important to consider them as an investment. Instead of paying to have your veneer or veneers replaced more often, you can pay a little more upfront to generally save money in the long run. You also pay a little extra for peace of mind, due to porcelain being a stronger material.
Which Is the Right Choice for You?
The choice of what material is right for you is something you should discuss with your dentist. Speak with your dentist about whether composite or porcelain veneers are the right choice for your needs.
Contact Lansdowne Dental Care about our award winning Porcelain Veneers Today!
Learn More About Veneers : How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?