A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain or composite attached to the front surface of a tooth. A veneer resembles what your teeth look like when they are brand new. Porcelain is used on teeth that need minor cosmetic enhancement, while composite veneers are used for more significant repair work. An Austin Cosmetic Dentist can also use both materials to create a more customized patient appearance. Discover the difference to decide which type would work best for you.
Characteristics of Composite vs porcelain veneers
1. Design
A composite veneer is made by pouring liquid resin directly on the tooth. An impression is then taken, and an exact mold is created with porcelain. Porcelain veneers are the more complex of the two. A technician makes a model of your tooth using a high-strength porcelain compound. Then, your dentist takes an impression and uses it to sculpt a precise fit for your new veneer. Composite resin veneers can be used in most cases, but porcelain is recommended for permanent teeth to avoid the discoloration that may take place when using composite material.
2. Durability
Though both porcelain and composite veneers are very durable, porcelain is more durable. Composite resin can discolor, especially when next to the gums. The color around your teeth may change over time. Porcelain is resistant to this change and provides a greater level of permeability than composite resin. This allows the tooth underneath the veneer to receive adequate oxygen, which helps prevent any decay or demineralization of the tooth.
3. Aesthetics
Composite resin veneers are designed to look as natural as possible. They can be lightened or darkened for cosmetic purposes, and patients can also choose to remove some of them for a more enhanced appearance. A porcelain veneer is less customizable and cannot be lightened or darkened. However, an expert Austin cosmetic dentist can give the patient more options when choosing a shade of the tooth’s color. More discreet shades help hide stains and discolorations completely, while brighter shades make the tooth stand out more.
4. Duration and Procedure
A porcelain veneer is more time-consuming to apply, but on the other hand composite resin veneers can be used after a quick office visit. Porcelain must be made in a laboratory, so it takes longer to have the new veneer on your teeth. Composite resin veneers are ideal for immediate cosmetic improvement or for patients who need minor repairs. Porcelain is recommended for more significant repairs or permanent teeth exposed to stains and heavy wear.
5. Cost
The cost of a veneer depends on the difficulty of the job and the material used. A composite resin veneer will likely cost less than a porcelain veneer. However, the composite resin is only suitable for repairing one tooth at a time, while porcelain can restore multiple teeth simultaneously. Porcelain is also more expensive because it takes longer to set up and requires more labor.
