PORCELAIN VENEERS VS. COMPOSITE VENEERS: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR ME?
If you want to correct discoloured, misshapen or crooked teeth, your dentist might suggest dental veneers. This cosmetic treatment involves replacing the front surfaces of teeth to change their outward appearance.
The two most common types of dental veneers are porcelain (ceramic) and composite resin veneers. These both have their respective pros and cons and can be suited to different needs.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are made from a strong ceramic that your dentist can match to the colour of your teeth, or you can choose a different shade if you want to whiten their appearance. Porcelain reflects light in a similar way to tooth enamel, which can give these veneers a more naturalistic appearance.
Treatment with porcelain veneers involves 2 or more visits to the dental clinic, as your veneers need to be custom made in a dental laboratory. Your dentist will first remove a thin layer from the front surface of your teeth and take an impression that will be used to make your custom veneers. Temporary veneers will be fitted until your next visit.
Compared to composite veneers, porcelain veneers are more resistant to damage and stains and they have a longer lifespan. However, they are also more expensive and can’t be repaired if damaged.
What are composite veneers?
Unlike porcelain veneers that are made externally and then bonded into place, composite resin is applied directly to the tooth surface after a thin layer is removed. Dentists harden this resin in layers, and the treatment can usually be completed in a single appointment.
Composite veneers are a more affordable and faster treatment than porcelain veneers, but these veneers are more vulnerable to damage and staining and they don’t usually last as long before they need to be replaced. However, if your composite veneers get chipped or damaged, they can sometimes be repaired rather than needing to be replaced.
Are veneers right for me?
Veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment, which means they only affect your appearance and will not address a more serious oral health or orthodontic issue. If you have a more severe problem with your bite, you may need orthodontic treatment.
Not everyone is suitable for veneers, and your dentist will let you know if you’re eligible after examining your teeth and gums. If you have an oral health problem such as tooth decay or gum disease, this will need to be resolved before veneers can be fitted, as it could affect the success of the treatment.
Your dentist should also inform you about the possible risks and complications of veneers treatment so you can decide if it’s right for you. Complications can include teeth becoming more sensitive to temperature and jaw pain or bite problems if veneers are not fitted or sized correctly. Choosing a qualified and experienced dentist will lower these risks.
Depending on the issue you want to correct with your teeth, your dentist will also discuss alternative options. These may include teeth whitening or a dental crown to cover a misshapen or weakened tooth.
Book a consultation for veneers in Erskineville
Find out more about veneers and other cosmetic dentistry treatments by booking a consultation with our team at Sydney Park Dental. Call us on (02) 8084 7170 or make an appointment online.
References
Healthdirect. Veneers [Online] 2018 [Accessed February 2019] Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/veneers