Porcelain or Composite Veneers?

Dental veneers can transform a smile by significantly enhancing the shape, size and colour of your teeth.

The process involves bonding a thin layer of porcelain or composite resin to the front surface of one or multiple teeth. There are a number of factors to consider when determining which type of veneer is best suited to your individual needs.

Dr Jennifer Collins, our clinical director, outlines some of the key differences between porcelain and composite veneers.

#1 Treatment Time

Composite veneers can typically be fabricated while you wait, making it a same-day treatment. Your dentist matches a tooth-coloured resin material to the shade of your natural teeth. The resin is then added in layers to the tooth surface, sculpted and polished.

Porcelain veneers are made in a dental laboratory and therefore require at least two visits to prepare and fit. Your dentist will remove a very thin layer of your teeth, take an impression, and send a mould to the lab. During your second visit, the porcelain veneers will be bonded to the teeth.

#2 Durability

Although both materials are durable, porcelain is a stronger material than composite resin. With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years. Composite veneers will need to be refreshed or replaced more frequently, typically every 3-5 years.

While composite veneers are more prone to chipping than porcelain, they can usually be repaired by your dentist in one visit. If porcelain veneers break, however, they cannot be repaired and must be replaced instead.

#3 Appearance

Both composite and porcelain veneers are designed to individual specifications, ensuring that they match the patient’s existing teeth. Due to the translucent properties of porcelain, it provides the most natural, tooth-like appearance.

Not only can porcelain veneers improve the shade of your teeth, but they also provide enhanced resistance to further staining from habits such as drinking coffee or smoking. Like natural teeth, composite can stain and discolour over time.

#4 Cost

Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers. They are made in a dental laboratory, requiring more time, expertise and resources.

In order to fit a porcelain veneer, some of the natural tooth surface is removed, meaning the treatment is irreversible. Composite veneers require minimal prep work to the natural teeth, making it possible to remove or replace them as needed.

#5 Suitability

Although veneers will not address any underlying dental issues, they can be an aesthetic solution for a variety of concerns such as fractures, chips, discolouration or uneven spacing.

Your dentist will assess your suitability for veneers based on the overall health of your teeth and gums.

Some severe cases of discolouration or spacing issues may not be adequately treatable with composite veneers, making porcelain the only viable option.

To find out more about dental veneers at Dental Care Ireland, contact us here