Have you always been longing to improve your smile? Have you discovered yourself concealed your smile due to chipping and discoloration of teeth? If yes, considering dental veneers would be great! They can mask several dental imperfections and may offer a surge in confidence. But what type of veneer is the ideal choice for you?
According to a dentist in Livonia, MI, two types of veneers are available: composite and porcelain! Therefore, choosing one of them based on your dental health seems challenging. If you wonder what to do, keep reading to evaluate the significant differences between composite and porcelain veneers!
Dental Veneers: Overview
They are tailor-fit and wafer-thin shells that your dentist permanently sticks to the fronts of your teeth to bolster your smile appearance. These veneers may conceal chipped, stained, crooked, or gapped teeth. Keeping a veneer needs more natural tooth retention than a dental crown, reinforcing heavily broken-down or deteriorated teeth. Nevertheless, dental insurance doesn’t cover veneers since they fall under cosmetic dentistry.
Types of Dental Veneers: Porcelain and Composite Veneers
Porcelain Veneers
They are tailor-made for your teeth. To make this, your dentist will create an impression of your teeth, implying the veneers will be made from a mold in a lab. Sometimes, the procedure might take up to two weeks or more. You will obtain a set of temporary veneers while waiting, akin to a dental crown. When the permanent porcelain veneers arrive at your dental clinic, your dentist will utilize bonding cement to apply the slender shells to the front of the teeth.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers:
- Long-lasting since robust materials are used.
- Custom-made.
- Gives the most natural appearance.
- It can fix stained teeth.
Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers:
- Highly expensive.
- Every type of tooth structure should be eradicated rather than composite.
- It might fall off and need to be replaced.
Composite Veneers
They use a tooth-colored resin to bolster the appearance of teeth. Compared to porcelain veneers, the dental professional in Livonia applies the resin to the tooth and sculpts and modifies it to obtain the preferred aesthetic. You may opt for composite veneers for innumerable reasons, including:
- Same-day treatment – Since composite veneers don’t need to be sent to an outside lab, you may quickly walk out with a fresh smile in one setting.
- Cost – Composite resin is less pricey, costing around $250 to $1500 per tooth.
- Reversibility – Composite veneers need essential preparation on your natural tooth to quickly eliminate, restore, and repair composite material.
Benefits of Composite Veneers:
- They are less expensive.
- It can cover any aesthetic problems, including misshapen teeth and discoloration.
- The application process is shorter.
Disadvantages of Composite Veneers:
- It usually lasts 7-10 years.
- The composite is 5% weaker than porcelain.
How to Take Care of Your Veneers?
Whatever you choose among porcelain or composite veneers, you must ensure you care for them appropriately so they can last long. Go through the steps below to take care of your veneers:
- Utilize the right toothpaste and toothbrush – It’s crucial to use a gentle toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste when brushing your veneers. This means preventing chemicals that can harm the surface of your veneer, like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium bicarbonate.
- Safeguard your vibrant smile – If you always grind your teeth or clench, your dental professional might suggest a nightguard to defend your veneers from destruction while you sleep.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, one of the best ways to decide if you should opt for composite or porcelain veneers is by speaking to your dentist. Before going for one, you must consult your aesthetic objectives and weigh your personal considerations.