Comparing Composite vs. Porcelain Veneers
Chips, cracks, and discoloration can all affect the appearance of your smile. And when you’re worried about the appearance of your smile, you’re not living your life fully. That’s why many dental professionals recommend dental veneers to correct minor smile imperfections.
At Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our talented Bloomington, IL, dentists understand the importance of smile enhancement. If you need more information about composite vs. porcelain veneers, then keep reading. We’ll break everything down so you can make the best choice for your appearance, budget, and oral health.
What’s the Difference Between Composite vs. Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of durable dental ceramic that our dentists can adhere to the front surface of your teeth using a strong, long-lasting adhesive. Alternatively, composite veneers consist of a durable, biocompatible material that our dental team can bond to your teeth’s surface.
When it comes to comparing composite vs. porcelain veneers, patients typically have four questions:
- Which one looks better?
- Which one gets me out of the dentist’s chair faster?
- Which one is stronger?
- How much does each treatment cost?
Let’s address each question now so you can have all the information you need to make the best decision for your smile goals.
Aesthetics
Our dentists can expertly color match composite resin veneers to resemble or enhance the shade of your natural teeth. Similarly, a qualified dental lab can craft custom-made porcelain veneers to match or augment your smile’s natural tone.
However, the translucent nature of porcelain veneers gives them an astoundingly lifelike appearance. In contrast, composite veneers do not reflect light as well as porcelain veneers, which makes them slightly less aesthetically pleasing.
Treatment Time
The amount of time that patients spend in our Bloomington office will vary between composite vs. porcelain veneers. Typically, patients can expect to get beautifully crafted composite veneers in a single office visit.
With porcelain veneers, our dentists partner with a highly skilled and qualified dental lab to fabricate personalized veneers for each patient. This means that patients who want porcelain veneers need at least two appointments to get their custom-made smile.
Strength and Longevity
Both types of veneers are quite durable, but there are some differences between the relative strength of composite vs. porcelain veneers.
For example, composite veneers are more prone to chipping, but they are easier to repair. Dentists consider porcelain veneers more durable and less prone to chipping, but damaged porcelain veneers must be replaced.
As for longevity, composite veneers do not last as long as porcelain veneers. Composite veneers typically last for 5 to 7 years, whereas porcelain veneers generally last for 10 to 15 years.
Cost Analysis
Conventionally, composite veneers are the more budget-friendly option at $250 to $1,500 per tooth. Alternatively, porcelain veneers usually cost between $925 to $2,500 per tooth.
However, long-term maintenance influences the overall cost of veneers. For example, composite veneers are reversible and easier to repair. In contrast, porcelain veneers are not reversible and will eventually require full replacement.
Book a Consultation to Learn More
At Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, it is our goal to give patients in the Bloomington area a healthy-looking, brilliant smile. Schedule your dental veneer consultation today by calling our office at (309) 663-6393 or reaching us online here.