Porcelain Veneers : Versus Composite Veneers

Which Material is Best For Me?

If you have minor aesthetic problems with your teeth, chances are, you’ve started to research the world of cosmetic dentistry. When it comes to cracks, chips, separation between teeth and major discoloration, veneers are the perfect option for repairing these issues. But when considering the world of veneers, you may have come across the question of composite veneers vs. porcelain veneers.

Determining which material to go for is a serious decision as it will affect your smile in the long run. Here’s a break-down of each material to help you decide which option is the best for you.

Composite Veneers

The main reason as to why many patients opt for composite veneers over porcelain is the price. In almost any case, composite veneers can be half the price of porcelain veneers. This is a very tempting reason as to why this option may be the best for you, considering the prices vary from $250-$1,500 per tooth. Why are composite veneers cheaper than porcelain veneers? Because composite veneers can be fabricated at the dental office and often times the patient doesn’t need to come in for a second appointment for them to be placed.

Composite veneers are sculpted directly onto each tooth. The dentist will remove enamel from each tooth and add the composite material to each tooth, sculpt it exactly to match your existing tooth, and cured with a special light. This removes the middle man of having an offsite lab create custom veneers for each tooth. Composite material is a bit softer than porcelain, making it more susceptible to staining and chipping than porcelain.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are typically the option that every dental professional will recommend based on one factor; durability. Porcelain veneers mimic the exact look and feel of natural teeth, making them much stronger and less susceptible to staining unlike the composite material. However, quality veneers don’t come cheap. These types of veneers cost anywhere from $500-$2,500 per tooth, which is nearly double the price of composite material. You dentist will contour your natural teeth and send an impression of your teeth to their dental lab where each veneer is handcrafted to custom fit the curve of each tooth.

This process requires multiple procedures to allow for the custom veneers to be created. However, in the long-run, this material will last nearly double the life of any other material and will require nearly no replacements.

Composite Veneers vs Porcelain Veneers

When it comes to choosing the right veneer material for you, you must evaluate exactly what your goals are. At the end of the day, both options are incredibly popular and tons of patients have loved their results regardless. But, it does boil down to whether or not you’re looking for quality or looking for the best option financially. In the long-run, investing for porcelain veneers is a great way to deal with the issues once and for all, while composite veneers are a quicker and less durable option. Talk to your dentist about what is the better option for you and your wallet.

Contact Renaissance Dental Center about whether you’re a candidate for Porcelain Veneers.

Renaissance Dental Center is conveniently located in Raleigh, NC and services surrounding areas including Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, and Garner

Interested in learning more about how long Porcelain Veneers last? Read More Here!