Dental issues like discoloured, chipped, and crooked teeth are no longer a problem with modern cosmetic dentistry. With a dental veneer, you can improve the appearance of your teeth and wear a confident smile once again. But first, it’s important to understand the difference between a porcelain veneer and a composite resin veneer.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells of tooth-coloured materials used to permanently bond to a tooth’s front surface and improve its appearance. They can be applied to make a set of teeth brighter and give you a more even smile. Dental veneers are designed to imitate the natural look of teeth unlike fillings, which can appear more foreign when applied.
In general, dental veneers are most commonly used to treat the following dental problems:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Teeth discolouration
- Tooth gaps
- Teeth that are smaller than average
- Abnormal tooth shapes
Considering dental veneers is your first step in restoring and improving your teeth. Once you’ve decided, the next step is choosing the right material to go with. The most commonly used materials in dental veneering are porcelain and composite resin.
Porcelain vs Composite Resin Veneers
Preference, quality, budget, dental condition, and treatment time are factors that need consideration when selecting the right material for your dental veneers. Below we have outlined the main differences between porcelain and composite resin veneers.
PORCELAIN VENEER |
COMPOSITE RESIN VENEER |
|
COST |
Expensive | Moderate price |
STRENGTH |
More durable | It may fall or break |
LONGEVITY |
They may last for at least 15-20 years, depending on how you take care of them | The average lifespan is 4-8 years |
PAIN |
Most dentists inject patients with anaesthesia to ensure a painless procedure. The pain level depends on the number of teeth to fix and the patient’s sensitivity. | |
MATERIAL |
Custom made porcelain | Composite Resin |
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of Porcelain Veneers
- Compared to composite resin, porcelain is far more durable and has a longer lifespan due to its high quality and robust materials.
- Porcelain also offers a more natural appearance due to the way it reflects the light, similar to an actual tooth.
- This type of veneer is ideal for a wide range of dental problems from minor to severe tooth imperfections.
- Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to stains.
Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers
- More expensive (but a worthy investment as long as the quality is excellent)
- You cannot fix it once it is damaged, so you have to replace it.
- Requires more time to work and treatment
Advantages of Composite Resin Veneers
- Best for minor dental repairs
- Affordable/ lower cost
- Damaged resin is repairable
- Directly applied and the treatment time requires only a day
Disadvantages of Composite Resin Veneers
- Not the best solution for more severe tooth damage
- More susceptible to stains
- Composite resin veneers have a shorter lifespan than porcelain
- Not as strong as porcelain
Dental Veneers at GC Dental Solutions
Overall, both types of dental veneers can provide you with a great looking smile. The best way to determine the right material for you is to work closely with your dentist. Once your veneers are fitted, get ready to turn around and impress the world with your smile.
If you’re after a more permanent solution, dental implants may be the solution for you.
If you’re looking for dental veneer treatments on the Gold Coast, contact GC Dental Solutions. Our Helensvale dentists have more than 15 years of experience in cosmetic dental surgery as well as general dental services utilising modern equipment and software.
Call us at GC Dental Solutions at 07 5573 1368 or fill out our online form to book your initial consultation for your new dental veneer.
