Dental veneers are a big investment that many patients find are well worth it due to the phenomenal transformations they can create. They can address dental damage, major discoloration, and even slight misalignment all in a single procedure. However, many patients don’t consider whether they want theirs to be crafted from composite or porcelain before scheduling their first appointment with their cosmetic dentist. Read on to learn about the difference between these two types of veneers and find out what one would work best for your unique needs.
Composite Veneers & Their Advantages
One of the primary reasons why patients choose composite over porcelain to have their veneers crafted from is because they’re able to achieve similar results at a lesser cost. On average, having restorations crafted from porcelain versus composite is about twice as expensive. Plus, because veneers are considered a cosmetic treatment, they’re often not covered by dental insurance, meaning you’ll be responsible for paying for the treatment out-of-pocket. If you’re looking to restore your entire smile, this can quickly add up.
In some cases, composite veneers can be created the same day you begin your treatment, eliminating the need for temporary veneers completely. This convenience, paired with the fact that the veneers will be hand-crafted by your cosmetic dentist instead of at an off-site lab leads to excellent results.
Porcelain Veneers & Their Advantages
Porcelain veneers also have a number of benefits that causes patients to gravitate towards them. The durability and lifelike appearance of dental porcelain ensures that you’ll be able to enjoy your treatment results for over two decades with the proper maintenance, compared to between five and seven years with composite veneers. They also reflect light and have a slightly translucent appearance like your enamel, making them look virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
While porcelain veneers will need to be crafted by an off-site dental laboratory before they can be secured to your teeth, this ensures that they’ll be professionally crafted by expert technicians who do this every day. Oftentimes, this can lead to even more exceptional results.
How Can You Choose the One That’s Right for You?
Whether you choose composite or porcelain veneers will boil down to how much you value cost versus durability and longevity. Porcelain will provide you with the most natural-looking results as well as an impressive lifespan of over two decades, while composite veneers are excellent for those who are okay with needing to have their restorations replaced every five or so years.
If you’re having trouble deciding between your two options, a great way to feel confident and comfortable with your choice is to speak with your cosmetic dentist about your smile goals. They’ll work to ensure that you’re left with results that you’re ecstatic about!
About the Practice
At DuPont Family Dentistry, our team is led by three highly experienced and qualified dentists who have a passion for helping their patients smile with pride. With collective decades of experience under their belts and extensive training in cosmetic dentistry, patients are able to confidently commit to transforming their smiles with treatments like veneers. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call 253-964-7000.