Veneers can completely reinvent your smile, but people often find it hard to choose between composite and porcelain. Both sides have their pros and cons, but here are just a few reasons why you might want to choose composite veneers.
Lower Cost
Veneers are never going to be cheap, but you can cut your costs considerably by opting for composite over porcelain. Porcelain itself is a more expensive material than composite, and porcelain veneers need to be completed by specialists. Composite veneers can be completed in your dental surgery.
Quicker to Fit
Since porcelain veneers need to be fabricated in a dental laboratory, you’ll usually need to visit your dentist at least twice for them to be fitted and wait some time for them to be made. Composite veneers can be made and fitted much faster. This isn’t a factor for most people, but it’s something you might want to think about if you’re looking to improve your smile for an upcoming event.
Possible to Repair
It doesn’t matter if your veneers are made from composite or porcelain, there’s always a chance one will sustain a chip, crack, or other damage. The difference is that porcelain veneers cannot be repaired. You’ll need to swallow the cost of a replacement and wait for one to be made and fitted. Composite veneers can usually be repaired instead of replaced.
More Enamel Retained
Your dentist will almost always need to shave away a small layer of surface enamel to make room for the veneers. This is perfectly safe, but professionals recommend removing as little as possible since enamel removal is irreversible. The amount that needs to be removed will naturally vary between patients, but, as a general rule, porcelain veneers require more enamel to be removed.
Pleasing Appearance
You’re probably read that porcelain veneers provide a more natural appearance than composite veneers. This is true, but it isn’t quite as true as it used to be. Huge strides in composite production allow modern composite materials to create an extremely life-like appearance that’s perfectly matched to the natural shade of your teeth. Porcelain veneers might be slightly more life-like, but ordinary people aren’t going to notice the difference like a dental professional would.
To discuss the different options available to you, get in contact with your dentist today.