Research shows that over one-third of Americans are insecure about the appearance of their smile. Are you part of this group? Do you worry about your teeth being crooked, stained, or misshapen? For those who are unhappy with their smiles, veneers can be a good option to improve the shape, alignment, and color of your teeth. There are several different types of veneers, but composite and porcelain are the two most popular options. If you’re having a hard time deciding between composite veneers vs porcelain veneers, keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of each.
Composite Veneers
As far as cosmetic dentistry goes, composite veneers are one of the most popular options for those looking to improve the appearance of their smile. Composite veneers are made of tooth-colored composite resin. This is the same material used to make tooth-colored fillings.
Pros
- One of the benefits of composite veneers is the fact that they’re less expensive than porcelain veneers.
- They also don’t require as much preparation as porcelain. In some cases, you can even have the sculpted and placed in a single visit.
- For those who don’t want to wait to address the issues with their teeth, composite may be a good option.
Cons
- On the other hand, composite veneers often do not last as long as their porcelain counterparts.
- Because of this, you may need more repairs and replacements in order to keep your smile looking nice after the veneers get placed initially.
- Composite veneers also aren’t quite as effective as porcelain veneers at correcting significant aesthetic issues, and they can be more prone to staining.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are made of (you guessed it) porcelain. They have to be constructed in a lab after your dentist makes a mold of your teeth. The process of placing porcelain veneers is the same as composite veneers. It’s a non-invasive procedure and doesn’t require any anesthesia.
Pros
- Porcelain veneers are very resistant to stains. For those who want to whiten their teeth, this is a major selling point for choosing porcelain over composite.
- Porcelain veneers also do not have to be replaced as often, and they may be more resistant to chipping, cracking, and other types of damage.
Cons
- One of the only downsides to porcelain veneers is the fact that they’re more expensive than composite veneers.
- At the same time, though, they tend to last longer than composite, so you won’t have to have them replaced or repaired as often. This can help to save you money later on.
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Composite Veneers vs Porcelain Veneers: Which Is Right for You?
As you can see, there are pros and cons to both composite veneers and porcelain veneers.
Now that you know more about the composite veneers vs porcelain veneers debate, though, do you have an idea of which one will be a better fit for you?
If you’re still not sure, or if you want to move forward with a particular treatment, we can help at Arrow Smile Dental.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.