The Smile Makeover: Composite Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers
A beautiful smile can work wonders for boosting your self-confidence and leaving a lasting impression on those you meet. Dental veneers offer a popular and effective solution for those seeking a smile makeover and can be made in a composite or porcelain material to cater for different needs and preferences.
1. Materials
Composite Veneers:
Composite veneers are made from a tooth-coloured resin material, This composite filling material is applied directly to the tooth surface and hand-crafted in layers to achieve the desired shade and shape.
Porcelain Veneers:
Porcelain veneers are made from thin ceramic shells and are custom-made in a dental lab. These shells are bonded to the surface of the tooth.
2. Aesthetics
Composite Veneers:
Composite veneers are a cost-effective option for improving the aesthetics of your teeth. They produce amazing results with very little damage to your teeth however, the aesthetic longevity may not last as well as porcelain veneers and may require regular polishing to maintain their shine as they are more susceptible to staining.
Porcelain Veneers:
Porcelain veneers are natural looking and renowned for providing a radiant and flawless smile. They mimic the characteristics of natural teeth due to their ability to reflect natural light. Porcelain veneers are less likely to stain, making them a more durable long-term solution.
3. Durability and Longevity:
Composite Veneers:
Composite material is not as durable as porcelain which means they may require replacements or repair more frequently. We would recommend replacing composite veneers every 2 - 5 years.
Porcelain Veneers:
Porcelain veneers are extremely durable. They can last 10 years + providing they are well looked after and you maintain good oral hygiene by regularly visiting a dental hygienist.
4. Time
Composite Veneers:
Composite veneers are usually placed in 1 appointment. The dentist hand sculpts the composite veneers directly onto the teeth in layers and cures them with a UV light. The dentist will then make any necessary adjustments and polish the composite.
Porcelain Veneers:
Before Porcelain veneers can be placed, the teeth will need to be prepared and a digital impression taken to send to the dental laboratory. You will be fitted with some temporary veneers while the dental lab prepares your custom-made veneers. This means multiple visits to the surgery.
Due to preparation methods composite veneers are considered less destructive to the tooth surface than porcelain. Composite veneers require very little preparation for the tooth meaning the tooth’s natural structure is preserved as there is very little need for enamel removal. If required they can be removed with very little damage to the tooth. Porcelain veneers however do require some reduction of enamel to accommodate the veneer, and so are therefore irreversible.
Our location -
S3 Dental Haywards Heath is situated in the heart of Mid-Sussex halfway between Burgess Hill / Hassocks and Crawley. S3 Dental is a 10 minutes walk from Haywards Heaths train station which has regular trains from Brighton to London.
If you would like any more information on any of our dental treatments or are interested in registering as a private or Denplan patient you can WhatsApp us at 01444 440123.