If you’ve decided to get veneers, there are two types which you would have to choose from. Here are some of the pros and cons of each type.
Porcelain Veneers
Of the two types of veneers, porcelain is the most durable and can be consider the better of the two. In fact, porcelain veneers can last anywhere from five to 10 years for as long as you are careful of your diet. Another reason for why porcelain veneers are more sought after than composite veneers is the fact that they resemble your teeth more. The outer enamel region is rather translucent which enables to entrance of light, which then bounces off of the solid dentin layer. Since porcelain is also translucent, it has the same property as enamel. Lastly, porcelain veneers have glass-like surfaces, which are able to resist the entrance of staining materials such as cola and coffee.
On the other hand, porcelain veneers require at least two visits to the dentist regardless of how minor the procedure might be. The first visit is reserved for the preparing the tooth for the actual veneer adhesion as well as creating impressions to be sent to the laboratory. The second visit is for the actual adhesion of the veneers. The veneers have to be fabricated and this can last anywhere between one to two weeks. Lastly, porcelain veneers are more expensive.
Composite Veneers
If your budget cannot accommodate porcelain veneers, then you can go for composite veneers instead. Also known as direct veneers, composite veneers only require one trip to the dentist unless if multiple teeth have to be treated. From what the name of these veneers imply, direct veneers involve applying the composite material right on the surface of the tooth which the dentist would then sculpt.
However, because the material has to be molded by hand, the quality of your work is dependent on the precision and skills of your dentist. At the same time, the composite material is rather opaque and does not resemble the enamel layer as much as porcelain does. Stains and discolorations are also more evident with composite veneers because of its permeability to liquid substances. Lastly, composite veneers are more brittle and could chip easily than porcelain. In fact, composite veneers would only last one or two years even with utmost care. But if you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to repair small chips or fractures, then composite veneers could be appropriate for you.
Image Courtesy Pinterest