Composite Veneers Vs. Porcelain Veneers

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dental procedure for patients looking to address and improve teeth that are chipped, discolored, crooked, or misaligned. There are several different treatment options for these issues, but two of the most common are composite and maple grove porcelain veneers.

Dental veneers range in cost, from as low as $400 to as high as $2,500 per tooth. Composite veneers are the least expensive veneer option, generally ranging from $400-$1,500 per tooth, whereas porcelain veneers generally cost between $925 to $2,500 per tooth.

What are the Advantages of Composite Veneers?

One of the clearest advantages to composite veneers is their affordability. Composite veneers generally cost less than porcelain veneers. This difference in cost can be especially meaningful, because this type of cosmetic procedure is not usually covered by insurance.

Another benefit of composite veneers is that they can generally be placed in one day, whereas porcelain veneers require two to three visits. Unlike porcelain veneers, which are made in a lab, direct composite veneers are sculpted directly on your teeth. Your dentist will apply resin to your tooth or teeth and then shape and sculpt it to the proper size. The resin is then hardened with a high-intensity light, and then polished to create a natural appearance.

The process for having porcelain veneers placed is more involved, and will often require patients to wear temporaries between visits.

What are the Advantages of Porcelain Veneers?

After aesthetics, durability is arguably the biggest advantage to having porcelain veneers placed instead of composite veneers. Porcelain is much stronger than resin, and if properly cared for, can last more than ten years, compared to composite veneers which generally need to be replaced every two to five to seven years. In this regard, you may be paying more for porcelain veneers, but they will also last you twice as long.

In addition to their longevity, many people prefer the natural appearance of porcelain to composite veneers. Porcelain veneers are also much more stain and chip resistant, unlike composite veneers which are more porous and susceptible to staining or chipping. As such, having porcelain veneers placed will mean you will not have to make major adjustments to your diet.

Finally, porcelain veneers have a distinct advantage to composite veneers in that they are the only viable treatment for certain dental issues, such as uneven teeth, genetic defects, worn enamel, etc. Your dentist will perform a thorough examination to determine if both options are available to you, or if porcelain veneers are your best/only option.

Which is Right for Me?

The only way to determine whether composite or porcelain veneers are right for you is to decide what factors are most important to you: aesthetic preference, durability, cost, and time involved. Composite veneers are your best bet if you are a looking for the most efficient and cost-effective solution. If having a durable and aesthetically pleasing natural look is more important to you, porcelain veneers are your best option.

Fortunately, both approaches are an effective way to return you back to having a happy and healthy smile!

Learn More About Porcelain Veneers : How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?