Porcelain veneers vs composite bonding

It can be tricky knowing which sort of cosmetic dentistry treatment will be right for your teeth, especially when it comes to porcelain veneers versus composite bonding.

 

Both solutions can give you the perfect combination of affordability and aesthetics from a safe and reliable procedure. Porcelain veneers are known for their natural-looking finish, while composite bonding may provide more durability but at a fraction of the cost.

 

We’ll break down the major differences between porcelain veneers and composite veneers so that you can be better informed to make the right choice for you.

 

If you’d like to speak to a cosmetic dentist for more information about dental veneers, contact Face Teeth Smile for a no-obligation consultation. You can call us on +44 (0) 020 8090 9975 or email info@faceteethsmile.com.

 

Composite Bonding vs Porcelain Veneers – which is better?

 

Both porcelain veneers and composite veneers offer brilliant ways to transform your smile and the appearance of your natural teeth. Neither one of these cosmetic dentistry treatments is necessarily better than the other, but the right question to ask is which one is better for your personal circumstances.

 

Veneers are a great way to get an attractive and natural-looking smile. They can be used to correct crowded teeth, fix issues with your tooth surface such as chipped and worn teeth, fill in the gaps between your teeth, even out a gummy smile and lighten discoloured teeth. All of this while giving you whiter and brighter pearly whites.

 

The results from composite and porcelain veneers can be similar, but the main differences come down to the material used, longevity, durability, cost and treatment time.

 

Choosing the Right Material

 

Veneers are protective covers for natural teeth that offer more than just a brighter smile – they can also safeguard the natural tooth structure.

 

Porcelain veneers are super thin shells that are custom-made from a mould of your natural teeth. They fit in the exact shape of your teeth, so they should look and feel like real teeth.

 

Unlike traditional veneers, composite resin veneers require no preparation for your tooth surface and can be easily placed in just one session with a cosmetic dentist. This method involves applying and sculpting composite resin onto the enamel of your teeth to give it a natural-looking shape and texture.

 

What are composite veneers?

 

Composite bonding, otherwise known as composite veneers, are a method of tooth correction that uses a special blend of plastic and glass particles to create a malleable resin. This resin is applied to the front surface of the teeth, providing an aesthetic result that looks and feels natural. The material used for this dental procedure is very similar to the one found in fillings.

 

While the resin is malleable, it’s bonded firmly to teeth or into dents and crevices and can be manipulated into the desired shape. The resin should be able to last for a long time if cared for properly.

 

Advantages of Composite Veneers

 

Composite veneers can be a great way to give your teeth a makeover, making them look straight and white – similar to what you can achieve with porcelain veneers. The composite material is incredibly versatile – it’s suitable for fixing chips and cracks, to realigning crooked teeth and whitening discoloured ones.

 

Composite veneers require little to no preparation for the front surface of your existing teeth and the procedure can be done in significantly less time than porcelain veneers. Composite resin veneers can be repaired in case of chipping and other damage. 

 

While porcelain veneers are less likely to chip, they usually cannot be repaired and would require replacement if something goes wrong.

 

What are porcelain veneers?

 

Porcelain veneers are purposely thin, custom-made shells that fit your teeth snugly. These veneers look and feel just like natural teeth as they are made to match them perfectly.

 

There is some tooth preparation required when fitting porcelain veneers because the thin layer of porcelain needs to be fitted precisely to the surface of the tooth. 

 

Porcelain veneers are sturdy and typically last longer than composite veneers. Most people find that their porcelain veneers last for more than 15 years, while composite veneers may last around 6 to 8 years.

 

Advantages of Porcelain Veneers

 

Porcelain veneers are a great solution for those who want to imitate the appearance of natural teeth. They are sometimes preferred to composite veneers as they can retain their bright white colour longer due to their high stain resistance.

 

Many people worry that porcelain veneers make teeth weaker, but this isn’t true. When fitted by a highly skilled cosmetic dentist, they can be just as strong and long-lasting as your natural tooth – if not more so.

 

How can veneers give you a complete smile makeover?

 

Veneers are often included in smile makeover packages because they offer many benefits like teeth whitening, repairing chips or cracks in teeth and even reshaping misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth.

 

Veneers can be stain resistant, so they should maintain a polished look for a long time with proper care. An experienced cosmetic dentist could help you achieve your aesthetic goals in just one visit if you choose a cosmetic treatment like composite veneers.

 

Other things to consider

 

When looking for the right veneers, it is essential to take into consideration how often you may need to get them replaced.

 

Composite resin veneers tend to be cheaper but they might not last as long as porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers can have a higher upfront cost, but their durability can make them a wiser financial choice in the long run. 

 

So if you’re looking at composite veneers vs porcelain veneers, it’s important to consider how often you may need to replace your dental veneers.

 

Arguably the biggest advantage of veneers is that several teeth can be permanently altered with this minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry treatment. Composite veneers could be the smart choice for you if you’re looking for cost-effective ways to repair chips and achieve a brilliant smile at the same time.

 

Get in Touch

 

If you’d like to know more about cosmetic dentistry or dental bonding with Face Teeth Smile, fill out our online form to book a no-obligation consultation. You can also get in touch by calling +44 (0) 020 8090 9975 or emailing info@faceteethsmile.com.