Composite or Porcelain:
Which Will You Choose?
The
pros and cons of composite resin or porcelain veneers for your brand-new
dazzling smile.
Veneers have
long been the go-to solution for celebrities who want to transform the teeth
they were born with into that dazzling Hollywood smile. Now made even more
popular by reality TV stars and social media influencers, veneers have hit the
high street to provide an effective and affordable way for consumers to enhance
their appearance. But as an irreversible procedure, it’s essential that dental
patients choose the right solution to suit their existing smile and their
finances.
Composite and
porcelain are the two options to choose from when it comes to veneers. A
professional veneers Essex team explains that both have
their individual pros and cons, but either have the ability to completely
revamp your smile and enhance your personal appearance phenomenally. It can be
tricky to know whether to choose composite or porcelain veneers, but this will
depend largely on your budget, the existing condition of your teeth and your
lifestyle. Let’s examine composite resin and veneers in closer detail.
Composite Resin Veneers
Composite resin
is by far the more affordable type of veneers to choose, costing roughly half
of the price of porcelain veneers depending on the cosmetic dentist you choose
as well as any discounts that may be available for having multiple teeth
treated. Another advantage of selecting composite resin over porcelain is that
they tend to be a quicker treatment option so you can start to enjoy your
brand-new smile asap.
Where composites
fall a little short is that the material isn’t as durable as your porcelain
alternative. Composite resin is somewhat porous which means that you if indulge
in certain lifestyle treats such as red wine, coffee, dark chocolate or any other
strong-coloured foods and beverages, then unfortunately you may find that these
stain your composite veneers in the same way they would your existing teeth. On
the other hand, you can prevent staining of your composite veneers by making
healthy lifestyle choices and following positive dental hygiene which is
necessary anyway to preserve the rest of your smile.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain
veneers are undoubtedly more expensive than composites, but the reward for
investing in this option is that you can expect them to last for between 10-15
years before you need to replace them with new veneers. In comparison,
composites have a typical lifespan of 4-8 years.
Porcelain also
provides your smile with an incredibly natural look, and you’ll find the
material to have a translucent sheen which is similar to your authentic tooth
enamel. A glaze coats the veneers following treatment which prevents them from
staining and also ensures that they’re chip-resistant.
Before
treatment, your teeth will be prepared by removing a small amount of surface
enamel so that your veneers can be bonded securely into place. You’ll also have
a mould of your teeth taken and make decisions about the shade of your veneers
to ensure that they’re a fantastic addition to your smile.
Whether
you choose composite or porcelain veneers is a very personal decision, which
may be based on affordability. Speak frankly with your cosmetic dentist so you
can be guided by their viewpoint as well as learning about any payment plans
that can help you spread the cost of your new smile over a few months.
