Deciding on Veneers is the first step in the journey towards getting the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Getting veneers can improve your appearance and self esteem, and it is important to make smart decisions about your procedure. 

Dental veneers are a thin, tooth-colored shells that are permanently bonded to the surface of your teeth. Veneers are made from a wide range of materials, with each one having different characteristics.

As a patient, you will need to choose what material your veneers will be made of since it can vary depending on your needs. In this article we will provide you with all the information you need to select the best dental veneers for you.

What are porcelain/ceramic veneers?

Ceramics are one of the most popular materials used to make veneers. They manage to achieve a natural-looking result thanks to the way they reflect light. Ceramic veneers are opaque, like natural enamel, and can be crafted by your dentist to appear just like natural teeth.

Ceramic veneers are very durable. Although they are thin shells, ceramic veneers can withstand high pressures and forces applied to them while eating without breaking or chipping. However, dentists may prescribe night guards for patients who experience clenching and grinding in order to protect the veneers.

Ceramics are a durable material that can last for decades once bonded to your teeth.

What are composite veneers?

Composite resin is not only used as a cavity filling material. There are two types of Composite veneers: direct Composite Veneers, and indirect composite veneers.

Direct composite veneers are usually made with a mix of composite resins applied directly to your teeth. The dentist will use different composite colors and shades to achieve an aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking result.

Indirect composite veneers are made in a model outside your mouth by your dentist, and then bonded to the teeth. Moreover, Indirect composite veneers are heat-tempered before being bonded, making them less prone to chipping than direct ones.

Nevertheless, all composite veneers in the hands of a skilled dentist can deliver a great aesthetic result in a short period.

What are the pros and cons of each type of Veneers?

Both types of dental veneers are a great option for people that want to improve the overall look of their smile. However, one may fit better in someone’s case. Here is a list of the pros and cons of porcelain/ceramic veneers and composite veneers.

1.  Prices

One of the main pros of composite veneers is their lower cost. Most times, the price for composite veneers is even less than half the price for ceramic or porcelain veneers. Thereby, becoming your most affordable option.

This is due to the material and the dental laboratory work that is necessary to make ceramic veneers.

Although ceramic veneers are pricier, it’s often a good idea to invest in them because of their durability.

For patients who live in high cost of living countries, it may be worth considering getting veneers abroad. 

2.  Durability

Dental veneers don’t last forever. Contrary to composite veneers which are less durable and possess a lifespan of only 4 to 8 years, you can expect your porcelain/ceramic veneers to last around 10 years as they are less prone to chipping. Furthermore, their lifespan can be increased to 15 and even 20 years with proper care.

However, although composite’s odds of breaking and chipping are higher, they can usually be repaired by your dentist. In the rare case that a ceramic veneer breaks, it will need to be replaced.

3.  Time

This is another big pro to the list for composite veneers as you can obtain a whole new set in just one to two appointments.

Due to the planning and the time required for the laboratory to craft and deliver the ceramic/porcelain veneers back to the office, an additional appointment might be necessary.

Therefore, ceramic veneers require 2-3 appointments with larger waiting times between them.

However, thanks to CAD/CAM technology, a lot of dentists can design and mill veneers in their office in just one or two appointments without the need for a dental laboratory.

4.  Maintenance

Maintaining ceramic dental veneers is as simple as having good dental hygiene, brushing, and flossing your teeth.

On the other hand, If you have composite veneers you might need to book maintenance appointments with your dentist since they are prone to chipping and staining. Whereas with ceramic/porcelain veneers you do not have that problem as they rarely chip and they never change their color.

Which Should You Choose?

Dentists nowadays have the technologies and knowledge to ensure each procedure can deliver outstanding results.

Both options are great alternatives and will severely improve your smile and aesthetics as a whole. Deciding which type of veneers you want to get should be done by taking into consideration every aspect, such as their characteristics, your lifestyle, and your needs.

However, no matter what your final decision might be, you are guaranteed to walk out of the office with a beautiful smile.

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