Is your smile in need of a makeover? When your teeth are stained, chipped, or uneven it can affect your appearance and how others perceive you. Cosmetic dentistry can boost your confidence by addressing imperfections in your smile.
One cosmetic dental procedure to consider is veneers. Getting veneers is like putting a fresh new facade on your teeth to make them look like new. Veneers come in porcelain or composite material, and each type has its pros and cons. Learn more about the two main types of veneers to help you decide which option is right for you.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain is a specially manufactured ceramic that can be custom made to exact specifications, including size, color, and shape.
Pros:
- Natural look. Porcelain veneers resemble real tooth enamel to provide a natural looking smile.
- Strength. Porcelain is extremely strong for bite and chewing strength. It is less likely to chip or wear down when compared to composite resin.
- Stain resistance. Porcelain veneers are more resistant to staining, helping them stay white and new looking for longer.
- Long lasting. Porcelain veneers last significantly longer than composite, and even longer with good care and maintenance.
Cons:
- Cost. Porcelain veneers tend to cost more than composite due to the above benefits and quality of the material.
- Time. The process for getting porcelain veneers can be a bit longer than it is for composite veneers.
- Tooth structure impact. Porcelain veneers require more enamel to be removed in preparation for placement.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are made of a resin polymer that is soft and malleable, then hardened once it is properly shaped.
Pros:
- Affordable. Composite veneers cost less per tooth than porcelain veneers.
- Quick process. It doesn’t take as long to get composite veneers when compared to porcelain.
- Minimal tooth alteration. Less tooth enamel is removed in the process of placing composite veneers than for porcelain. However, this can also lead to a more bulky appearance.
Cons:
- Lower quality. Composite veneers are made of lower quality material, which means they may not look as natural as porcelain veneers.
- Shorter lifespan. Lower quality materials also result in a shorter overall lifespan for composite veneers. The average lifespan for composite veneers is significantly shorter than porcelain. They often require touch ups in the future due to the type of material used.
- Susceptible to damage. Composite veneers are more susceptible to chipping and staining.
Which Option is Best For You?
Porcelain veneers are typically preferred by dentists due to their longevity, natural look, and functionality. When consulting with your dentist for possible veneer treatment, they will need to take into consideration which teeth you’d like to get veneers on, the strength and viability of those teeth, and the projected outcome of the treatment.
Typically, when patients get veneers they also require a night guard to prevent premature chipping or wearing down of the veneers. This would increase their longevity and prevent additional cosmetic issues. Your dentist will tell you if they think a nightguard would be beneficial for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veneers
Are veneers permanent?
Both porcelain and composite veneers are bonded to your teeth. Your dentist can remove them, but the teeth are permanently altered and cannot go back to their natural state afterwards.
Am I a candidate for veneers?
To be a good candidate for veneers, your teeth should be healthy with only cosmetic imperfections. If restorative treatment is needed, it would be best to consider making cosmetic changes through another method. This would need to be deemed necessary by your dentist, who will be able to create a restorative treatment plan that focuses on not only restoring function to your teeth but also improving cosmetic imperfections.
Contact Cosmetic Family Dentistry of West Milford
If you’re interested in veneers, Dr. Jamrozek at Cosmetic Family Dentistry of West Milford would be happy to discuss the options with you. Call 973-728-3779 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.