Composite veneers vs Porcelain veneers – which is the best option for you?
The goal of aesthetic dentistry is to create the most beautiful, most natural smile possible by restoring facial harmony and proper function with the best quality tools, at the highest level.
In addition to teeth whitening, aesthetic dentistry includes restorations made with high-quality, tooth-colored filling materials, inlays, veneers, crowns, and bridges.
Composite veneers and porcelain veneers are two large groups of dental veneers. Our post will tell you which one you should choose.
When do you need dental veneers?
Dental veneers are extremely thin (about half a mm) dental covering placed on the front part of the tooth which primarily enables the correction of aesthetic problems, as well as chipped teeth and minor injuries.
Since veneers do not cover all surfaces of the tooth, only the visible surface – and minimally the side and back surfaces – the tooth requires minimal preparation.
You may need dental veneers if:
- you are not satisfied with the shape of your teeth
- your teeth have become discolored due to lifestyle habits or previous medications, and teeth whitening is not an option anymore
- your root canal teeth are discolored
- your front teeth are partially damaged
- enamel defects can be detected on your teeth
- you find your teeth too small or short
- due to minor defects in form or positional abnormalities your teeth need aesthetic correction that does not require orthodontic treatment
- you want a younger, fresher smile
Direct composite veneers
Direct composite veneers are made of a specially layered filling material that meets the highest aesthetic expectations and was specially developed for this usage.
In order to create a natural restoration, it is often necessary to apply 6-7 different shades.
Depending on the nature of the area that the dentist needs to restore, this procedure is also preceded by a careful planning phase.
Direct composite veneers have the following advantages:
- in most cases, it is not necessary to sacrifice intact tooth material
- it is not necessary to polish the enamel
- it can be modified or supplemented at any time
- if damaged, it can be restored
On the other hand, the disadvantage of the direct composite veneers is that the surface of the veneer becomes worn relatively quickly due to the characteristics of the filling materials.
This means that its surface must be polished again at certain intervals, so it requires continuous, regular maintenance.
Direct composite veneers are prepared on the spot, in most cases it does not require a dental laboratory background, so it is cheaper to make them.
What about porcelain veneers?
Ceramic or porcelain veneers are made of extremely aesthetic pressed ceramics. Porcelain veneers can most perfectly imitate the appearance of natural tooth enamel, in addition to being more resistant to various stress effects.
Are there any disadvantages to porcelain veneers?
Only a tiny one. In most cases, 0.3 – 1 mm thick intact tooth enamel must be sacrificed to prepare it. But this is still better than the amount of tooth material loss when making a crown.
After preparing the teeth, the dentist takes a precision impression. Based on this, the dental technician carefully models the porcelain veneer in the laboratory, which the attending physician glues to the teeth during the next treatment.
Porcelain veneers are excellent for correcting the shape, size and color of the teeth. If we have enough tooth enamel to fix the veneer properly and there are no large differences in color or bite position, there is no obstacle to making porcelain veneers.
Composite veneers vs Porcelain veneers – which one should you choose?
So which one is the ideal solution? When it comes to composite veneers vs porcelain veneers, which one should you choose?
In cases where only a tiny imperfection needs correction, for example, a small piece of the edge of the tooth has chipped off, but the rest of the enamel is intact, it may be sufficient to build the tooth with a filling material. That is, you can use composite veneers.
Composite veneers can also be perfect solutions if someone does not want to sacrifice healthy tooth enamel. This may occur when the dentist needs to close tooth gaps. Composite veneers are also cheaper, so if someone cannot afford to have ceramic (procelain) veneers, they can choose this option.
Ceramic or porcelain veneers are excellent for correcting the shape, size and color of the teeth. If we have enough tooth enamel to fix the veneer properly and there are no large differences in color or bite position, there is no obstacle to making the porcelain veneers.
There are 5 typical problems when porcelain veneers are the real solution:
- When teeth whitening does not bring you the desired whiteness.
Even after several teeth whitening, you are not satisfied with the results of the whitening, and discoloration returns again and again as a result of coffee, tea, and cigarettes.
- When you have discolorations that cannot be solved by teeth whitening.
In case your teeth have been discolored due to trauma (taking medication, root canal treatment, impact on a tooth), teeth whitening is not only not permanent, but not even a solution.
Also, it is not possible to treat enamel defects and white spots indicating caries with whitening. These typically appear in childhood but white spots that discolor teeth may become really disturbing as adults.
- When you have gaps between your teeth.
Some people have gaps between the front teeth. Some people really like it but for others it can be disturbing because the gap may be too wide. Also, the gap may not only occur between the first two front teeth. (Gaps here do not mean missing teeth but the area in between two teeth. Missing teeth can not be replaced by veneers.)
The ceramic or porcelain veneers are the perfect solution for eliminating gaps.
- When your teeth are irregular.
If there is no biting dysfunction associated with milder irregularity and you prefer a quick solution, i.e., you do not want orthodontics, then porcelain veneers will solve your problems.
Porcelain veneers are really aesthetic. As a result, it is now one of the most popular types of restorations in dentistry for those who do not wish to undertake orthodontic procedure.
- When the shape and appearance of the teeth do not match your personality.
Your teeth may be healthy, but you can still be dissatisfied with their shape and form. You may have never liked the shape of your own teeth, but the aesthetics of the tooth can also be impaired due to injury or biting if it breaks off.
If the reflection in the mirror is not the one that could support your self-confidence, then the creation of porcelain veneers is an excellent solution to remedy the problem.
Get your dental veneers in Budapest, Hungary
If you visit our dentists in Budapest, we can offer you two types of dental veneers: Zirconium veneers and E-max porcelain veneers.
Based on years of professional experience and happy patients, we believe that the quality and durability of these types of veneers are outstanding.
Get your dental veneers in Hungary and save a lot on your next dental treatment!
If you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
