Porcelain Veneers vs Composite Resin Veneers
Which should you choose?
Veneers are facings that are applied to the front (visible) surfaces of usually the upper teeth in order to improve the appearance, lustre and colour. Whilst they are largely a cosmetic therapy, they are also used to:
- Disguise misshapen or broken-down teeth
- Change the shade or colour of badly stained, yellow or discoloured teeth
- Close spaces or correct crowding
- Improve the smile by changing the amount of tooth showing at a maximal smile in congruence with the lip lines.
Veneers are made of either composite resin (Bonded/ direct veneers) or from porcelain (ceramic/indirect Veneers). At Pymble Dental Practice we are skilled in both of these materials and procedures.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are recommended when aesthetics are of more importance.
Benefits of porcelain veneers:
- Are the most natural and lustrous looking
- Stronger than composite resin when properly manufactured
- Resistant to staining
- Involve less removal of tooth than a crown
Several appointments are required to properly place porcelain crowns:
- Consultation; which involves a proper dialogue to express goals and desires of the patient. A plaster mould of the teeth and photographs are taken. The dentist will discuss what the limitations, alternative options, likely costs and risks.
- “Mock up try-in”; with the plaster mould taken on the consultation, a set of wax models can be prepared by our technician to show what porcelain veneers might look like in your particular case. It is also possible to transfer this mock-up temporarily onto your teeth so you can see what the real product might look like!
- Preparation of the teeth; this may involve removal of old fillings, smoothing of the teeth and the removal of a minimal amount of enamel. A very high fidelity mould is taken and sent to the dental ceramist who will make the porcelain veneers. Temporary veneers have placed this appointment.
- Cementing of the veneers; usually 1-2 weeks. The veneers are cemented using a resin bonding agent. Photos and big smiles at this appointment!
Composite Resin Veneers
Resin bonded veneers are veneers made with the dental filling material. Whilst several shades, translucencies and polishing can achieve a very aesthetic result, they do not look as natural as porcelain veneers.
Benefits of composite resin veneers:
- Cheaper than porcelain
- Can be repaired if they chip or break
- Are finished in a single appointment
- Are adjustable
- Porcelain veneers can be done afterwards, so resin can be used as an interim measure as well.
