Porcelain Veneers vs Composite Veneers: Which is Best For You?

Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells that cover the front, visible surfaces of the teeth to correct aesthetic imperfections and help patients create smiles they feel proud to show off.

Composite Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers: What's the Difference?

The basic difference between composite veneers and porcelain veneers is the material they are made from. Both materials are routinely used in a variety of dental treatment applications.

Composite veneers are made from a type of durable plastic called composite resin, and porcelain veneers are made from a high-quality ceramic material called porcelain.  

The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers Compared to the Benefits of Composite Veneers

Benefits of All Dental Veneers

Porcelain and composite veneers can help boost your confidence and improve your look by providing many of the same benefits and advantages, such as:

• Creating a bright, white, and evenly colored smile

• Masking permanent stains and discoloration

• Covering up gaps between the teeth

• Hiding crooked teeth to create the appearance of a straight smile

• Hiding old, silver amalgam dental fillings

• Correcting the appearance of an irregularly sized or shaped tooth

• Covering up a chipped or broken tooth

• Masking excessive wear and tear along the tops of the teeth

• Enhancing the balance and symmetry of your smile and overall facial features

Composite and porcelain veneers can be placed individually or in an entire set to address minor imperfections or more extensive aesthetic issues to create a more attractive-looking smile.  

Differences between the two materials and slightly varied treatment processes result in porcelain and composite veneers having some differing benefits, advantages, and disadvantages.  

Benefits and Drawbacks of Porcelain Veneers

Most Natural-Looking

Porcelain can be dyed to a naturally bright shade and possess a luminosity that provides a look that is most similar to natural tooth enamel. As a result, porcelain veneers can achieve the most natural-looking appearance.  

Stain-Resistant

Porcelain is a dense, stain-resistant material. Avoiding strongly pigmented foods and drinks in addition to using tobacco will help your veneers look bright and beautiful for much longer. However, porcelain will resist staining and retain its original white shade longer than composite resin.  

Exceptional Durability

Porcelain is an exceptionally strong and durable material, and that's why it's used in a variety of cosmetic and restorative dental treatments. On average, porcelain veneers last from about 10 to 15 years, but with good care, they can last for up to 30. Some factors such as the location of the veneers, oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits can impact the longevity of your veneers.  

Permanent Treatment

One of the drawbacks of porcelain veneers is that they are a permanent, irreversible treatment. So, patients should be sure they want to get dental veneers and commit to having and maintaining them for the rest of their lives.

The permanence of porcelain veneers is due to the treatment process. In order to make space for veneers on the surfaces of the teeth and create a secure and lasting bond, the tooth surfaces must first be prepared using an abrasive chemical to dissolve a layer of tooth enamel. Since tooth enamel cannot be replaced or regenerated, the patient will need to maintain their dental veneers for life to protect their natural teeth.  

Multiple Appointments

Treatment with dental veneers requires multiple dental visits. The first visit consists of the consultation, tooth preparation, and veneer design. The treatment plans are then sent to an outside dental lab where they will be custom manufactured to the patient's unique specifications. As a result, the patient must return for a second appointment when their dental veneers are ready to be placed.  

More Expensive

Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite dental veneers. On average, porcelain veneers cost about $900 to $2,500 per tooth. Since they are a cosmetic treatment, dental veneers of any kind are not typically covered by dental insurance, unless a medical necessity for the treatment can be proven.  

Benefits and Drawbacks of Composite Veneers

Cost Effective

Compared to porcelain veneers, composite veneers are much more cost-effective. On average, composite veneers cost between $400 and $1,500 per tooth - about half as much as porcelain veneers.  

Reversible Treatment

Composite veneers can develop a strong bond to the surfaces of the teeth without nearly as much abrasive preparation. As a result, treatment with composite veneers is not permanent and can be removed if the patient changes their mind in the future about having veneers and maintaining them.  

Same-Day Treatment

Composite veneers are designed and created in the dental office which means that patients can get a complete set of veneers with a single dental visit.  

Not as Durable

Composite resin is not as durable as porcelain. As a result, composite veneers do not last as long. On average, composite veneers last between five and seven years, but they can last up to 10 or 12 years with good care.  

More Susceptible to Discoloration

Composite resin is a more porous material than porcelain which means that composite veneers are more susceptible to staining. We recommend that patients with composite veneers avoid highly pigmented foods and drinks in addition to tobacco use of any kind.  

Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers: Which Is Right for You?

The type of dental veneer that's right for you is a highly personal decision and depends on your individual treatment preferences and budget.  

Alternative Treatment Options for Patients Considering Veneers

Modern cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry offer a wide array of treatment options for patients who want to improve the appearance of their smiles. For some patients, alternative treatments that provide both oral health and cosmetic benefits might be more appropriate. For example, patients who have significant tooth damage or decay might benefit more greatly from treatment with dental crowns or bridges, and patients with significantly misaligned teeth or significant space between their teeth might benefit more from orthodontic treatment.  

After examining your teeth and discussing your treatment goals with you, Dr. Preussner can help you determine the type of treatment that can create a beautiful smile for you while also promoting optimal oral health.  

Perfect Your Smile with Porcelain and Composite Veneers in Holliston

At Barbara Preussner, D.M.D Aesthetic & Family Dentistry, we believe that every smile is beautiful and want our patients to see their smiles' full potential. We provide comprehensive dental care and state-of-the-art cosmetic treatments including composite and porcelain veneers in Holliston. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile due to a minor imperfection or issues that you believe are impacting your overall appearance, our team is here to help. Dr. Preussner has extensive experience and would be happy to help you achieve good oral health while providing guidance and advice for creating a beautiful smile that enhances your features.  

We can talk with you about your concerns and goals and provide you with personalized treatment recommendations to help you determine the best type of dental veneers for you or other restorative and cosmetic approaches that will work best for you. To learn more about aesthetic dentistry and how porcelain, composite, or hybrid veneers can help you achieve your smile goals, we encourage you to contact our office to request a smile makeover consultation with Dr. Preussner today.  

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