When it comes to creating the perfect smile, composite veneers vs porcelain veneers is a common query many people face. Dental veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures at the moment, often used as an alternative to teeth whitening or dental bonding.
At the Dental Law Partnership, we’re experts in the dento-legal field, which means we have the knowledge required to help you choose which of these two veneer types is right for your needs. If you’ve already had veneers fitted and you think something may have gone wrong during the procedure, our expert team may be able to help you pursue a dental negligence claim.
If you’d like to see whether we can help you with your claim, please get in touch on 0800 152 2034 or complete our online claim form here.
Composite vs Porcelain Veneers: What’s the Difference?
Porcelain and composite veneers have a similar purpose, aiming to cover up any tooth imperfections and create a perfect smile. However, they have several cosmetic and procedural differences, which may have an impact on the type of veneers you choose.
Composite veneers are made from a composite resin, whereas porcelain veneers are made from a form of porcelain that mimics the appearance of your natural teeth. This means that composite dental veneers are usually cheaper than porcelain veneers, which may make them preferable for patients on a budget. However, porcelain veneers tend to last longer (if you practise good oral hygiene) – they usually last for ten years, whereas most people will only have composite veneers for five years before they need replacing.
Porcelain veneers are generally more popular than their composite alternatives, as they mimic the look of your pre-veneer teeth and do not have to be replaced as often.
Composite Veneers vs Porcelain Veneers: The Pros and Cons
Now you’ve learned a little more about this form of cosmetic dentistry – it’s time to take a deeper look into the pros and cons of porcelain and composite veneers. As previously stated, both options can help you develop the perfect smile, boosting your confidence in the process.
However, there’s a range of other pros and cons to consider before booking a veneer appointment with your cosmetic dentist.
Composite veneer pros:
- A more affordable treatment: Composite veneers are much cheaper than porcelain veneers – particularly considering that the vast majority of veneer procedures are carried out privately.
- Easier to repair and reverse: The composite resin used to make composite veneers is much easier to repair than porcelain, which usually requires a full replacement of the veneer if damage occurs. It’s also easier to reverse the composite veneer process with composite resin.
- Less prep work: With composite veneers, there is less preparatory work required before the actual fitting process starts. Less of the tooth needs to be shaved off in advance (if it’s required at all), and your cosmetic dentist will usually be able to complete the treatment during one appointment.
Composite veneer cons:
- Prone to staining and discolouration: Unlike porcelain veneers, their composite equivalents are prone to staining and discolouration over time. Teeth whitening products cannot be used on veneers either – this means that your only real option in these situations is to have your veneers replaced.
- Not as durable: Composite veneers are also much less durable than porcelain veneers. The composite resin material will usually start to chip and stain by the five-year mark, meaning they need to be replaced more often.
Porcelain veneer pros:
- A durable and long-lasting solution: Porcelain veneers generally last between 10-15 years (or even longer with proper oral care).
- Stain-resistant properties: Porcelain veneers don’t stain in the same way that a natural tooth would, due to the non-porous, stain-resistant surface of the porcelain.
- A superior look: Unlike composite resin veneers, porcelain facades mimic the natural look of your teeth (due to their translucent properties) – they also reflect light in a similar way to natural enamel.
Porcelain veneer cons:
- A higher price point: Porcelain veneers cost a lot more than composite veneers, due to the porcelain material required and the lab work involved with the process
- More appointments required: Unlike composite veneers, the fitting process for porcelain veneers typically requires two or more dental appointments to complete the treatment.
- An irreversible dental procedure: Porcelain veneers are irreversible, meaning you have to commit to having them for the rest of your life. This isn’t always the case with composite alternatives.
Do Other Veneer Types Exist?
Technically, two other veneer options exist within the field of cosmetic dental treatments, although they’re not supposed to act as a permanent solution:
- Lumineers: Lumineers are sometimes known as no-prep veneers, created from a flexible, thin form of porcelain that fits over your teeth without having to alter the tooth itself (for example, via tooth shaving). They tend to be priced somewhere between composite and porcelain veneers, although their thin nature makes them prone to damage, meaning they will usually only last up to around five years.
- Removable veneers: Removable veneers are a temporary form of veneer, so they should not be used permanently.
However, we recommend that you only have porcelain or composite veneers fitted by a competent dentist, as other veneer types can be harmful to your teeth in the long run.
Veneers Gone Wrong? Contact the Dental Law Partnership
Choosing from composite veneers vs porcelain veneers will depend on several factors, including your budget, time and goals surrounding your teeth. For a quick, budget-friendly solution, you may want to consider having composite veneers fitted. On the other hand, if you’re searching for long-lasting results and a superior smile, then porcelain veneers may be a better investment for you.
If you’re not sure which avenue to go down, you should consider consulting with your dentist to discuss which veneer type is right for your needs. If you’ve already had veneers fitted and something went wrong during the treatment, you may be able to start the dental negligence claims process. Our expert team of dental solicitors is ready and waiting to help you with your case, having the ability to guide you through the entire claims process with ease.
Please get in touch or complete our online callback form to find out more about how we can help you with your dental negligence claim.