Small discussion on composite and porcelain veneers

Enhance your smile with composite or porcelain veneers. Discover key differences, benefits, lifespan, and which option suits your dental needs best.

As one of the most popular treatments anywhere in the world under the category of cosmetic dentistry, dental veneers do not need any introduction! At Smile Clinic London, veneers treatment can be broadly divided into two categories – namely composite and resin veneers. Now the question which of the two should you go for? Both are quick and effective means to improve your smile. Both the treatments correct a range of imperfections of the teeth including severe discolouration or staining, closing gaps between the adjacent teeth, slight misalignment and so forth.

Veneers are basically ultrathin shells that are customised to bond to the front surface of the tooth. This is how the treatment masks the flaws in your teeth to make your smile perfect. Dentists either recommend composite or porcelain veneers for any patient. How do these two different varieties of veneers differ from one another? This question is quite obvious; in the following sections of this post let us explore the answer to this question in details so that by the end of the post, it becomes easier for you to make an informed decision based on factual data.

To make things easier to understand, let us start from scratch.   

What are composite veneers?

Composite veneers or composite resin veneers are the same and are made from a composite resin material which is obvious from their name. The range of material is also referred to as direct veneers.

Composite material from which this variety of veneers is made is a type of material widely used in dentistry, explain experienced dentists in London. It is typically made from acrylic and particles of glass. The range of veneers has a high demand in the market. It is sculpted directly on the tooth and requires just a single appointment with your dentist. Now it must be clear why this is also called direct veneers. The standard lifespan of composite veneers ranges from 4 to 8 years. Compared to porcelain ones, these are usually quicker and easier to repair.

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are a robust solution that is securely bonded to the existing teeth of a patient. Unlike composite resin veneers, these are prepared in dental labs. Because of their superior strength the range of veneers lasts much longer compared to their composite counterpart. With minimal care and maintenance your porcelain veneers can easily last up to 10 to 15 years, if not longer.

Porcelain veneers mimic the appearance of your natural teeth more flawlessly compared to composite ones and thus are aesthetically more appealing. Porcelain veneers give you a stunning and brilliant which looks completely natural and dazzling.

Dental veneers and the problems these can handle

Dental veneers are meant to cover up various imperfections of the tooth and enhance your smile in the process. The dental issues that veneers treatment can sort out include –

·        Chipped teeth

·        Crooked or misshaped teeth

·        Stained or discoloured teeth

·        Erosion of the protective enamel coating of the teeth and likewise

Veneers cover up the part of your teeth although these are not identical to a dental crown. A crown is thicker in comparison and covers a tooth from the front, sides and the back. Moreover, as a dentist who charges reasonable cost for composite veneers in London says, a dental requires more scraping away of the natural tooth structure to make it fit properly.

Veneers prove a smart and conservative option when your teeth are in pretty good condition and you want to enhance the appearance of the teeth including their shape, size and colour. Crowns are recommended for a tooth or teeth that are more damaged and weak. A dental crown reinforces a damaged, diseased and weak tooth. Therefore, a crown is a much better option when your tooth is broken or requires a root canal treatment.

Dental veneers – suitable candidates

Dental veneers are not a universally suitable option for everyone. In order to be a suitable candidate one should satisfy the following criteria.

·        Overall sound oral health

First and foremost you must possess a sound oral health before being considered for dental veneers treatment explain dentists who offer porcelain veneers in London over the years. In other words your mouth must be clear from tooth cavities, gum disease and infection in the root canal. These issues must be cured before veneers can be placed on to your teeth.

·        Sufficient enamel coating present

Veneers are bonded to the outermost protective coating of the tooth or the enamel. So you must possess sufficient enamel structure to undergo the procedure. If the enamel structure is worn out or too think then chances are high the bonding process will not be successful.

·        Grinding and clenching the teeth

Some people suffer from bruxism which is grinding and clenching of the teeth. These people are not conserved suitable candidates for teeth bonding. This is because their grinding and clenching habit may cause the veneers to suffer chips and cracks. Although wearing a night guard before going to sleep every night can protect the veneers from damage.

·        Maintaining sound oral hygiene

People who are interested in getting veneers must diligently maintain sound oral hygiene every day a year all their life. These include brushing and flossing the teeth in one hand while attending regular dental checkups at routine intervals explain dentists in London who offer composite veneers at reasonable price over the years. Veneers only cover the front surface of the tooth whereas the rest along with the gums are still susceptible to various diseases and decay.

·        Nurturing realistic expectations

An ideal candidate for the treatment should also nurture realistic expectations about what veneers can and cannot do. For example, this treatment is a great solution for a range of issues related to your teeth. But if you have bite problems, like under bite, overbite or cross bite, then this is never a suitable solution.

Composite resin veneers advantages

·        Easily affordable and reasonably priced

·        Requires only a single visit to a dentist without any follow up appointment

·        Lesser preparation of the tooth required

·        Fixing is comparatively easier in case there is any damage

Porcelain veneers advantages

·        Porcelain veneers are made from a stronger material and so last longer compared to composite ones

·        More resistant to staining and discolouration.

·        Mimics the natural appearance of the teeth more closely to offer realistic results.