Composite Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers

If you’re looking to enhance your smile, veneers could be a great option for you. They are a popular and effective dental treatment. However, before making a decision, it’s important to know your options. There are two common types of veneers: composite and porcelain.

In this article, we’ll explain the differences between the two and also discuss the cost of veneers in Australia.We’ll also discuss some alternatives to teeth veneers, such as dental crowns.

What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells of tooth-coloured materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth in order to improve their appearance.

These shells are custom-made to fit over each individual tooth and can enhance the colour, shape, size, or length of the tooth. Veneers are usually made from porcelain or composite resin materials and are permanently bonded to your teeth.

Types of Veneers

The two most popular types of veneers are porcelain veneers and composite veneers.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells of porcelain that match the colour of your teeth. They are often considered the ‘gold standard’ in dental veneers due to their durability and natural appearance.

What are the Advantages of Porcelain Veneers?

• Natural look: The very natural appearance of porcelain veneers makes them a popular option.
• Long-lasting: Known for their longevity, porcelain veneers offer the added peace of mind of durability.
• Stain-resistant: The stain-resisting qualities of porcelain veneers mean they’re a very convenient choice.

What are the Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers?

• A higher investment: The cost of porcelain veneers is higher than their composite counterparts or other alternatives to veneers, such as dental crowns.
• Irreversible process: As a small amount of tooth enamel must be removed for porcelain veneers, this process can’t be reversed.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are made of resin, which is applied to your teeth in layers and then hardened by a special light. Unlike porcelain veneers, they can typically be made and applied in a single dental visit.

What are the Advantages of Composite Veneers?

• More affordable: The cost of composite veneers is generally lower than porcelain veneers.
• Less invasive: The process of applying composite veneers is faster and less invasive than porcelain veneers.
• Easily repairable: Composite veneers are easy to repair, which can provide added convenience.

What are the Disadvantages of Composite Veneers?

• Less natural appearance: Composite veneers are sometimes not as natural-looking as porcelain veneers.
• Not as durable: Compared with porcelain veneers, composite veneers don’t have the same level of durability.
• Prone to staining: Composite veneers are not as stain-resistant as porcelain veneers, so staining can occur.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

So, do porcelain veneers last longer than composite veneers? And what’s the average lifespan of dental veneers? Here’s some more information on how long veneers can last.

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers can last for 5 to 10 years or longer with proper care. Despite the high cost, many individuals choose them due to their durability.

How Long Do Composite Veneers Last?

Composite veneers generally last between 3 to 5 years. Their shorter lifespan is due to the material being more susceptible to chips, cracks, and stains. However, they are easier to repair than porcelain veneers.

How Much Do Veneers Cost?

Wondering about the price of veneers? Let’s examine the cost of porcelain veneers and composite veneers in Australia.

Porcelain Veneers Cost

Porcelain veneers can range from $1,500 to $2,500 per tooth, depending on the complexity of your situation and where you live. The cost of porcelain veneers reflects their many advantages, such as a natural look and impressive durability.

Composite Veneers Cost

Composite veneers are significantly more affordable than porcelain veneers, typically costing between $450 to $800 per tooth. This price advantage makes them an attractive option for those looking for a quick and less expensive smile makeover.

Crowns vs. Veneers

If your teeth are severely damaged, your dentist may recommend a dental crown rather than veneers.

Dental crowns offer both aesthetic and functional improvements to the teeth and can provide a good option for those with extensive damage to one or more teeth.

Other Alternatives to Veneers

If veneers aren’t suitable for you, there are other options to help improve your smile:

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding uses the same resin material as composite veneers but is generally used for minor repairs like fixing a chipped tooth.

Teeth Whitening

If the colour of your teeth is your primary concern, professional teeth whitening can be a less invasive and more affordable solution.

Orthodontics

Issues like gaps or misaligned teeth may be better addressed through orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign^®.

When it comes to choosing between composite and porcelain veneers, it’s important to be armed with as much information as possible.

While this article aims to provide you with an overview of composite vs. dental veneers and how much veneers might cost you, it’s important to talk to your dentist about your options. They’ll be able to advise you on the pros and cons of different types of veneers, as well as alternatives to veneers if this is a more suitable course of action.

If you’re considering dental veneers to enhance the appearance of your teeth, contact Commercial Road Dental and let us help you give you the confidence boost of a perfect smile.