Pros And Cons Of Opting For Composite Veneers
Posted on: 10 October 2022
Veneers are dental appliances that basically sit in front of your natural teeth. When someone looks at you, they don't see your natural teeth; instead, they see the veneers. As you might assume, veneers are therefore great at hiding all sorts of dental concerns, including chipped teeth, small teeth, and stained teeth. If you are thinking of getting veneers, however, there is a key decision you need to make. Will you get veneers made from porcelain, or will you opt for composite veneers instead? Many patients are choosing composite veneers these days, but they have some pros and cons you should consider before taking the plunge.
Pro: They are less expensive.
Getting veneers is never cheap, but composite veneers tend to be more affordable than their porcelain counterparts. This mostly has to do with the way they are made. Composite can be liquified and poured into a mold to make composite veneers; this is a rather simple process. Comparatively, porcelain veneers need to be carefully shaped from porcelain, which takes more time and equipment.
Con: They are more prone to damage.
Composite is not as strong as porcelain, which means composite veneers are more prone to damage than porcelain ones. You'll need to be a little more careful about what you eat, avoiding really crunchy and chewy things when wearing composite veneers.
Pro: They require less tooth prep.
Composite veneers are fairly easy for dentists to place on your teeth. Less of your tooth material needs to be removed. Also, because of the way the veneers are made, they can often be placed in one dental appointment. Porcelain veneers, comparatively, require several visits to the dentist to have them fully applied. If you're busy and don't want to waste any more time than necessary in the dentist's chair, then composite veneers may be a great choice.
Con: They are prone to staining.
Composite is a little bit porous and can develop stains over time. Drinking coffee once, for instance, won't discolor the veneers noticeably. But several months of drinking coffee or other dark-colored beverages will lead to stains. If you're concerned about this and not willing to avoid stain-promoting foods, then porcelain veneers might be a better choice for you.
Composite veneers have their advantages, but they are not for everyone. If you're still torn between porcelain and composite, talk to your dentist. They can help you choose the best material for your needs.
Contact a veneer dentistry provider to learn more.
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