Dental veneers have revolutionized cosmetic dentistry, by providing an effective way to transform smiles and spark new confidence, both in case of cosmetic corrections as well as smile makeovers. It has been one of those procedures that is not only considered a safer option as compared to the instant fixes available over the counter, but has also been proven to work long term.
For the uninitiated, dental veneers are simply tooth-shaped shells of porcelain or resin which are bonded on to the teeth, to enhance their colour, shape, position and overall appearance. Over and above the cosmetic enhancement, veneers can also help protect the original teeth from minor damage such as chipping.
Veneers can be applied on just one tooth as well as over multiple teeth, as the need may be. For certain cases, it is also possible to get partial resin veneers, that only cover a portion of the visible tooth.
As safe as they generally are, getting dental veneers needs to be an informed choice, as it is a choice that you will be living with for a choice that you will be living with for a long time to come.
Once you are found to be a suitable candidate for dental veneers, the first choice that would need to be made is the type of veneers you should go ahead with. There are two types of dental veneers – porcelain and composite (resin) veneers. Each of these come with their own set of pros and cons, and this page will give you a detailed breakdown on their key differences, so that you can choose what’s good for you.
Both porcelain and composite are completely different materials. And while the purpose they are used for is the same, the procedure to apply veneers is greatly different in each case, as is the durability, cost and aesthetic appearance.
Composite veneers are made from tooth-coloured resin, and can be directly applied on to the teeth on your first visit itself. After matching the resin shade to that of your natural teeth, the dentist will add the material to your teeth, and follow this up with curing and polishing for a more natural look, all in one visit.
In comparison, porcelain veneers require a minimum of two visits. The first visit usually focusses on taking dental impressions for preparing your custom veneers, and preparing the tooth for the same. The second visit is when the actual veneers are bonded on to the teeth. In the interim period, you might be provided temporary veneers as needed. GlamSmile veneers require minimal to no tooth prep, and are preferred over traditional veneers for more reasons than one.
Another important point to note here would be that composite veneers can be reversible; however, traditional porcelain veneers are not. Most GlamSmile cases can be reversed as no/very little tooth structure is removed.
The life of any dental veneer can be attributed to two aspects – the material it is made of, and how well it is cared for. Regular brushing, flossing and good dental hygiene can go a long way in ensuring that your veneers last long.
Composite veneers are quite durable, can last anywhere between four to eight years, with the right care. However, these are also prone to chipping, and might need repairs if that happens.
Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are very strong in terms of the material. Once bonded onto a healthy tooth, they can last for as long as ten to twenty years! However, if you ever chip a porcelain veneer, the only option would be to replace it unless your dentist knows how to bond to porcelain.
While both resin and porcelain veneers can significantly enhance the overall appearance of teeth, porcelain veneers have a clear edge over composite veneers. The natural translucence of porcelain can reflect light in much the same way as your tooth, and the results are a lot more natural-looking. It would be quite difficult for a layperson to tell them apart from real teeth. Moreover, porcelain veneers are stain-resistant. This also helps keep your smile looking great for a longer time.
Composite veneers on the other hand, are relatively opaque in comparison, and also have the tendency to stain just like natural teeth.
When it comes to the cost – it is a good idea to consider both the one-time cost, as well as the regular maintenance cost. Composite veneers are approximately half the price initially, but would require regular maintenance and repair. This is something that is often overlooked at the time of making this choice, only to evoke regrets later on.
Porcelain veneers, while being comparatively higher priced due to the additional time, resources and expertise needed for creating them, last a lot longer. They also do not require frequent replacing, and this spreads out the initial cost over a longer time span.
GlamSmile Porcelain Veneers are comparatively more affordable than traditional veneers, as they entail minimum to no tooth prep and no anaesthesia, as compared to traditional veneers. Developed in Europe, our revolutionary no-prep veneers offer all the advantages of traditional veneers, while significantly minimizing the disadvantages. We are committed to give smile-worthy results for our clients.
To locate and connect with your nearest GlamSmile dentist, click on the link below!
