If you’re not happy with your smile, Dr. Michael Pappas and the dentists at Walnut Creek Dental are here to help. We offer a full suite of cosmetic dentistry services, including porcelain veneers in Groveport, OH. With a set of veneers from Walnut Creek Dental, you can cover up cosmetic flaws, boost your confidence, and love the way you look once again.
But you may be wondering what material you should choose for your new smile. Both porcelain veneers and composite veneers are popular options. Which one is better? What are the differences? And which one should you choose? In this guide, we’ll go in-depth and compare these common types of dental veneers to help you make the right decision.
Dental veneers are thin, tooth-shaped dental prostheses. They are designed to fit over the front chewing surfaces of your teeth and cover up cosmetic flaws in your smile. Veneers are very versatile, and can be used to correct a wide variety of cosmetic smile problems including:
If you don’t like your smile, you may not be able to show off your best self. Whether you hide your teeth in photos, cover your mouth when you laugh around others, or even feel self-conscious eating around your friends or colleagues.
With veneers, though, you can cover up flaws like stains, misshapen teeth, gaps in your smile, and much more. You can leave stress and anxiety behind, and get a bright, straight, flawless smile that will make you feel more confident in your appearance.
Porcelain veneers are the most popular type of veneers today, and they're our preferred choice at Walnut Creek Dental, too. Dr. Pappas and our dentists specialize in natural-looking, long-lasting porcelain veneers in Groveport, OH.
Porcelain is a ceramic material that’s very similar to natural enamel in color, translucence, and overall appearance. This makes it an ideal option for covering up stains, reshaping teeth, and enhancing the overall appearance of your smile.
Porcelain veneers are also very durable and hold up well to the forces of biting and chewing. They’re stain-resistant, too, which makes porcelain veneers a great option for anyone who would like a long-lasting smile that requires minimal maintenance.
Rather than using a ceramic material, composite veneers are made out of a material called “dental composite.” This is a mixture of resin and crushed glass. Dental composite is used for many other treatments, including tooth-colored fillings and dental bonding.
Dental composite is also very similar to the natural color and appearance of enamel, making it a good option for enhancing your smile with cosmetic dentistry. The primary benefit of composite veneers is that they are less expensive than porcelain, so they are a more budget-friendly choice.
One of the biggest benefits of porcelain veneers is that they have a much longer lifespan than composite veneers. When you get a set of porcelain veneers, you can expect them to last at least 10 years, and it’s not uncommon for them to last 15+ years with great at-home care.
In contrast, composite veneers have a shorter lifespan of between 5-7 years. Compared to porcelain veneers, composite veneers are not quite as durable, and are more prone to breaking, cracking, and wearing out.
When it comes to veneer cost comparisons, composite veneers come out on top. Composite veneers are usually quite a bit cheaper than porcelain veneers. You’ll pay between $400 and $1500 per tooth on average for composite veneers.
In contrast, porcelain veneers usually cost between $900 and $2500 per tooth. Of course, the actual cost for each type of veneer will vary based on your location, the dentist you choose, how many veneers you’re getting, and lots of other factors.
Still, though, composite veneers are a more budget-friendly option. However, since they do have a shorter lifespan than porcelain, it’s a good idea to get an estimate for both treatments to see which one is a better long-term investment.
Both composite veneers and porcelain veneers provide excellent aesthetic results. Cosmetic dentists like Dr. Pappas can match them to the exact color of your teeth, and use your input and feedback to craft a beautiful and lifelike smile.
However, porcelain veneers have a slight edge here. Today’s ceramic materials match the color, translucency, and overall appearance of natural enamel nearly perfectly. It’s also easier to create tiny surface details in porcelain veneers, which makes them look more realistic.
Both porcelain and composite veneers require some of your natural enamel to be trimmed. This needs to be done in order to make room for your new teeth. But composite veneers typically require the removal of less enamel than porcelain veneers, so they have the edge here.
Porcelain veneers win when it comes to overall stain resistance and ease of care. Ceramic materials are poreless, which means they are very resistant to surface stains from coffee, wine, berries, and other foods and drinks.
Composite veneers, on the other hand, can become stained and discolored over time. You can prevent this with good oral hygiene, but composite veneers still require more care and are more likely to stain when compared to porcelain veneers.
Composite bonding is another option for restoring your smile. Also sometimes called “direct composite veneers,” this is a treatment where a dentist applies dental composite directly to your tooth to reshape it and enhance its appearance.
Dental bonding is a great choice for more minor touch-ups, and can even be a good alternative to traditional porcelain or composite veneers for some patients. It’s fast, even more affordable than composite veneers, and offers fantastic results.
The answer is different for everyone. If you are on a tighter budget and don’t mind a shorter lifespan for your veneers, composite veneers are a fantastic option. You’ll get exceptional results, and you’re sure to love how your new teeth look.
On the other hand, if you have a little bit more money to spend on cosmetic dentistry and would prefer a longer-lasting, more lifelike material, porcelain veneers are a great choice. They are a premium option that will keep your smile looking great for years and even decades to come.
Still not sure what’s right for you? We recommend booking a visit with Dr. Michael Pappas at Walnut Creek Dental. Dr. Pappas has years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, and can help you determine which type of veneers are the best choice for you in Groveport, OH.
If you’d like to learn more about all of your smile makeover options including porcelain veneers, composite veneers, dental bonding, and teeth whitening, Dr. Pappas and the team at Walnut Creek Dental are here for you. We offer a full range of cosmetic dentistry services in Groveport, OH.
At your consultation, one of our cosmetic dentists can discuss your smile goals, your budget, your schedule, and your personal preferences to create a smile makeover plan that’s just right for you. Call now at (614) 864-2466 or book your appointment online and take the first steps toward the smile you’ve always wanted.
Call 614-864-2466 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
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