Composite & Porcelain Veneers Pros & Cons

Do you have stained, crooked, or missing teeth? If so, veneers may be the right choice for you. However, choosing the best veneer can be a bit complicated.

There’s a lot of information, recommendations, and plain false claims about this treatment. What you end up with is a confusing mess of opinions. Fortunately, with the help of a Washington Heights dentist, things can be much easier.

Though we can’t choose for you, we can give you the information you need so that you can make an educated decision.

Veneers on a male patient smiling

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers might be a fantastic option if you’ve always wanted to enhance your smile.

Veneers are thin covers that go over the front of your natural teeth to make them look better. They are just one of many ways to improve the appearance of your teeth. 

Other methods include crowns and tooth bonding.

Veneers come in two primary varieties: composite and porcelain. As the name implies, porcelain veneers are made out of porcelain. The same kind of resin used for tooth bonding also works for composite veneers, which are created to look like natural teeth.

Both veneers have advantages and disadvantages, so it’s crucial to consider your budget and the severity of the problem you’re trying to fix.

Can I Get Veneers?

Dental veneers can hide flaws in your teeth and give you a radiant smile.

Teeth that are crooked or malformed, chipped, or discolored are examples of imperfections. You can also get veneers if you have deteriorated enamel.

The best way to determine if you are a candidate is by talking to your Washington Heights dentist.

Veneers just cover a portion of your teeth, unlike crowns, which are thicker and completely encase a tooth from the front to the back. Additionally, they may or may not require more dental preparation than crowns.

Veneers could be an excellent option if you only want to change the form or color of your teeth and they are in good condition.

Crowns are often reserved for teeth with more severe damage. Crowns might be better if you need a root canal or have a cracked tooth.

Different Types Of Veneers

There are three different types of veneers: direct composite veneers, indirect composite veneers, and porcelain veneers.

Direct Composite Veneers

Direct composite veneers are crafted from a composite resin and bonded to your teeth.

A dentist can prepare your teeth for veneer application in a short amount of time, and the procedure is minimally invasive.

Indirect Composite Veneers

Direct and indirect composite veneers differ mainly in their application, not in the materials themselves.

Your teeth are prepared similarly to how they would be for direct composite veneers. In this case, the veneers are manufactured “outside the mouth” in a dental laboratory.

Your Washington Heights dentist will give you a set of temporary veneers while waiting for the indirect composite set. The indirect composite veneers are placed on your teeth with a coat of glue at the next visit.

Indirect composite veneers can handle more abrasions and fracture resistance. However, they cost more than direct composite veneers.

A Washington Heights dentist putting veneers on a patient

Porcelain Veneers

As the name implies, porcelain veneers are made out of porcelain. 

A dentist will take impressions of your teeth so that the dental lab can create the veneers from the mold, which could take a week or longer. Similar to the indirect composite veneers, you will receive a set of temporary veneers.

The dentist will mold the thin porcelain shells to seem as natural as possible and bond them to the front of your teeth when they are ready.

Pros And Cons

Composite Veneers

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Shorter application process
  • Work for many aesthetic problems

Cons:

  • Weak material
  • You will have to repair or replace them frequently

Porcelain Veneers

Pros:

  • Long-lasting
  • Strong material
  • Offer a natural appearance
  • Fix darker stains

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • They require more than one visit
  • They can fall-off

It all depends on your needs and the results you want to achieve over time. We suggest talking to a Washington Heights dentist to know the best option for your dental problems. 

Finding A Reliable Washington Heights Dentist

Are you ready to get the shiny smile you’ve been dreaming of? At Esthetix Dental Spa, we can make your dream come true thanks to our advanced treatments, high-quality service, and experienced dentists. 

We offer plenty of dental services, including dental veneers, crowns, whitening procedures, and more. Contact us now to schedule your visit! 

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Esthetix Dentist, NYC’s Dental Implant & Cosmetic Specialist
285 Fort Washington Ave,
New York, NY 10032

Phone: (212) 795-9675
Website: http://esthetixdentalspa.com/