Composite or Porcelain Veneers: What is the Difference?

Veneers are known to be one of the most beneficial and worthwhile cosmetic investments. These customized restorations are crafted to conceal flaws and beautify smiles, and they can be made to match the size, shape, and color of nearby teeth, effectively forming a uniform and natural-looking appearance. But did you know they can be made using different materials, specifically composite and porcelain? Find out what makes these two materials different, and which one might be better for your smile.

What Makes Composite Different Than Porcelain?

There are two types of materials that dentists and lab technicians use when crafting custom veneers – composite and porcelain.

Both are known for their ability to create natural-looking smiles, but there are staunch differences between them. To have a better understanding of what your new teeth may consist of, consider the following:

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are crafted using a dental resin that is highly durable and delivers a genuine, beautiful appearance. Also referred to as “bonded” veneers, they are placed directly onto the tooth enamel to conceal the imperfection (i.e., chip, stain, small crack, fracture, etc.). The resin is then smoothed and polished so that it lays flat on the tooth and blends in with surrounding teeth.

These veneers are also reversible, unlike porcelain veneers. If you should ever decide that you want to remove them and seek another form of treatment, you can do so with the help of your dentist.

Composite veneers are also capable of remaining in place for up to a decade before needing any kind of maintenance.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are considered the more traditional kind because of how long they’ve been used by dentists and various labs.

Crafted using high-quality porcelain, thin shells are created to fit over the front sides of teeth. They can be made to change the size, shape, and color of teeth, and they offer maximum strength and durability.

Porcelain delivers a beautiful aesthetic that mimics the look of natural tooth enamel, and they are capable of lasting 10 years or more with optimal care.

One of the more obvious differences between porcelain and composite, though, is that the latter is reversible. Porcelain veneers are not. Once you choose to move forward with this type of treatment, you cannot go back. The reason is that a small portion of tooth enamel must be removed to ensure that the veneer fits comfortably and correctly in place.

Which Option Is Right for You?

You may be unsure which type of material you should pursue, but here are a few things to consider:

• If you want a permanent solution that you know you will want for decades to come, porcelain veneers are the way to go.
• If you want something that can easily be reversed five or ten years down the road, you’re better off choosing composite veneers.
• When it comes to the timeframe for treatment, you will see results quicker with composite veneers, as these can often be completed in one appointment. Porcelain veneers require 2-3 visits to your dentist’s office.

There is no wrong answer when choosing which type of veneers you want to receive. Whether you opt for porcelain or composite, know that you’ll walk away with a smile that is more confident and beautiful than you could have ever imagined.

About the Author
Dr. Ryan Johnson is a dentist who earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Pursuing his Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry, he is always looking for continuing education opportunities to hone his skillset. As one of the lead dental professionals at Jacksonville Dental Excellence, he and his team deliver exceptional results using cosmetic dentistry. Specifically with veneers, he can craft beautiful restorations that stand the test of time and generate greater confidence among individuals. If you are interested in veneers, contact us at (904) 281-2566.