If you want to enhance your smile, dental veneers are a great option. But before you make a decision, it’s important to know about the different types of veneers available. Kooringal Dental can guide you through the process and help you make an informed choice.
Composite and porcelain veneers are the two most common types. We’ll compare and contrast them, as well as discuss the cost of veneers in Australia. Additionally, we’ll mention alternatives like dental crowns.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells of tooth-coloured materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth in order to improve their appearance.
These amazing shells are custom-made to fit perfectly over your teeth, and they can help enhance the colour, shape, size, or length of your teeth. Made from top-quality materials like porcelain or composite resin, veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth for a flawless look that lasts.
Types of Veneers
The two most popular types of veneers are porcelain veneers and composite veneers.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells of porcelain that match the colour of your teeth. They are often considered the ‘gold standard’ in dental veneers due to their durability and natural appearance.
What are the Advantages of Porcelain Veneers?
- Natural look: The very natural appearance of porcelain veneers makes them a popular option.
- Long-lasting: Known for their longevity, porcelain veneers offer the added peace of mind of durability.
- Stain-resistant: The stain-resisting qualities of porcelain veneers mean they’re a very convenient choice.
What are the Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers?
- A higher investment: The cost of porcelain veneers is higher than their composite counterparts or other alternatives to veneers, such as dental crowns.
- Irreversible process: As a small amount of tooth enamel must be removed for porcelain veneers, this process can’t be reversed.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are a fantastic option for improving your smile! With composite veneers, a special kind of resin is applied to your teeth in layers and then hardened with a special light. The great thing about these veneers is that they can usually be made and applied in just one dental visit, unlike porcelain veneers.
What are the Advantages of Composite Veneers?
- More affordable: The cost of composite veneers is generally lower than porcelain veneers.
- Less invasive: The process of applying composite veneers is faster and less invasive than porcelain veneers.
- Easily repairable: Composite veneers are easy to repair, which can provide added convenience.
What are the Disadvantages of Composite Veneers?
- Less natural appearance: Composite veneers are sometimes not as natural-looking as porcelain veneers.
- Not as durable: Compared with porcelain veneers, composite veneers don’t have the same level of durability.
- Prone to staining: Composite veneers are not as stain-resistant as porcelain veneers, so staining can occur.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
So, do porcelain veneers last longer than composite veneers? And what’s the average lifespan of dental veneers? Here’s some more information on how long veneers can last.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
With proper care, porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years – sometimes even longer. Their durability is one of the primary reasons many people opt for porcelain veneers, despite the higher upfront cost.
How Long Do Composite Veneers Last?
Composite veneers generally last between 3 to 5 years. Their shorter lifespan is due to the material being more susceptible to chips, cracks, and stains. However, they are easier to repair than porcelain veneers.
What Are The Differences In Costs Between Veneers?
Wondering about the differences in the price of veneers? Let’s examine the cost of porcelain veneers and composite veneers in Australia.
Porcelain Veneers Cost
Porcelain veneers’ cost ranges depending on the complexity of your situation and where you live. The cost of each tooth’s porcelain veneer reflects its many advantages, such as a natural look and impressive durability.
Composite Veneers Cost
Composite veneers are significantly more affordable than porcelain veneers. This price advantage makes them an attractive option for those looking for a quick and less expensive smile makeover.
Crowns vs. Veneers
If your teeth are severely damaged, your dentist may recommend a dental crown rather than veneers.
Dental crowns offer both aesthetic and functional improvements to the teeth and can provide a good option for those with extensive damage to one or more teeth.
Other Alternatives to Veneers
If veneers aren’t suitable for you, there are other options to help improve your smile:
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding uses the same resin material as composite veneers but is generally used for minor repairs like fixing a chipped tooth.
Teeth Whitening
If the colour of your teeth is your primary concern, professional teeth whitening can be a less invasive and more affordable solution.
Orthodontics
Issues like gaps or misaligned teeth may be better addressed through orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign®.
When deciding between composite and porcelain veneers, it’s crucial to gather all the necessary information. This article aims to provide an overview of the differences between composite and dental veneers, as well as the potential costs. However, it’s essential to consult with your dentist to discuss your options. Your dentist at Kooringal Dental can advise you on the advantages and disadvantages of each type of veneer and suggest alternative treatments if necessary.
If you are looking to improve the appearance of your teeth with dental veneers, Kooringal Dental are here to help. Contact us today to boost your confidence with a perfect smile.
