So if you are thinking of veneers you may be confused at the type of veneers that are now available and their relative pros and cons. Most veneers are now either made out of a composite material or porcelain however can be branded differently for marketing purposes.
There are some significant differences between the two materials that you need to be aware of before you make your decision. Composite is a resin type material which has become very popular now as it is cost effective and can often be performed in one visit. Composite is usually applied directly in the mouth and then shaped and sculpted by the dentist. The results can vary massively as it is highly dependant on the skill and vision of the treating dentist so it is important that you choose a skilled cosmetic dentist experienced in composite bonding.
Porcelain veneers are made indirectly usually in a specialist laboratory by a technician and often necessitates some reduction or preparation of the enamel and/or dentine. Once made they are tried in the mouth and cemented permanently with a strong resin based cement once approval has been sought.
Porcelain veneers when performed correctly and by a skilled technician can be the most beautiful of restorations which can last many years often greatly out performing direct composite veneers. Porcelain has a glazed, stain resistant surface and is very tough to break once cemented in properly however like everything else in dentistry requires a high degree of skill and execution for an excellent result.
The average lifespan of composite veneers is 2-5 years however porcelain veneers can still look great after 10 years. Composite is a much inferior material in terms of strength so will wear down much quicker and also does not have a glazed surface so surface discolouration and staining can be an issue after a while. So although composite veneers are cheaper initially they may not be as cost effective long term.
Composite veneers work really well for younger individuals as it is a very conservative option. It is important to weigh up the pros and cons of each option with the help of your dentist before you make your decision as each case is different.