- Want to improve your smile but want to be kind to your teeth and your budget?
- Do you have concerns about the colour, shape or position of your teeth?
- You may be a candidate for composite veneers and whitening.
Both these procedures offer great value for money versus full crowns, or porcelain. In cases of mild tooth malpositioning, this can be a less costly and time consuming alternative to orthodontics.
Unfortunately composite veneers are not as well known and considered the poor relation to porcelain veneers.
The reality is that done with care and attention to detail, this is far from the case and can surpass that of a poorly done porcelain veneer.
Why is this? Let’s dispel some myths.
Myth 1: Only porcelain can look natural with character like a real tooth
False
Porcelain veneers rely on a technician’s skill and dentist communication with them as to your expectations. So there are three people that are involved in the communication, i.e. you, the dentist and the technician. Done properly, they can look amazing, but…
Composite veneers can look amazing when you communicate your expectations with the dentist and they are able to deliver your smile. Let’s face it, two people communicating will be easier. And it is up to the dentist’s skill to sculpt the composite, see the detail of your natural tooth, and simulate this. There are less people involved, but you will rely 100% on the dentist, so find one you are comfortable with. Look at their previous work, look for detail.
Myth 2: My teeth need to be filed down.
True and False
This is true where there is space required for placing the veneers, whether composite or porcelain, although composite may be placed into situations where porcelain is not suitable due to more flexibility of placement.
Myth 3: Porcelain costs more than composite veneers
True
This is usually the case, although there may be an overlap between a “cheap” porcelain and an expertly done composite veneer. A cheap anything will always look cheap.
Myth 4: Porcelain veneers last longer than composite veneers
True and False
Porcelain, while being a harder material, may be more brittle. When it comes to repairs, composite is easier to repair. In the event of chipping, porcelain may need to be replaced.
