If you’re considering getting dental veneers in Collingwood, you’re probably conducting the ‘composite vs porcelain veneers’ debate in your head, asking questions like ‘do porcelain veneers stain?’ or ‘are ceramic and porcelain veneers the same?’. In this blog post, we’ll answer both of these questions and beyond to better aid you in your quest for that sparkling smile.
Are Ceramic & Porcelain Veneers the Same?
Before we delve deeper into this topic, let’s address this question straight off the bat. Are ceramic and porcelain veneers the same? No. Whatever visual similarities they hold, they reside on opposite sides of the aesthetic dental spectrum—from their price range and durability to the very material from which they’re made.
While porcelain veneers are made from—as the name suggests—porcelain, composite veneers are made from less expensive composite resin. The material is a blend of synthetic resins that dentists often use for reconstructive procedures, among which can include fillings. When it comes to veneers, composite resin is a less popular choice due to its lower durability (a lifespan of 4 to 8 years) and lower quality. However, they are a cost-effective choice that can be excellent for beginners.
Should I Get Composite Veneers When I’m Starting Out?
Composite veneers may be lower quality and less durable than their porcelain counterparts, but they do have two big selling points:
1. They’re a much more affordable option.
2. They necessitate fewer to no permanent alterations to natural teeth.
Considering that veneers often stand in for your teeth, there is going to be little wiggle room for these new fixtures. In the case of porcelain veneers, this means that your dentist must file down your teeth to make way for these permanent extras. However, in the case of composite veneers, your dentist may make minor alterations to your teeth’s shape or surface at most. So, if you go through with composite veneer treatment but decide you dislike it, you can stop all future treatments with minimal to no consequences.
If you’re veneer-curious but tentative, you should opt for the more reversible composite veneers. However, if you’re confident in your decision and prepared to make a lifelong commitment to veneer maintenance, you should go with the higher-quality porcelain option.
Do Porcelain Veneers Stain?
Should you go down the porcelain path, one of the perks you’ll pick up very quickly is that porcelain won’t stain. While composite resin will yellow over time, porcelain can maintain its pearly whiteness—naturally! As great as composite veneers can be, they’ll always win second-place in this beauty contest. Porcelain is also a closer aesthetic match to your natural teeth colour.
If you opt for porcelain veneers, the process will take up to a fortnight. Dentists may be able to fit composite veneers in a single visit, but the custom nature of porcelain veneers is what justifies the wait. At your first appointment, your dentist will take your dental impression to send off to a lab. Within the week or fortnight, you’ll have your own lab-produced set of porcelain veneers—custom-made for your mouth—which the dentist will then put in place.
Believe it or not, aesthetics are not porcelain’s sole selling point. They’re also stronger with a much longer lifespan (up to 20 years, with adequate care). If you’re ready to commit to a brighter smile for life and you’ve got the money to spare, we would recommend porcelain every time.
How Much Are Porcelain Veneers?
On average, porcelain veneers cost between $1,000 and $2,500 per tooth. However, it’s important to note that no dental work comes at a flat rate and that costs can vary depending on case complexity or location. For a more detailed estimate of your situation, why not speak with one of our friendly dentists at Stanley St Dental?
Get Porcelain Veneers in Melbourne
At Stanley St Dental in Melbourne, we have high-quality porcelain veneers for the perfect smile. Whether you want to hide some stubborn staining, smooth out some asymmetrical contouring, or simply get that Hollywood glow, we have all the tools to help you out. Come on down to our premium Collingwood clinic and find those dental veneers you’ve been dreaming of. Book your appointment today!