Porcelain Veneers vs Composite Veneers: Understanding the Basics

If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, you may not be sure if you should choose porcelain veneers or if you should get composite veneers instead. What’s the big difference between these cosmetic treatments, and which one should you get from Dr. Ritu or Dr. Sushant Dhadwal?

We’re here to help! In this veneer comparison guide from SmilesHUB, we’ll dive into the difference between porcelain veneers vs. composite veneers. From the overall cost of treatment to durability, longevity, and cosmetic results, we’ll discuss everything you need to know before you commit to treatment.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are made from a very strong, durable, yet thin layer of ceramic material. These tooth-shaped “shells” are designed to fit over the fronts of your teeth, covering them up and treating a wide variety of cosmetic flaws, including gaps in teeth, severe discoloration, misshapen and uneven teeth, slightly crooked teeth, and more.

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Porcelain veneers are extremely versatile and are a great option for transforming your teeth in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. In just two visits to SmilesHUB, you can cover up almost any cosmetic issue with your smile, look and feel more confident, and feel proud of your smile once again.

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However, porcelain veneers are also a lifelong commitment. When you get porcelain veneers, you will need to have a thin layer of enamel removed from each tooth that’s getting a veneer. This must be done to make room for your new veneers, but it also means that the teeth will be weaker if your veneers are ever removed.

What Are Composite Veneers?

Dental composite is a very strong, tooth-colored material that’s made from a mixture of tooth-colored dental resin and glass particles. Together, this combination creates a “composite” that’s very strong and durable, and looks very similar to natural tooth enamel. Dental composite is used for a wide variety of dental treatments, including tooth-colored fillings.

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Technically, there are two kinds of composite veneers. “Direct composite veneers,” also known as “dental bonding,” involves applying tooth-colored resin directly to teeth to reshape them, cover up cosmetic flaws, and enhance their appearance.

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But in this guide, we’re mostly concerned with “indirect composite veneers.” These are similar to porcelain veneers. To get composite veneers, your teeth must be trimmed and prepared. Then, Dr. Ritu or Dr. Sushant will take impressions of your smile and send them to a dental lab, where your veneers will be built from tooth-colored composite resin. You’ll come back for a separate visit to have your veneers placed.

The Differences Between Porcelain and Composite Veneers

Now that you know the basics about porcelain veneers and composite veneers, you may be wondering which option is right for you. In this section of our guide, we’ll compare these two cosmetic treatments and see how they stack up!

Aesthetic results

Porcelain veneers offer better overall aesthetic results. The ceramic materials used to create them are very similar to enamel in color, hardness, and overall appearance, leading to a more lifelike appearance.

Still, composite veneers are also a great option for a brighter, more confident smile. Many patients who choose them are more than satisfied with their results. But if you want the most lifelike smile, porcelain is the way to go.

Cost comparison

Composite veneers are the winner here. They are typically a more budget-friendly option. The cost of composite veneers is usually between $900 and $1500 per tooth in Illinois. In contrast, porcelain veneers can cost anywhere from $900 to $2500 per tooth.

Since they are not medically necessary, dental insurance will not cover the cost of porcelain veneers or cosmetic veneers, making costs a major concern when comparing porcelain vs. composite veneers. If you’re on a tight budget for cosmetic dentistry, composite veneers are a better choice.

Durability and lifespan

Porcelain veneers are stronger and more durable than composite veneers. Both types of veneers are strong enough to hold up to biting, chewing, and overall wear and tear. 

But porcelain is more durable than composite resin, so porcelain veneers will wear out more slowly than composite veneers. Porcelain veneers usually last between 10-15 years, while composite veneers have a lifespan of 5-10 years.

Ease of care

Both composite veneers and porcelain veneers are easy to care for. All you need to do is brush twice a day, floss daily, and see Dr. Sushant or Dr. Ritu for six-month checkups at SmilesHUB. That’s all there is to it!

Resistance

Porcelain is non-porous. This means that porcelain veneers cannot be stained by foods like berries and curry, or drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and cola. Your smile will stay bright and beautiful for years to come.

On the other hand, composite resin is porous, which means stains can build up over time. In order to avoid stains with composite veneers, you’ll need to maintain great at-home oral hygiene and a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Choosing Between Porcelain Vs. Composite Veneers – What To Consider

• Your cosmetic dentistry budget – If you don’t have as much money to spend on cosmetic care, composite veneers are a more budget-friendly option. You may also want to look into even more inexpensive options like teeth whitening and dental bonding to refresh your smile.
  
  
• Long-term treatment costs – While composite veneers are cheaper in the short term, porcelain veneers last longer. This means that, in the long run, porcelain may be a better investment in your smile.
• Aesthetic preferences – Porcelain veneers tend to look a little bit more natural and realistic. Composite veneers look great, too, but are not quite as similar to natural teeth in overall appearance.
  
  
• Oral health and lifestyle – Porcelain veneers are more durable than composite veneers, which may be a good thing if you tend to grind and clench your teeth, play contact sports, or indulge in high-risk activities like skateboarding or mountain biking.

Make Sure To Pick The Right Dentist For Veneer Treatment

Whether you’re interested in composite veneers or porcelain veneers, choosing the right cosmetic dentist in Oakbrook Terrace, IL is critical for the best results. At SmilesHUB, Dr. Ritu and Dr. Sushant Dhadwal offer expert care in a welcoming, patient-focused environment.

Dr. Ritu is an expert in digital smile design. This means that she uses digital technology to preview your smile, show you what your new teeth will look like, and create a personalized treatment plan that ensures you get exactly the results you want. Not only that, but Dr. Ritu also has undergone specialized training and holds advanced certifications in cosmetic dentistry.

If you’re interested in transforming your smile with veneers or any other cosmetic treatment, our team is here to help. Check out our Smile Gallery to see real results from past patients, then give us a call or contact us online to book your first visit at SmilesHUB right away.

Answering Common FAQs About Veneers

• Are porcelain veneers better than composite veneers? The short answer is “yes.” While they are more expensive, they last longer, are more stain-resistant, and typically provide better overall results. If you can afford the higher initial cost, porcelain veneers are typically better than composite veneers.
• How long does each type of veneer last? Porcelain veneers usually last 10-15 years or longer. Composite veneers usually only last 5-10 years, so they have a shorter overall lifespan compared to porcelain.‍
• Which veneers look more natural? Porcelain veneers look more natural than composite veneers. The ceramic material is more similar to natural enamel in color, translucency, and overall appearance.‍
• Are composite veneers reversible? No. Just like porcelain veneers, composite veneers require the removal of a small amount of tooth material. If you are interested in a reversible treatment, cosmetic dental bonding may be a better option for you.

Explore Your Options For Veneers In Oakbrook Terrace, IL

If you’d like to learn more about your cosmetic veneer options, Dr. Ritu and Dr. Sushant are here to help at SmilesHUB. With a cosmetic consultation at our office, you can get answers to all of your questions about different dental veneer materials, the treatment process, and which option may be right for you.

With veneers in Oakbrook Terrace, IL from our office, the smile of your dreams is closer than you may think. So don’t wait. Give us a call at (630) 519-6954 or contact us online to book your first visit with Dr. Sushant or Dr. Ritu and explore all of your options for a confident and gorgeous smile.