dental bridges

Porcelain vs. Composite Dental Veneers: What to Expect | Alhambra CA

The two types of dental veneers are custom-made into thin layers that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to improve their form and appearance. That said, the placement of composite veneers is different from that of porcelain veneers, which makes them ideal for different kinds of people and situations, where one option may not necessarily be ideal.

During your consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth to determine whether you’re a good candidate for veneers. Ideally, your teeth should have enough tooth enamel to prevent sensitivity during preparation. Porcelain veneers are the most common option because they are stain resistant, hard, and durable, but require more tooth preparation than composite veneers.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are usually placed in a single appointment. They don’t require any kind of tooth preparation, but in some cases, a minimal amount of enamel can be shaved off from the front and side surfaces.

The dentist gradually adds the tooth-colored adhesive materials in thin layers, while shaping it and hardening it at each stage using a special light, to determine whether the defect has been adequately concealed. When the result is satisfactory, the material is polished to give it a smooth appearance.

This option is particularly ideal for people with small teeth, because the bonded composite veneers won’t make them appear bulky.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are fabricated in a dental laboratory. They are translucent and stain resistant. They can also be made to closely resemble the appearance of natural teeth. Once they’re ready, they are placed in two appointments as follows:

  • In the first appointment, the teeth being treated are prepared under local anesthetic.
  • The second appointment is scheduled about two weeks later. The dentist isolated the prepared teeth from any moisture so the porcelain veneers can be fitted.

A few days after your dental veneer treatment, you should schedule a follow up visit for the dentist to ensure that all is well after you’ve had time to adjust to them in your normal routine.