All dental veneers are intended to dramatically transform the look of your smile by covering up a wide range of imperfections. However, not all are created equal—or from the same material. The two main choices are composite resin and porcelain veneers. But what’s the difference between the two, and which is right for you? A cosmetic dentist can evaluate your smile, discuss your preferences, and determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental veneers. They can also explain why they might recommend porcelain instead of composite resin. However, the following information can serve as a general guide for you.
What are the main differences between porcelain and resin veneers?
The most obvious difference is that they are made from different materials. Porcelain veneers are crafted from feldspar, which is a glass ceramic that is naturally occurring. Thanks to the translucent appearance of feldspathic porcelain, veneers made from this material look quite natural.
In contrast, resin veneers are made from composite resin, a polymer-based material. You’re likely already familiar with the composite resin used in dental settings, as it’s the preferred alternative to silver amalgam fillings. In other words, your dentist uses it to fill cavities and bond mildly chipped teeth.
Another difference is the length of time required to make and apply them. Composite resin veneers might seem like an attractive option at first since the cosmetic dentistry specialist only needs one visit to apply them. However, this is because they are not custom-made in a lab like porcelain veneers, which require two visits.
Comparing the cost of resin veneers vs. porcelain veneers
Patients might prefer composite resin because it is less expensive. Although there is no universal cost for veneers, you can generally expect that they will average between $400 and $1,500 per tooth. In contrast, porcelain veneers will typically cost between $925 and $2,500 per tooth.
Before you decide, however, bear in mind that you’ll get what you pay for—and most people prefer not to skimp on an important investment like their smile. You’ll want to evaluate the other pros and cons of resin veneers vs. porcelain veneers before deciding which is right for you.
Comparing the longevity of resin and porcelain veneers
Longevity is another important factor when deciding, and this is one crucial area where porcelain veneers are the clear winner. Composite resin veneers only last about five to seven years. In contrast, porcelain can last about 10 to 15 years. The difference is due to the strength of the materials. Composite resin is demonstrably weaker than porcelain–it’s more prone to chipping and breaking.
Comparing the look of resin and porcelain veneers
Dental veneers are cosmetic treatments. So if you’re considering getting them, you’ll want to know which material will look best. Here again, porcelain veneers take first prize. While resin and porcelain veneers can cover up a wide range of aesthetic problems (chips, stains, etc.), porcelain can cover up any degree of discoloration. In addition, thanks to the translucent quality of the feldspathic porcelain mentioned above, these veneers look more natural than composite resin ones.
Consulting the cosmetic dentists on Long Island about veneers
For all of these reasons, the cosmetic dentists at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry favor porcelain veneers. Every day, our team sees the transformative difference porcelain veneers make for our patient’s smiles, and that’s why we strongly recommend it as the material of choice for smile makeovers. Learn more about dental veneers and find out if they could be a good choice for you by scheduling a consult with us at our Huntington or Rocky Point, Long Island offices.
