For improving the appearance of your teeth and a smile makeover, veneers may be a perfect solution. There are two main types: porcelain veneers and composite veneers. The right choice of these dental veneers for you will depend on a few factors.
Dental veneers are ultrathin layers that are adhered to your natural teeth. They cover and hide stains and chips in teeth, as well as gaps and crooked teeth. There are customized treatment options to hide tooth imperfections.
They are considered a cosmetic treatment. However, they can help the function of a tooth and protect against further damage. A cosmetic dentist, or one experienced in the procedure, is recommended.
More of your natural tooth is kept as compared to using a dental crown, which is more used for decayed or damaged teeth, to improve the function of teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are custom designed, with a thin layer of porcelain that is affixed to the outer surfaces of teeth. These dental veneers most closely resemble natural teeth.
Porcelain veneers typically take at least a couple of visits to complete, as an impression of your teeth needs to be completed for them to be custom-made.
After an initial consultation and a plan has been decided on, your dentist removes some enamel from the fronts and sides of your teeth. An impression of your teeth is taken and the colour is chosen for the lab to make your veneers. Once your permanent veneers are completed, at a second appointment, your dentist will adhere the permanent porcelain veneers to your teeth with resin.
Temporary Veneers
While you are waiting for your permanent porcelain veneers, you can wear temporary veneers. Your dentist’s office may apply a temporary veneer for you to try, until your permanent ones are ready.
Composite Veneers
Also known as composite resin veneers, composite veneers are made of a tooth-coloured resin that is applied directly onto teeth and shaped to fit.
Since they are moulded right on, composite veneers can be applied in just one appointment, and are relatively easy to repair, replace, or remove.
After a consultation, an appropriate shade is chosen. Composite resin in that shade is sculpted on, and then a high intensity light sets it. The composite resin is then polished and smoothed until your composite veneers have an attractive, natural look.
Composite Veneers vs Porcelain Veneers
The main difference between the two is the material used, which impacts the processes to apply and their individual benefits.
Longevity and Durability
Porcelain veneers take longer, but are custom-made and are generally more long-lasting – they can potentially last anywhere from ten to twenty years, but everyone’s individual situation varies. They are more expensive, but given their longevity, this initial expense is compensated for.
Composite resin is a cheaper, and more cost-effective solution at least initially, but it does wear faster, potentially lasting only five to seven years. However, they are more easily repaired.
Regardless of the veneer, good oral health and dental hygiene, plus careful treatment of them, will help them stay beautiful and in good condition. Wearing mouthguards as necessary and avoiding using your teeth as tools will help.
Coverage
For more significant concerns, like more dramatically misaligned teeth or discoloured teeth, composite veneers do not cover as well as porcelain veneers. A porcelain veneer will fix darker stained teeth and larger gaps better.
Staining
Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant; composite veneers will stain more like natural teeth, so will need polishing and cleaning, just as you would for normal teeth.
Direct composite veneers are sculpted onto teeth, as opposed to a mould being made and the veneers being created elsewhere, so the process can be completed in one visit.
Process and Reversibility
Porcelain veneers are not reversible once applied, since some tooth enamel must be removed, unlike composite veneers which can be removed. Also, although porcelain is more durable if repairs are needed, it is more complicated and will cost more.
Aesthetics
Composite veneers cover most aesthetic concerns and look great, but their porcelain counterpart has a slightly more natural appearance, because of their translucent quality.
Ready For Your Perfect Smile Makeover?
At Dentistry on Wellington, we are cosmetic dentists who are experienced in creating the perfect, healthy smile. We are committed to helping you improve both the function and look of teeth, for a more beautiful smile you can feel confident with.
We will work with you to determine the best choice of composite veneers versus porcelain veneers for you and can recommend what choice would work best.
Dr. Thapar is a highly skilled and passionate dentist who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his practice in Toronto. With a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree specializing in Health Services Management from McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business and a dental degree from the prestigious University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, he is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care to his patients.
During the initial years of his career, Dr. Thapar served under serviced areas in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), gaining valuable experience and contributing to improving oral health in underserved communities. Now, he is excited to bring his enthusiasm and commitment to excellence to the heart of Toronto in the St. Lawrence Market Neighborhood.
Dr. Thapar is a proud member of several esteemed professional organizations, including the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, the Ontario Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Tau Tau Chapter, which places him in the top 10% of graduating dentists of his class. Membership in these organizations reflects his dedication to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry and providing his patients with the highest quality of care.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Thapar is an avid sports fan, particularly supporting the Toronto Blue Jays and the Toronto Raptors. When he’s not in the office, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two children, creating cherished memories together.
With his exceptional qualifications, commitment to community service, and passion for dentistry, Dr. Thapar is dedicated to delivering personalized and compassionate dental care to the residents of Toronto. Patients can trust in his expertise and expect a comfortable and enjoyable dental experience under his care.