Cosmetic Dentistry |3 min read

Which Is the Best: Porcelain or Composite Veneers?

Smile with porcelain veneers

If you’ve been looking into getting veneers, you’ve likely found that there are multiple types.

It may be overwhelming trying to decide which is the best cosmetic treatment for you.

But don’t worry!

In this blog, we’ll discuss:

  • The differences between the two main types: porcelain and composite veneers
  • How they’re similar
  • What the benefits are of each type
  • And more

Keep reading to find out!

What’s the difference between porcelain and composite veneers?

These two types of veneers are both popular solutions for improving your smile!

They dramatically change the shape, color, and size of your teeth, enhancing your smile’s appearance.

Both types are custom-made and used to fix several dental issues, such as:

  • Discoloration or yellowing teeth
  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Crooked or misshapen teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Oddly shaped teeth
  • Misaligned teeth

But the key difference between porcelain and composite veneers is the type of material used to make them.

Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that cover the front surface of your teeth. They’re crafted by your dentist or a dental laboratory.

Composite veneers are made of a tooth-colored resin. The resin is either applied directly to your teeth (direct composite veneers) or indirectly (indirect composite veneers).

If you opted for the indirect version, that would mean the veneers would be created outside of your mouth in your dentist’s office or a dental lab.

Porcelain is an incredibly strong material, which makes it an excellent replacement for lost enamel. The shells bond to your teeth and act as a durable protective layer.

Composite resin is a much weaker material, so, unfortunately, composite veneers are more susceptible to chipping and staining. 

Do porcelain veneers stain?

Not easily!

Porcelain is non-porous, which makes it highly resilient to staining.

A special glaze is applied to porcelain veneers, which prevents them from absorbing stains and gives them a life-like appearance.

However, your natural teeth may still stain as they normally would, and in time the veneers could also show signs of discoloration.

So try to limit or avoid certain foods, drinks, and habits, such as:

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Red wine
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Dark berries
  • Tomato sauce
  • Tobacco use

Hard or chewy foods could also chip your veneers, so you may want to cut them up and take smaller bites.

With composite veneers, you should avoid all those as well. But you must be even more careful.

Composite resin veneers are porous and have a matte finish, meaning they absorb stains and residues very easily, making them more susceptible to wearing down quickly.

They also need to be replaced more often than porcelain veneers.

How long do veneers last?

On average:

Composite veneers last from five to seven years, whereas porcelain veneers last anywhere from ten to fifteen years.

But with proper care and maintenance, you can increase the lifespan of your veneers.

Maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.

So, which is the best type of veneer?

That answer is subjective, as it depends on your needs, smile goals, budget, and time.

At Richard M. Dervin, DDS, we love porcelain veneers, and we’re confident that you’ll love them too.

Porcelain veneers can give you a perfect, long-lasting, stain-resistant smile!

Are you interested in getting porcelain veneers?

Our dentist in Shawnee, KS will gladly help you!

Dr. Richard Dervin has more than three decades of experience helping patients achieve their dream smiles and an artistic touch.

He and our compassionate smile team will cater to you and give you the best possible results.

We want you to walk away with a gorgeous smile and greater confidence!

Schedule a consultation to find out if you’re a good candidate for porcelain veneers.

Request an Appointment

Richard M. Dervin, DDS, is located in Shawnee, KS… This text opens a new tab to the website… and serves surrounding communities, including Olathe, De Soto, Kansas City, KS, and Kansas City, MO.