The difference between porcelain and composite veneers

If you have ever met someone with a movie star smile, chances are they were not born with it! Nearly everyone’s smile has some imperfections, whether it’s due to misalignment, stains, asymmetry, or other aesthetic issues. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with a smile that you aren’t proud to show off. At Royal Dental Practice in West Hills Los Angeles, California, Dr. Roya Shoffet offers both porcelain and composite cosmetic veneers for patients interested in improving the appearance of their teeth.

What’s the difference between porcelain and composite veneers?

Let’s start by discussing the similarities between porcelain and composite veneers. Both options are completely customized for your smile and can be used to hide various issues such as:

• Small gaps
• Permanent stains
• Mildly crooked teeth
• Asymmetry in the teeth
• Oddly shaped or sized teeth
• Pitted or grooved enamel

Both can be shaded to match the rest of your smile for natural-looking results. Once placed, they do not require any special care beyond regular oral hygiene and taking care not to chew on hard objects, such as ice and pencils.

Porcelain veneers are made from thin, custom-crafted pieces of porcelain that are bonded onto the front of your teeth. The porcelain that we use has the same luster and translucency as tooth enamel for a natural appearance. Because the veneers are crafted in a laboratory, they require two visits to have them placed – one to gently prepare your teeth and take dental impressions and a second visit to place the veneers. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and durable and can last at least ten years or even longer with good care.

Composite veneers typically cost less and can be completed in just one visit. Dr. Shoffet molds tooth-colored composite resin onto your teeth and then shapes and polishes it for a picture-perfect smile. Indirect composite veneers are also available and are crafted in a laboratory, like porcelain veneers, but use tooth-colored resin instead of porcelain.

Composite Veneers Before and After Results

Discuss your options with Dr. Shoffet

If you are ready to learn more about your veneer options and discuss which is best for your goals and budget, call Royal Dental Practice today at (818) 334-6655.

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