Composite Veneers or Smile Design

Choosing to have dental veneers placed is the first step to improving the aesthetics of your teeth and getting that winning smile you’ve longed for. Determining what material to go with is the second.

Composite resin and porcelain are the most commonly used materials in the veneer fabrication process. In the hands of an experienced cosmetic dentist, both materials can beautifully transform your smile. But how do you know which type is right for you? This comes down to your specific needs and which factors are most important to you (cost, treatment time, etc.). Let’s evaluate some of the differences between composite and porcelain veneers.

Advantages of Composite Veneers

Composite veneers have a number of advantages over porcelain, chief among which is cost. On average, porcelain veneers are twice as expensive as composites, which is very important for some people given that most treatments are not covered by insurance, meaning you are likely paying out-of-pocket for treatment. The cost of veneers varies based on a number of factors, but composites cost on average between $250 and $1,500 per tooth. This can add up quickly in a smile makeover. Visit our price list.

Another advantage that composite veneers have over porcelain is the fact that composites can typically be fabricated while you wait, making it a same-day treatment. (5 hours or 2 appointments ) Direct composite veneers (also referred to as composite bonding ) are actually sculpted on your teeth rather than in an offsite lab. The tooth-shaded resin is applied to teeth directly (hence the name) where it can be shaped and sculpted by the dentist. The shaped resin is hardened using a high-intensity light, after which additional layers of resin can be applied and sculpted as needed to elicit the desired aesthetic outcome. Once finished, the resin must be polished in order to elicit a more natural, tooth-like appearance. The composite procedure, therefore, tends to be much less invasive and noticeably quicker than porcelain.

Arguably the biggest advantage that composite veneers have over porcelain is reversibility. Porcelain requires reshaping of your natural teeth in order to fit the veneer. When it comes to composites, No prep work is required on your natural teeth, meaning that they are not permanently altered to such an extent that the composite material cannot be removed and replaced as needed.

Advantages of Porcelain Veneers

Although composite veneers have a number of advantages, there is one area in which they cannot compete with porcelain: durability. Porcelain is a far stronger material than composite resin (even with the improvements in resin materials over the years). Well-maintained porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years, compared to the five- to seven-year average lifespan of composites. It’s important to consider this tradeoff if you’re thinking of having veneers placed. That is, while composites may cost half as much as porcelain, they last only half as long. So which is the better value?

Most dentists agree that porcelain veneers offer the most natural, tooth-like aesthetics. Porcelain has a translucent quality that is quite similar to tooth enamel. It is also highly resistant to staining and chipping due to the strength of the material and the glaze that is applied after treatment. On the other hand, composite veneers are more porous and therefore susceptible to staining, meaning that you may need to adjust your diet in order to avoid certain stain-causing foods. Composite also needs to be polished in order to achieve a tooth-like esthetic. And even then it doesn’t quite compare.

The porcelain veneer procedure is more involved, and often requires temporaries to be worn while you wait for the veneers to be sculpted in a lab.  Lastly, porcelain veneers offer a viable treatment solution for all cases of worn enamel, wear, and tear, genetic defects, uneven teeth, etc. Composites may not be a viable option for severe concerns. For example, significant discoloration or spacing issues may not be adequately treatable with composite veneers, making porcelain your only option. Your dentist will conduct a thorough oral health evaluation as part of your consultation to determine your options.

Composite or Porcelain… What’s the Verdict?

At the end of the day, the only way to determine whether a composite or porcelain veneer solution is right for you is to speak with your dentist about your aesthetic goals and to weigh your personal considerations. In other words, what is most important to you? If you’re looking for the most cost-effective solution, then a composite veneers treatment plan will probably be a good fit. However, if you have a severe aesthetic concern, or you’re looking for the most natural and durable treatment solution (and the cost is not a consideration), then porcelain veneers will give you a fantastic result.

Regardless of which material you opt for in the end, you can rest assured that both offer fantastic smile enhancement. 

COST OF PORCELAIN VENEERS

All veneers are not created equal, and the old adage, “you get what you pay for” essential holds true when it comes to porcelain veneers. Choosing an experienced cosmetic dentist who uses the best materials and porcelain will likely provide you with an optimal cosmetic outcome and long-lasting results. Just like shopping for a car, one that is made by hand, like a Ferrari, costs more than a Ford manufactured on an assembly line; they may both get you from point A to point B, but one is made better and will last longer. Veneers are very similar. If you desire a natural-looking smile that can maintain its color and last for decades, then the custom, handmade layered e.max® veneers may be the best option for you. These wafer-thin shells of porcelain won’t stain, and when properly bonded, are just as strong as your natural teeth.

Generally, the more veneers you need, the more of an investment you’ll have to make. Many dentists will charge more to make a single veneer or pair of veneers, as it can be very difficult to color match the porcelain to the surrounding teeth. It usually takes a couple of weeks to get a set of custom veneers made. Many times, for an additional cost, we expedite the process and can custom make your new smile in just a few days. This is especially beneficial for our patients who travel from other countries to see us. Lastly, if your case involves extensive rehabilitation, including major changes to the appearance of your teeth, a diagnostic wax-up may be required, thus increasing the overall cost.

Whether you are looking to achieve a complete smile makeover. or are concerned with improving the appearance of a single tooth, Dr. Alejandro Sánchez can design a customized porcelain veneers procedure for meeting your specific dental needs and aesthetic goals.

PORCELAIN VENEERS COST TABLE

To help you better understand the pricing of porcelain veneers, we have provided a comprehensive cost table below. The table highlights the differences and comparative costs for various types of porcelain veneers, most of which we offer. It is important to keep in mind that each patient will undergo a personal consultation with Dr. Sánchez to evaluate their specific individual needs and develop a unique treatment plan. To achieve the best aesthetic results, Dr. Sánchez only works with high-quality porcelain veneers. After you have had your consultation with Dr. Sánchez, you will be provided with a comprehensive, detailed cost quote to review. We encourage you to contact our office with any questions or to schedule your consultation with Dr. Sánchez.

PRESSED CERAMICS -EMAX                    $6,800

FELDSPATHIC                                           $5,600

CONTACT LENS                            $4,000

​COMPOSITE VENEERS                              $2,000

FULL SMILE DESIGN 2 appointments 20 teeth $30,000                                    CAD-CAM CEREC                                        $5,000

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CALCULATING THE COST OF PORCELAIN VENEERS

The overall cost of porcelain veneers will take several factors into consideration:

• Degree and extent of enhancement desired
• Type of porcelain and skill level of the ceramist
• How quickly the veneers are made
• Number of veneers needed
• Degree of tooth preparation necessary to accommodate veneers
• Any additional dental work that may be necessary to ensure the success of the veneers procedure
• Training and experience of the dentist
• Cost of sedation (if desired by the patient)

During your initial oral evaluation, Dr. Sánchez will examine every aspect of your dental health and the appearance of your smile. Together you will discuss your goals for treatment and the options available for achieving them. Once Dr. Sánchez has put together a customized treatment plan, will come up with an overall cost estimate and talk with you about your payment options.

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CONTACT DR. ALEJANDRO SÁNCHEZ 

For more information about porcelain veneers, contact our Puerto Vallarta Practice with any questions you may have, or to schedule a consultation with Dr.Sánchez.