Dental veneers are the ideal solutions to improve the aesthetic appearance of teeth. Made of ceramic or composite resin, these thin shells that are glued to the front of the teeth cover all their imperfections and give them a perfect appearance.
We can thus place veneers on one or more teeth in order to correct poor dental alignment, a defect in structure, shape or color or other visible anomalies. This cosmetic dentistry treatment quickly and effectively beautifies the smile. It allows you to regain impeccable teeth and a dazzling smile without having to mutilate the tooth. But between ceramic or composite veneers, which one to choose?
The ceramic or porcelain dental veneer
The porcelain dental veneer, also called ceramic veneer, is the most common. And for good reason, it has a very natural appearance and is particularly suitable for the aesthetic correction of structural, size, overlapping and discoloration defects on several teeth or on the front teeth. As the Elone Clinic dental practice explains, there are also different different ceramic dental veneers . In this category, we therefore have brands like Lumineers, Emax, Glamsmile, River 8 as well as film veneers and feldspar veneers.
These dental veneers take the form of a thin strip of porcelain with a thickness of 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. Their installation is generally done to measure and in several sessions except for prefabricated veneers such as River 8. Depending on the case, the practitioner is first required to cut the tooth, then take impressions and place the temporary veneers and finally, the definitive veneers.
In addition to being very close to the appearance of natural teeth, they are resistant and durable. They do not change color over the years. Their lifespan is between 10 to 15 years and can even go up to 20 years if they are perfectly maintained through impeccable oral hygiene and regular cleaning at the dentist.
What are the advantages ?
Dental ceramic veneers can permanently change the shape, color and alignment of teeth as in these before and after photos provided by the Elone Clinic dental office in Paris. They offer a natural smile, in harmony with the face. They resist coloring, food stains, shock, decay, etc. Its longevity is up to 20 years.
What are its disadvantages?
Its main disadvantage lies in its price, because this type of veneer costs more. In some cases, the installation of dental ceramic veneers also requires polishing the enamel or filing or grinding the tooth. The installation must be renewed after 10 to 20 years.
The prices of a dental porcelain veneer vary between €800 and €1,400, not reimbursed by Social Security.
Composite veneers are a type of composite resin that is applied to the tooth. The dentist directly polishes and sculpts the material on its external surface in order to hide and fill in its defects. It will harmonize its shape and color with neighboring teeth and according to the patient’s face and complexion so that the appearance is as natural as possible. It corrects tooth wear, spacing, chipped teeth…
A single session, without preparing the tooth, may be enough to install this type of veneer. We then speak of direct installation. The dentist applies up to several layers of resin which are hardened and shaped directly onto the tooth. In the case of indirect installation, a mold of the impression of the teeth is first made during the first session, then the veneer is made to measure by a prosthetist before being glued to the teeth.
Composite is less expensive than ceramic. This technique is an economical and non-invasive alternative to the installation of dental prostheses. On the other hand, the rendering of the composite resin turns out to be less aesthetic and less solid. Due to this fragility, the veneer may become loose or break. Their average lifespan is 2 to 5 years after which they must be replaced.
The composite allows you to quickly achieve the desired result. The ultra-thin dental veneer obtained allows the correction of cracked, stained or discolored teeth at a much more affordable price if you are limited by your budget. The technique for applying it is completely non-invasive
Compared to a dental ceramic veneer, a composite veneer looks less natural and is less resistant. It can also become discolored over the months and require tooth whitening. Its longevity is limited to 5 years, which will force the patient to redo their dental veneers more often.
In conclusion, porcelain dental veneers like those made of composites are dental interventions for purely aesthetic purposes and are not covered by social security. They each have different advantages and disadvantages. An initial consultation with a good dental surgeon will allow you to take stock of your needs and study the feasibility of the technique according to your teeth, your needs and your budget. This specialist will then advise you on the material that best meets your needs. This is why you should contact a qualified and experienced practicing dentist.
