Nearly 600,000 people had dental veneers in 2006. Today, veneers are the top dental procedure people request. And the number of people with dental veneers now numbers in the millions.
Dental veneers are tooth-like coverings that can permanently replace lost, damaged, or unsightly teeth. And while there are many types of veneers out there, ceramic and porcelain are the two most common.
If you are considering veneers, you may wonder: what is the difference when it comes to ceramic veneers vs. porcelain veneers? Is one better than the other, and if so, which?
We are answering these two questions in this complete guide to the two most popular types of veneers in 2022. Keep reading for everything you need to know before scheduling your procedure.
What Are Ceramic Veneers?
Ceramic veneers are very thin tooth-like shells made from composite resin. Composite resin is a type of dental cement. Manufacturers make dental composites out of polymers (i.e., plastics).
The unique thing about ceramic veneers is that the dentist does not have to shave down the tooth. With other types of veneers, the majority of the tooth is removed so that the dentist can install the permanent veneer.
Ceramic veneers are often called no-prep veneers because they are different. Most ceramic veneers require no damage to the underlying tooth. Instead, these shells fit on top of the underlying tooth.
In some cases, patients can even remove their ceramic veneers. And because they fit right over your natural teeth, they offer a custom-like fit and mimic the appearance of your natural teeth.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are made from porcelain. Confusingly, porcelain is also a type of ceramic. However, manufacturers make dental porcelain from clay and stone instead of polymers.
This material looks even more tooth-like than a polymer-based ceramic. Porcelain is somewhat translucent, allowing light to pass through to the underlying tooth. This allows for an extremely natural-looking smile.
Unlike no-prep veneers, a dentist would have to shave down your teeth before installing porcelain veneers. He or she would shave down the tooth by the amount of thickness of the porcelain veneer.
After tooth shaping, the dentist will get an impression of your teeth and create the veneers. When it is time to install your new veneers, the dentist will glue them onto the surface of your tooth.
Ceramic Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers: The Pros and Cons
Porcelain and ceramic veneers each have their benefits. And one is not better than the other for every person who wants veneers.
So, to help you choose the right type of veneers for your unique needs, we have created this list. Check out the pros and cons of porcelain vs. ceramic veneers next.
Pro: Porcelain Veneers Last the Longest
On average, porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years. However, the average porcelain veneers usually last for 10 to 15 years. Meanwhile, composite resin veneers only last for four to eight years.
It is worth noting that the longevity of veneers greatly depends on how well the wearer cares for them. Factors like teeth grinding and gingivitis can greatly reduce the lifespan of both porcelain and composite veneers.
This is why it is so important to practice good oral hygiene, which includes attending your regular dental checkups. These habits can make your veneers last even longer, so you can get the most bang for your buck.
Con: Porcelain Veneers Are More Expensive
One of the top reasons many people prefer ceramic to porcelain veneers is the cost.
Porcelain veneers will run you about $900 on the low end and $2,500 or higher per tooth. Composite resin veneers, on the other hand, cost much less per tooth. They typically range in price from $250 to $1,500 per tooth.
As we will discuss later, though, porcelain may be a better investment in the long term.
Pro: Ceramic Veneers Take Less Time to Get
No-prep ceramic veneers take far less time to get than porcelain veneers. As you may recall, no-prep veneers do not require the dentist to shave down the enamel of your tooth.
With porcelain veneers, the timeline to final results is much longer. You have to wait for the dentist to order your veneers after shaving down your teeth.
Plus, you will have to wear temporary veneers while you wait. Temporary veneers can be uncomfortable for some people. This is another reason why you may want to consider no-prep veneers instead.
Con: Ceramic Veneers Are Less Like Natural Teeth
Like enamel, porcelain is extremely strong, stain-resistant, and natural-looking. Porcelain is even resistant to stains from dark-colored liquids like coffee, tea, and wine.
Alternatively, composite resins are more likely to chip or get damaged. The material is also more porous, meaning it is more likely to stain and yellow.
What is more, ceramic veneers are not for people with extremely damaged or decaying teeth. This is because light passes through composite resins, revealing the color and appearance of the tooth beneath.
For these reasons, many people believe that porcelain veneers, while a significant upfront investment, are more cost-effective in the long run. You will be less likely to have to replace them compared to composite resin veneers.
Get Dental Veneers at Newbury Dental Group
When it comes to the difference between ceramic veneers vs. porcelain veneers, there are many. Most importantly, ceramic veneers are more affordable, while porcelain veneers last the longest.
Are you searching for ‘veneers near me’? We serve dental patients in Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks, CA. Contact us today to book your appointment and finally get the smile of your dreams!