Composite versus porcelain veneers – you need to choose smartly
As a popular dental cosmetic solution, veneers do not need much of an introduction. It fixes various imperfections of the tooth or teeth in one of the most convincing ways. Issues that it resolves include staining or discoloration, gaps between the teeth, chips and others. In easier words you can say dental veneers enhance the overall appearance of your teeth. Although it offers a reliable and long lasting solution for a flawless smile, it is never a permanent solution by any means. Rather your veneers require proper care and maintenance if you want to extend the life of the results it offers.
On an average, porcelain veneers last anywhere between 10 and 15 years. On the other hand their composite counterparts have a typical life of 5 to 7 years. There are several factors that come into play in determining long your veneers will last in sound condition. Some of the factors include the following –
- The type of materials used
- Oral hygiene level you maintain round the year
- Specific lifestyle choices you follow
In the following sections of this post dentists working at a renowned oral health practice which charges reasonable cost for veneers in London explain how to take the right care of your veneered teeth to make sure your veneers last you for years together. Along with that they will also cover few other topics relevant to it.
Factors that affect longevity of dental veneers
Let us quickly go through certain factors that affect the life of veneers.
Type of material used – or better to say, porcelain versus composite veneers
Porcelain veneers are unquestionably heavy duty and long lasting. Moreover these are highly resistant to stains and discoloration. With little care and caution you make your porcelain veneers last for years at a stretch.
Composite veneers – These are more easily affordable compared to porcelain ones although more prone to chips and stains. In other words you can say composite veneers have a much shorter lifespan compared to porcelain ones.
Daily oral hygiene regimen for you to follow
Brush the teeth using a toothbrush that has soft bristles and any non abrasive toothpaste. This is how you can avoid compromising of the veneers surface in the long run.
Gum disease affects adhesion of veneers to the tooth surface. Regular flossing the teeth in the right way is a tried and tested means to avoid gum disease.
Harmful plaque build-ups in the mouth lessen the life of veneers more than anything else, explains a dentist who charges reasonable cost for porcelain veneers in London. Dental cleaning carried out at regular intervals helps getting rid of plaque build-ups.
Everyday diet and lifestyle
Excessive indulgence in popular beverages like coffee, tea and red wine or using any tobacco product makes your veneers prone to picking up stains.
Hard food items like certain types of nuts, celeries, hard candy and even biting or chewing on ice cubes may lead to chipping or cracking of your veneers.
Do not use the teeth as a tool to open up packages or biting nails. It is also important to avoid chewing on pen caps and pencil tips, which many people do. These activities make your veneers weak much before the due date.
Clenching and grinding of the teeth or bruxism
Bruxism is the condition in which you clench and grind the teeth and a large number of people across the United Kingdom suffer from it. If you suffer from bruxism, then your veneers are more at risk of wearing down prematurely. In that case you should ask your dentist to provide a night guard which is custom fitted for your mouth. This device protects your veneers from excessive pressure resulting from bruxism.
Quality of the veneers and the expertise and skill levels of a dentist
When you go to a skilled and experienced dentist and choose veneers made from high quality materials, then chances are higher that your dental restoration adheres securely and lasts for years together. In the opinion of qualified dental professionals who provide porcelain veneers in London the chances of bonding failure are much lower when you go to a skilled and experienced dentist compared to a rookie.
Average life of veneers
The following table provides a clear idea about average lifespan of the common types of veneers.
| Veneer type | Average lifespan | Factors that affect lifespan |
| Lumineers | Usually lasts anywhere between 7 and 10 years | · Basically made from ultrathin shells of porcelain and therefore may require replacements earlier |
| Porcelain | Anywhere between 10 and 15 years | · Highly durable and long lasting
· Resistant to stains and discolouration · Requires minimal care and maintenance to last for years at a stretch |
| Composite | Anywhere between 5 and 7 years | · Easily prone to chips, stains and discolouration
· Require touch-ups at short and regular intervals |
Comparing the cost – porcelain versus composite veneers
Veneers are nothing less than smart investment in your smile and self esteem. Composite veneers are apparently more affordable because those are more reasonably priced compared to the other varieties. But porcelain veneers actually offer better value in the long run.
It is an undeniable fact that porcelain veneers are much costlier upfront. But these are also durable, which means longer lifespan and fewer replacements over the years. Thus in the long run this turns out to be more cost effective in spite of the hefty initial investment explain dentists who quote reasonable price for porcelain veneers in London. Before choosing your veneer type you should consider the points discussed here and have a thorough consultation with your dentist.
At Dental Clinic Chelsea, we believe in providing our patients with transparent information and expert guidance so they can make well-informed decisions about their dental health. Our experienced cosmetic dentists offer a personalised approach to veneer treatment, ensuring that you receive the most suitable option tailored to your smile goals and budget.
Read Also: Transform Your Smile by Using Dental Veneers
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