If you are considering dental veneers, you must have come across several different phrases in your research. You may have heard or read words like porcelain, ceramic, shaving, and the like.
You may be trying to understand the difference between ceramic and porcelain veneers. In this article, you will learn the difference between the two and know which material to choose.
What Are Ceramic Veneers?
Ceramic veneers are thin layers of melted porcelain and other inorganic materials created to improve the appearance and structure of your tooth.
To make ceramic veneers, dentists mold the materials together to create shells that closely match your natural teeth. The final product takes on the size, shape, color, and translucence of your teeth.
Benefits
-
Durable. Ceramic veneers permanently transform the appearance of chipped, broken, or discolored teeth. They can strengthen the structural integrity of a weak or broken tooth.
-
Take less time to prepare. Ceramic veneers are blended rather than ground, reducing the need for preparation time. The procedure requires only one visit to your dentist and no temporary veneers.
-
Less invasive. Ceramic veneers do not require removing too much enamel to create enough space for them to be attached to the teeth.
-
Less likely to harm your gum tissue and neighboring teeth.
Drawbacks
Ceramic veneers are weaker and more likely to discolor over time than porcelain veneers. The materials used to make ceramic veneers last relatively long, about five to seven years, but are not as durable as porcelain veneers.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are super thin tooth-colored layers of porcelain applied to your tooth to enhance its appearance.
To make porcelain veneers, dentists craft the porcelain material layer by layer, paint each layer, and harden it with heat before attaching the next layer. That makes them more difficult to produce than ceramic veneers.
Benefits
-
Durable. Porcelain is a strong material, tougher than ordinary ceramic veneers. With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years or even longer.
-
Do not hurt your surrounding teeth and gums.
-
Less likely to break, chip, or fracture, making them more resilient to damage.
-
More resistant to stain. Porcelain veneers are not only sturdy but also stain-proof. They are resilient to external stains, such as stains from wine or coffee. That is why your teeth will still look great years after your procedure.
Drawbacks
Porcelain veneers are more invasive because they require more enamel removal. Also, they take more preparation time. That explains why your dentist will put a temporary veneer until the final one is ready.
Additionally, while porcelain veneers are the most common, natural-looking, and longer-lasting option, they are also the most expensive.
Conclusion
Ceramic and porcelain veneers can address various dental problems. The veneers correct tooth discoloration, uneven teeth spacing and alignment, cracks, chips, and damaged enamels.
Whether you choose ceramic or porcelain veneers, you can be sure that you will achieve brilliant results. Each choice gives your teeth a strong, natural-looking quality that improves your smile. Talk to your dentist for more details on ceramic and porcelain veneers. With your dentist's guidance, you are only a few steps away from your perfect smile.
For more on the best material for veneers, visit Robert A. Rees, DDS, at our office in La Jolla, California. You can call (858) 295-8082 to book an appointment today.