Aesthetic Goals

The aesthetics of porcelain veneers are unparalleled. The translucent properties of porcelain allow these veneers to mimic the way natural teeth reflect light, offering a truly lifelike appearance. While composite resin veneers also look great, they cannot match the brilliance and stain resistance of porcelain. If you choose porcelain veneers for most of your upper and lower teeth, you may no longer need to worry about whitening your natural teeth. Composite veneers, on the other hand, can stain over time, just like natural teeth.​

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Durability

When it comes to durability, porcelain veneers typically outlast composite veneers. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years, while composite veneers generally last 4-8 years. Although porcelain is more fragile, once bonded to a healthy tooth, it becomes extremely durable. Composite is strong but not as robust as porcelain and is more prone to chipping. However, if a composite veneer chips, it can often be repaired, whereas a damaged porcelain veneer would need to be replaced entirely.​

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Treatment Time

For those seeking a fast transformation, composite veneers offer the advantage of being applied chairside in just one visit. Dr. Kathryn Ryan will add the resin to your teeth, cure it, and polish it, allowing you to walk out of Parkway Prosthodontics in Jacksonville, FL, with a brand-new smile the same day. Porcelain veneers, however, require a bit more time and precision. Dr. Ryan will first remove a thin layer of your tooth enamel, take impressions, and send them to a dental lab for custom fabrication. While you wait for your permanent veneers, you’ll wear temporary ones. On your second visit, your custom porcelain veneers will be bonded to your teeth, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing result.

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Budget

Initially, porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers. This is due to the time, expertise, and resources required for their placement. The dental lab that Dr. Kathryn Ryan works with at Parkway Prosthodontics in Jacksonville, FL, is carefully selected to ensure the highest quality restorations. However, when you consider the longer lifespan of porcelain veneers compared to composite veneers, the cost may even out over time, as composite veneers may require more frequent replacement or repair.

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Maintenance

Both types of veneers require regular oral hygiene practices, but porcelain veneers are more resistant to staining and discoloration. Composite veneers, while durable, may stain over time and may require periodic polishing to maintain their appearance.