Composite Vs Porcelain Veneers

Before we get into the differences, the pros and cons of composite vs porcelain veneers, it’s important to understand what purposes cosmetic dentistry veneers are generally known to repair or enhance.

Veneers are used to repair the spaces between teeth, as well as to correct permanently stained teeth (external and internal stains). They are also the best method of hiding unsightly fillings, which can occur via cheap dental work, or from having a filling erode over time. Lastly, veneers are almost always the first choice for correcting poorly shaped teeth, so confidence in smiling can be restored.

The next best thing to a porcelain veneer is something called a composite, or resin veneer. Resin is nothing more than a filling material that resembles the color of your teeth, but perhaps made brighter in order to assist in hiding stains. This is the material used to hide a filling once completed, and can be further manipulated and molded to cover over a tooth, creating veneers.

Composite Veneers:

The benefits of composite resins definitely begins at the price point, you can see below just how drastic a price difference there is between the two. As well, a composite veneer can be applied within one dental visit. The most notable benefit of a composite veneer is that it can be repaired if damaged. The downside of resin veneers is they generally will not look as natural or appealing as a porcelain veneer, and they certainly do not last as long. They will discolor quicker than their porcelain counterpart, and they do tend to chip and crack. As well, while you can normally expect a composite veneer in one dental visit, the “in chair” time is around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the amount of work required. This can be a hassle for those who’s dental appointments normally take place during a work day.

Porcelain Veneers:

Porcelain veneers, therein, have many advantages over composites. In the first place they look completely natural; the visual appeal is much better than that of a composite veneer. Also, once applied, the porcelain veneer is much stronger once it is attached and cemented to the tooth. Porcelain does not wear down, and they will not stain as quickly as a resin composite, in fact you would be hard pressed to stain a porcelain veneer at all if they are well maintained.

The only real downside to a porcelain veneer, aside from the price point, is that once chipped they must be replaced. You cannot repair a damaged porcelain veneer. Another important factor that can be considered a disadvantage is that in the process of getting a porcelain veneer, once completed it cannot be reversed. The original tooth enamel is roughed and manipulated in order to make way for the veneer and that will cause a permanent need for the veneer.

The Reality of Cost:


The cost of a composite veneer can run at around $200.00 to $300.00 per tooth, whereas the porcelain counterpart can run anywhere between $800.00 to $1,200.00 (and more). So yes, the price difference is quite drastic. Having said that, the argument is always that while a composite may be cheap in the initial outlay of expense, repairing and replacing resin veneers in the future can limit the savings benefit of any initial cost.

So there you have it. A few pointers on the different kinds of cosmetic dentistry veneers and I hope they offer some insight as to which may be the best option for you or your loved ones.

In the meantime, brush, floss, and rinse!!

Cosmetic Porcelain Veneers

A person will normally seek out cosmetic dentistry veneers in order to improve the confidence of their smile. There are many factors as to why teeth become discolored and damaged, in most cases it is of no fault or neglect, just environmental issues (a list is provided below). The problems that arise from having a poor smile or discolored teeth are more serious than most people realize, in that a person with this condition will usually feels less socially confident, they will take care to avoid social situations that would otherwise be enjoyable, they can even suffer professionally from avoiding jobs that require bright lights and substantial human contact.
One very significant side effect, noticed from people with problem smiles, is a decreased instance of normal and comfortable eye contact, and this can lead to other socially akward situations and sometimes even phobias. While this sounds horrible, all of these problems can be solved through cosmetic bonding, or cosmetic porclain veneers.

Cosmetic porcelain veneers are an expensive prospect, bonding being the cheaper alternative. However cost is something to consider over a long term “value for your money” case.  Bonding is known to last only 5 to 10 years whereas a porcelain veneer will normally last 20 years or more. In effect this means that any short term cost savings by opting for bonding is usually offset by the future expenses of many corrective procedures.

So in all but the rarest of cases, the end result of cosmetic dentistry veneers is worth any initial expense, and can improve a patients quality of life and aesthetic confidence a great deal. Veneers will improve your smile, in most cases dramatically so, and it is worth a visit to the dentist to find out more about what can be done.

What Causes Teeth To Look Bad?

• poor dental hygiene,
• excessive fluoride,
• tobacco,
• certain foods and liquids,
• medications – such as tetracycline and other antibiotic preparations,
• diseases and the treatments of diseases, 
• aging,
• trauma,
• certain dental treatments and restorations (such as metal fillings)

What is A Cosmetic Porcelain Veneer?

A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or plastic that is bonded to a tooth to improve its’ color and shape. A veneer generally will cover the front and the top part of the tooth. They can be used to close spaces between teeth, lengthen smaller and misshapen teeth, and/or whiten stained or darker teeth. Over time teeth can get chipped or show signs of wear and tear, a condition that can come from an number of environmental factors, such as caffeine use, smoking, damage due to trauma, e.t.c… A cosmetic veneer will repair any visible damage and restore the tooth to it’s original look – sometimes even surpassing the original tooth aesthetic.

How Long Will It Take?

Normally it takes 2 or more appointments with a qualified cosmetic dentist in order to complete the process of bonding your teeth with veneers. The first appointment involves taking an impression of the teeth and then shaping and roughing the teeth. On your teeth model – constructed from taking the impressions, a veneer is artistically crafted in order to exactly fit the prepared teeth.

On the second appointment, the prepared teeth are thoroughly cleaned and polished, at which point an adhesive is used to bond the veneers to the prepared teeth. The last step is to use a harmless, high intensity light to harden the adhesive and secure the veneer to its’ new home. Once in place the veneers will virtually become part of the teeth, as the bond is extremely strong.

The final result is beautiful and natural looking teeth, and confidence in your smile that will continue for years and years. For the patient, knowing that any damage and discoloration has been corrected by an extremely effective cosmetic dentistry procedure is worth its’ weight in gold.

Chairside Teeth Whitening

Whitening your teeth can drastically change your appearance and boost your self-esteem at the same time. But deciding which teeth whitening method to choose can be confusing. If you are the type of person that likes instant results, you might consider chairside teeth whitening which can be performed directly at the dentist office. Chairside teeth whitening, also known as teeth bleaching, can dramatically whiten your teeth (around 4 to 6 shades lighter) in about an hour.

How Chairside Teeth Whitening Works

During an in office bleaching treatment, the dentist will more than likely use a product containing anywhere from 15% to 35% hydrogen peroxide gels. Before beginning the teeth whitening treatment, the dentist will isolate the gum areas by placing a gel or special shield to protect the soft tissues.

After the dentist has isolated the gum tissues, he then applies the hydrogen peroxide gel to the teeth. A laser or a special light could possibly be used to increase the whitening effect. The bleaching gel is then rinsed off and this procedure is usually repeated several times.

Effectiveness of Chairside Teeth Whitening

If you have any visible crowns or white fillings, you may want to consider having them replaced in a lighter shade because they will not lighten during a bleaching process and will stand out against your recently whitened teeth.

Side Effects of Chairside Teeth Whitening

The most common side effect associated with teeth whitening procedures is teeth sensitivity. The sensitivity usually disappears within 24 hours of an in-office teeth whitening treatment.

Talk to Your Dentist About Teeth Whitening

Before deciding upon any type of teeth whitening treatment, it is important to visit your dentist for a check up and cleaning. Only your dentist can decide if you are a candidate for having your teeth whitened and what type of whitening treatment would work the best for you.

Top 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening, also known as teeth bleaching, has become extremely popular over the last several years. It’s a great way to improve your appearance, it’s reasonably priced, non-surgical and non-invasive.

As with everything else, teeth whitening isn't perfect and it isn't for everyone. Before you decide to have your teeth whitened, you should talk with your dentist. Your dentist can determine if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening. Knowing the facts can help you with your decision also:

Teeth Whitening Fact #1
Teeth whitening procedures are not covered by most dental insurance plans.

Teeth Whitening Fact #2
Tooth colored fillings, crowns, bridges and veneers will not lighten when your teeth are bleached.

Teeth Whitening Fact #3
Teeth whitening toothpastes can make your teeth appear a little lighter by removing stains, but they do not actually bleach your teeth.

Teeth Whitening Fact #4
Teeth whitening does not produce the same results on all types of teeth discoloration. Someone with yellow tinted teeth would probably have great results with bleaching, while someone with gray tinted teeth might be disappointed because gray tinted teeth don't bleach as well.

Teeth Whitening Fact #5
Tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are common side effects of teeth whitening treatments.

Teeth Whitening Fact #6
If you have any cavities, they should be filled before you have your teeth whitened.

Teeth Whitening Fact #7
Teeth whitening kits from the dentist produce faster results because they contain a stronger peroxide bleaching agent than whitening kits purchased over the counter.

Teeth Whitening Fact #8
Touch ups are usually needed to maintain your desired shade, depending upon habits such as smoking, drinking coffee and tea and eating certain foods which will stain your teeth.

Teeth Whitening Fact #9
People with gum disease shouldn't get their teeth whitened.

Teeth Whitening Fact #10
It's a good idea to have a dental cleaning prior to having your teeth whitened to remove surface stains.

Smile Makeovers Cases

http://www.bigsmilesdentalcare.com

http://www.bigsmilesdentalcare.com

http://www.bigsmilesdentalcare.com

Vancouver Cosmetic Dentist

What is a cosmetic dentist? It is someone who does general dentistry in a way that leaves your mouth healthy, but also looking its best.

With today's technology, you don't need to have ugly silver/amalgam fillings and opaque-looking porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. There are materials that work just as well, maybe better, that look beautiful. And they can be colored to match your existing teeth in shade and translucency so that you end up with a beautiful smile, and no one can tell that you have dental work. Even your back teeth show when you laugh, so why should you feel self-conscious when you can easily go to a cosmetic dentist like Dr. Larry Lu at BigSmiles Dental Care?


A Cosmetic Dentist Needs Additional Training

And a cosmetic dentist like Dr. Larry Lu, besides being a perfectionist who wants everything in your mouth functioning perfectly, is also very sensitive to appearance issues. He has pursued extensive additional training to become familiar with the newer high-tech materials--tooth-colored ceramics and resins.

Cosmetic Dentistry Is Also High-Tech

A benefit that many people don't realize is that when you use these newer ceramics and resins, the materials are bonded to the teeth. Metal fillings are simply placed in the teeth, and there is a tiny gap between the filling and the tooth. Even crowns are usually simply glued in, and they can leak microscopic materials between the crown and the tooth. But the newer white restorative materials are placed with etching and bonding technology that locks the restoration to the tooth surface. This prevents microscopic particles and bacteria from penetrating that margin. That's one of your key advantages to cosmetic dentistry.

A Cosmetic Dentist Is an Artist

Dr. Larry Lu is also an artist who will listen to your desires for improving your appearance. Most dentists are attracted to the profession because they like to fix things, and there are many excellent dentists. But Dr. Larry Lu is an artist filled with passion for creating beautiful things. It's a different mindset. Come visit our office in Surrey, BC Canada and see how different we are!