We get asked about resin vs porcelain veneers often here at Healthy Smiles. Patients who need this kind of dental work are always interested in how effective each kind of veneer is along with how much they will cost. Because veneers are one of the most visible changes to teeth - they become the face of your teeth, if you will - it's important to understand them so you can work with us to choose the right veneer for you.
Resin and porcelain veneers are both effective dental enhancements, however, they're not the same. Today, we're looking at the difference in these veneers, their effectiveness, and their price. Armed with this information, you can decide which is right for you and hopefully make us your veneers Staten Island dentist.
Resin veneers are usually made chairside, which means that the dentist sculpts the veneers by hand right there in the office. They do work, and they can look very good. Unfortunately, they do wear out over time. Resin just isn't as durable as porcelain. The initial luster and shine will wear away over time, leaving teeth that are dull. Although the initial cost of resin veneers is lower, unless you're willing to accept the dull appearance that will come later, you'll be back in the office having more veneer work done later on.
Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are custom built by a lab technician outside of the chair. These veneers are custom made to fit each person's mouth using more advanced technology than resin veneers. The result is natural looking teeth that retain their luster and shine and are more durable than resin. Of course, this type of veneer is more expensive up front, but in the long term, you'll save because you won't have to have any extra work done later on.
Resin veneers are a faster procedure than porcelain veneers. Because they are made chairside, you'll have them the same day. Your dentist will match the resin to the shade of your surrounding teeth for the most natural look possible, then cure and polish them.
Porcelain veneers usually take two visits for most cases. The dentist will remove a very thin layer of your teeth, take an impression, and then send the mold out to a lab. This process is more time consuming, but it also produces a better outcome. The impression makes veneers that are almost carbon copies of your natural teeth's look.
When it comes to resin vs porcelain veneers, resin might win out on time, but it loses when it comes to durability. Resin is a durable material, but it's not as strong as porcelain. Resin veneers typically last for 4 to 8 years, while porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years.
Porcelain has translucent properties that resin doesn't. This means that porcelain veneers catch light in a way that is similar to your natural teeth, making them more attractive. In addition, resin will stain like natural teeth do while porcelain won't.
Cost actually evens out when it comes to resin vs porcelain veneers. While the initial cost of porcelain veneers is more than resin veneers, when you factor in future work, the cost actually evens out. This is because resin veneers will require replacement more quickly than porcelain. Factoring that in with the fact that resin is more dull than porcelain and will stain, porcelain begins to shine as the better choice.
When deciding between resin vs porcelain veneers, the above information can be a big help, but nothing compares to a one on one consultation with a dentist. If you're looking for veneers in Staten Island, book an appointment with us here a Healthy Smiles of Staten Island. Dr. Cipriano has the knowledge and the skill to help you make an informed decision and execute it perfectly.
