I want to get a smile makeover. I’m trying to decide between porcelain and composite veneers. I know that composite veneers are less expensive, but most cosmetic dentists prefer the porcelain kind. Is that because they’re more expensive or are there practical differences too?
Mandy
Dear Mandy,
Yes. There are big differences. First, there’s their material. Composite veneers are made of a resin, while their porcelain counterparts are made of… well, porcelain.
Differences Between Composite Resin and Porcelain
| Composite | Porcelain |
| Hand sculpted by the dentist directly onto the tooth by applying it in thin layers | Impressions are made of your teeth, then your dentist sends detailed specifications on shaping and color |
| Last for several years but will begin to pick up stains | Very stain resistant and will last for decades. |
Truthfully, most cosmetic dentists prefer to place porcelain veneers because of the results. Put plainly, porcelain veneers look better and last longer. The choice is yours of course. You’ll save money initially, but will have to re-do them much more often.
The Most Important Consideration with Smile Makeovers
More important than what type of veneers you get and even what brand of porcelain veneers is the best, is the dentist you choose. Smile makeovers are an art form. Because of that, they require an artist. Doing beautiful smile makeovers aren’t taught in dental school. Dentists have to invest considerable time, money, and effort into learning how to do them properly. On top of that is the portion that can’t be taught— an artistic eye.
Two dentists can do the exact same type of smile makeover on the same patient and will get completely different results. So, how do you find that well-taught, artistic dentist? The easiest method is to go to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s website (aacd.com). Look up cosmetic dentists in your area, but check that you only want accredited dentists.
Accredited dentists are the top cosmetic dentists in the world. They’ve passed stringent written and oral exams on their technical knowledge as well as had to demonstrate their artistry on a large number of cases he performed personally.
Any one of them will be able to give you a stunning smile makeover.
This blog is brought to you by La Jolla Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Stephen Doan.