An Alternative to Porcelain
The closest conservative cosmetic alternative to porcelain veneers is composite resin. Composite resin is a tooth-colored filling material that may be used to form dental veneers. Dental crowns may also be used to correct the same problems that dental veneers correct, however it is a much less conservative procedure.
What are the advantages of composite resin veneers and bonding?
The major advantages of composite resin veneers over porcelain veneers include the following:
- Composite resin veneers are accomplished in one visit. An adequate amount of tooth structure is removed to allow for placement of composite resin in the desired shape without added tooth bulk. Bonding agent is applied. Composite resin is then added, light cured, then finished and polished. Porcelain veneers are not made at chair side. Porcelain veneers are fabricated in a dental laboratory and therefore require at least two visits.
- Composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain veneers. The placement of porcelain veneers requires more time and resources in order to fabricate and bond, and therefore cost more.
- Porcelain veneers cannot be repaired. If they break porcelain veneers must be replaced, whereas composite veneers can usually be re-bonded and repaired.