Are Ceramic & Porcelain Veneers The Same?
What Are Dental Veneers?
The word “veneer” literally means to cover over or to decorate, and that’s exactly what dental veneers do. Veneers were invented in the 1920s by Dr. Charles Pincus of California as a way to temporarily alter a person’s smile. Dr. Pincus was known as the “Dentist of the Stars”, and lived and worked in Hollywood during the golden age of cinema.
While Dr. Pincus’ veneers were initially only temporary, over time, dentists discovered a way to make artificial teeth last longer and thus improve a person’s smile long-term. Today, dental veneers are one of the most popular forms of cosmetic dentistry.
How Do Dental Veneers Work?
A veneer is essentially an artificial tooth that is adhered directly onto an original tooth. Dentists work off of an impression of your teeth to create veneers that will enhance your smile.
The process goes something like this:
- To start with, a dentist will shave a small amount of enamel from any teeth that have been selected for improvement; this will create space for your veneers.
- Next, they’ll take an impression of your teeth to send off to a lab where your custom-fitted veneers will be created.
- Finally, using a cement bonding agent that cures under a light, the dentist will fix your veneers to your teeth.
From start to finish, getting set up with your new veneers will take a few weeks.
Reasons to Consider Getting Veneers
Veneers might be a great option for you if you’re looking for a way to improve your smile long-term. Especially if your teeth are:
- Stained
- Chipped
- Cracked
- Misshapen
- Slightly misaligned
You may want to consider veneers as an alternative solution to tooth bonding, or even as opposed to getting minor orthodontic work done (ask your dentist whether you might need orthodontic work before getting veneers).
Different Types of Veneers: Porcelain vs. Ceramic
Most dental veneers fall into two categories: porcelain or ceramic. But while ceramic veneers are generally less invasive (in most cases ceramic veneers can even be removed) and require less enamel removal before application, they are also less permanent and of a lower quality than porcelain veneers.
Ceramic veneers are popular because of their lower cost and speedy application, whereas porcelain veneers are regarded for their long-term durability. Over the long run, porcelain veneers will give you more bang for your buck.
Ceramic veneers
- Won’t last as long as porcelain
- Are more affordable upfront
- Are generally quicker to get done
Porcelain veneers
- Will last longer (10 years and beyond)
- Are ultra stain resistant
- Are more affordable long-term
Which Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for a comprehensive, long-term solution that will leave you feeling confident about your purchase and give you a beautiful smile for years to come, porcelain veneers are the way to go.
With ceramic veneers, you may pay less to start, but you’ll end up having to put more money into your smile sooner, as ceramic veneers come with a reduced lifespan and an increased risk of staining.
Get the Smile of Your Dreams
Whether it’s through the elimination of stains, chips, and cracks, or even giving teeth a more uniform look by resolving crookedness and covering gaps, veneers can be a great option for anyone looking to improve their smile.
If you’re in the Danforth and Riverdale region of Toronto and ready to get the smile of your dreams, contact Dr. Papadopoulos’ office today.