Porcelain / ceramic
- Laboratory-made shell bonded to the tooth
- Strong stain resistance
- Generally higher initial cost
- Can require removal of enamel
- Repair/replacement may require laboratory work
Composite resin
- Resin shaped directly on the tooth
- May involve less enamel removal in some cases
- Generally lower initial cost
- Easier to repair when damaged
- More prone to staining and wear
The “no-prep” question
Do not assume a marketing label means zero tooth reduction. Ask the dentist what preparation is planned for your teeth and whether the treatment is reversible. The ADA warns that traditional veneer treatment is not reversible when enamel is removed.
What if I grind my teeth?
Grinding, clenching and certain bite relationships can affect whether veneers are a good choice and how they should be protected. Bring this up before a clinic sells you a cosmetic package.
What if I have decay or gum disease?
Those issues should be evaluated and treated before covering teeth with veneers. Cosmetic treatment should not hide untreated disease.
Five questions to put in writing
- What material/brand or ceramic type are you proposing?
- How much enamel do you expect to remove?
- Why this number of veneers?
- What maintenance should I expect after I return home?
- What do you do if my bite feels wrong or a veneer chips?
Important: This comparison is educational. A licensed dentist who has evaluated your teeth is the person who can determine whether veneers or another approach is appropriate.