The 5 differences between porcelain and resin veneers (and their benefits)

The smile says a lot about the individual that he carries it, since it gives us direct information about his socioeconomic status, health and general hygiene, among other parameters of both a physical and psychological nature. At the biological level, human beings tend to show reluctance to asymmetric proportions in the mouth and face (in addition to bad odors such as halitosis), as they can be indicative of certain pathologies underlying.

An adult human being smiles, on average, 25 times a day, as it is an extremely effective communicative gesture in a social environment. That is why our teeth are not only anatomical organs focused on biting and breaking up food, but which are an essential aesthetic component to achieve facial harmony and a neat appearance facing the society.

Fortunately, there are a number of easy-to-install elements that help to disguise the aesthetic effects present on the teeth, thus achieving an ideal smile from a traditional point of view. These are the veneers, and today we present the difference between porcelain and resin veneers. Do not miss it.

• We recommend you read: "Smile design: what is it, price, procedure and results"

What is a veneer?

A veneer is defined as a thin sheet covering the front of the teeth. Thus, its appearance is artificially modified in terms of anatomy, color, position, texture and general appearance, without the need for complex and expensive surgical procedures. Even so, veneers are contraindicated in certain scenarios, such as a nearly destroyed tooth or teeth with excessively degraded enamel. It is an aesthetic solution, and when the mouth poses a health risk, it is time to put yourself in the hands of healthcare professionals.

To place the veneers (in this case, the porcelain ones), it is necessary for the specialist to carry out a carving process on the tooth, which can be slightly uncomfortable for the patient and, therefore, a general or local anesthesia is usually applied before the process. Once the structure is attached to the tooth, it is normal for the individual to feel some pain or discomfort, but it should disappear in a few days.

At a general level (whether made of porcelain or resin), portals related to dental health cite a number of general benefits of veneers on the patient. Among them, we find the following:

• A full tooth grinding is not required, reducing the chances of an oral infection during the process.
• Both types are related to an optimal durability, with a minimum of 5 years.
• There is no rejection by the gingival tissue, so inflammatory responses and other implant disadvantages are left out.
• They reflect light and are capable of transmitting translucency.
• It is a simple, fast treatment and does not cause pain in the patient.

How are porcelain veneers and resin veneers different?

Veneers can be made of two materials: resin (also called composite) and porcelain. Both elements are very different, which is why they are two procedures with different placement and results. We present the differences between the two in the following lines.

1. There are 2 types of porcelain veneers, while resin veneers are unique

Porcelain veneers are distinguished into two categories: ultra-thin and zirconia. On the other hand, the resin ones are simple and do not allow such obvious variability.

According to specialized portals, ultrafine ones are the most effective of allIt is made from injected porcelain, a resistant material with a very natural appearance. They are sheets of a very thin thickness, as this ranges between 0.3 and 1 millimeters, something similar to a contact lens. In addition to their benefits, they are made very quickly, since in a period of 72 hours a patient can obtain personalized ultra-thin veneers based on a previous oral scan.

On the other hand, zirconia veneers are thicker and opaque than ultra-thin ones, so their overall strength is higher. This variety is not very commonly used, as it is only contemplated in the face of physiological modifications of the tooth that cannot be reversed at the time of placement.

Ultimately we have resin veneers, which are not divided into two distinct categories, as is the case in porcelain ones.

2. Different laying methods

Porcelain veneers are slower and more expensive to installsince several visits to the dentist are needed to plan the procedure. An extensive examination of the area to be treated, a mold of the patient's oral appliance, and various videos and photographs are required so that the shape of the veneers is adapted to individual needs. You must bear in mind that, as they are made by a laboratory technician, the process is more expensive both temporarily and financially.

On the other hand, the resin veneers are placed directly on the tooth, without the need for prior shaping or collection of molds and photographs. In this case, the resin is spread directly on the tooth and given the appropriate shape, which is why It is a much faster and cheaper procedure than that necessary for the placement of veneers. porcelain.

3. Porcelain veneers are much more durable

The placement and procedure time for ceramic veneers is more expensive, yes (3 visits to the dentist minimum), but they last much longer. It is estimated that a porcelain veneer can hold in place for up to 20 years, while the resin ones fracture faster and their useful life is reduced to 5-8 years, from which point they usually need new touch-ups.

For this reason, the use of resin veneers is only recommended for people who cannot afford porcelain, when the correction to be made is especially simple or when the patient is very young. We emphasize the reality of young people, because here a tooth carving is not needed to modify it, so it is a reversible treatment. For the majority of the adult population, the ceramic variant is always more suitable.

4. Resin veneers are more easily degradable

Resin is a material that, due to its chemical characteristics, tends to degrade and acquire shades yellowish faster, which is why a regular dental check-up is necessary every 6-12 months.

On the other hand, porcelain veneers remain pristine and the fracture is much more complex, as the material that forms them is very resistant to bad mouth and the passage of time. Even so, annual visits to the dentist are recommended, as they should not be neglected despite their harshness.

5. Price question

As you can imagine porcelain veneers are more expensive than resin veneers. According to the portals that we have consulted, the price of the resin variant is around 150 euros, while the porcelain ones reach 325 without problem. In other words, the placement of porcelain veneers is at least twice as expensive. This is in keeping with their functionality and resistance, as they last more than twice as long as resin ones.

Considerations

The fact of having veneers does not imply that dental health should be neglected. You must bear in mind that you still have biological teeth below the artificial plates and, therefore, your mouth is still susceptible to tartar buildup and bacteria, with the consequent gingivitis and periodontitis caused by this clinical picture.

Therefore, patients are still advised to brush their teeth 3 times a day and floss whenever necessary. possible, so that the veneers (and the teeth underneath them) are as clean and healthy as possible possible. It is also necessary to avoid biting too hard elements such as bones or large seeds, as the veneers can break, just as a natural tooth would.

Resume

To place the porcelain veneers, it is necessary for the professional to carve the tooth, which is irreversible and represents a definitive commitment to the placement of the sheets. On the other hand, resin veneers are placed directly on the tooth in a single session, so the process can be reversed.

For this reason alone, young people are often recommended to go for resin veneers. In all other cases, due to its more natural appearance, its longer duration and its low tendency to discoloration and fracture, porcelain veneers are usually the safest and most effective option, even if it costs more money.