After three consultations with dentists about teeth whitening and composite veneers, I selected a dentist close to my job. My teeth are uneven, chipped, and discolored. I’ve had teeth whitening by a dentist before, but it made the other problems more noticeable. My dentist did the whitening and said we could wait a week or two before the color stabilizes to see if I want to continue whitening. Then he said we could discuss what I wanted for my porcelain veneers. Before I let this dentist do my teeth whitening, we agreed to composite veneers, not porcelain. I reminded the dentist that we decided that I could get composite veneers. Then he said that he only does porcelain veneers.

I chose composite veneers because of my budget and desire to see how it looks. If I like it, why would I agree to tooth preparation for porcelain veneers? The composite costs less, I can try it out, and if I don’t like the dentist’s work, I can pursue other options. Isn’t this my choice? What can I do about a dentist who will only do porcelain veneers for me? Thanks, Paul from Columbus, OH

Paul,

Thank you for contacting Delaune Dental in Metairie. We encourage you to get a second opinion from an experienced cosmetic dentist.

Composite Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers

The differences between composite veneers and porcelain veneers include their composition, process, longevity, aesthetics, and required skills.

• Composition – Dental composite, a mixture of plastic resin and glass, makes composite veneers. Porcelain veneers are dental ceramics.
• Process – For composite veneers, a dentist will layer composite bonding directly on your teeth while you sit in a dental chair. A dental lab crafts porcelain veneers, which are custom made to fit the fronts of your teeth.
• Longevity – High-quality composite veneers can last five years or longer but are not stain resistant. Porcelain veneers last eight to over 15 years and are stain resistant.
• Aesthetics – An artistic cosmetic dentist can select shades of dental composite and layer them on your teeth for natural results. Dental ceramics for porcelain veneers mimic natural teeth more closely than other options.
• Skills – Both porcelain veneers and composite veneers require artistic talent. Not all cosmetic dentists offer composite veneers because they need much care and details to look natural.

Your dentist may lack enough training in dental composite to achieve beautiful results. That may be why he insists on porcelain veneers.

If you want composite veneers, schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist. Look at the dentist’s website to confirm that they work with composite. You can also look at the dentist’s smile gallery of composite veneers or composite bonding. The dentist will examine your teeth to ensure they are healthy after teeth whitening and explain which options will conceal the imperfections in your teeth.

Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read details about how Dr. Delaune strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie.