Composite Vs Porcelain Veneers
Posted by Shannon Dunlevy in Cosmetic Veneers on January 16, 2011
Before we get into the differences, the pros and cons of composite vs porcelain veneers, it’s important to understand what purposes cosmetic dentistry veneers are generally known to repair or enhance.
Veneers are used to repair the spaces between teeth, as well as to correct permanently stained teeth (external and internal stains). They are also the best method of hiding unsightly fillings, which can occur via cheap dental work, or from having a filling erode over time. Lastly, veneers are almost always the first choice for correcting poorly shaped teeth, so confidence in smiling can be restored.
The next best thing to a porcelain veneer is something called a composite, or resin veneer. Resin is nothing more than a filling material that resembles the color of your teeth, but perhaps made brighter in order to assist in hiding stains. This is the material used to hide a filling once completed, and can be further manipulated and molded to cover over a tooth, creating veneers.
Composite Veneers:
The benefits of composite resins definitely begins at the price point, you can see below just how drastic a price difference there is between the two. As well, a composite veneer can be applied within one dental visit. The most notable benefit of a composite veneer is that it can be repaired if damaged. The downside of resin veneers is they generally will not look as natural or appealing as a porcelain veneer, and they certainly do not last as long. They will discolor quicker than their porcelain counterpart, and they do tend to chip and crack. As well, while you can normally expect a composite veneer in one dental visit, the “in chair” time is around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the amount of work required. This can be a hassle for those who’s dental appointments normally take place during a work day.
Porcelain Veneers:
Porcelain veneers, therein, have many advantages over composites. In the first place they look completely natural; the visual appeal is much better than that of a composite veneer. Also, once applied, the porcelain veneer is much stronger once it is attached and cemented to the tooth. Porcelain does not wear down, and they will not stain as quickly as a resin composite, in fact you would be hard pressed to stain a porcelain veneer at all if they are well maintained.
The only real downside to a porcelain veneer, aside from the price point, is that once chipped they must be replaced. You cannot repair a damaged porcelain veneer. Another important factor that can be considered a disadvantage is that in the process of getting a porcelain veneer, once completed it cannot be reversed. The original tooth enamel is roughed and manipulated in order to make way for the veneer and that will cause a permanent need for the veneer.
The Reality of Cost:
The cost of a composite veneer can run at around 200.00 to 300.00 per tooth, whereas the porcelain counterpart can run anywhere between 800.00 to 2,000.00 (and more). So yes, the price difference is quite drastic. Having said that, the argument is always that while a composite may be cheap in the initial outlay of expense, repairing and replacing resin veneers in the future can limit the savings benefit of any initial cost.
So there you have it. A few pointers on the different kinds of cosmetic dentistry veneers and I hope they offer some insight as to which may be the best option for you or your loved ones.
Coming soon I will detail a newer procedure which is quite exciting, and adds to your options. It’s not necessarily considered veneers, but is being touted as a quality alternative. It’s a product called “Lumineers”, and I’ll explain the pro’s and cons of this system and product in the same context.
In the meantime, brush, floss, and rinse!!
Sleep Sedation Dentistry, In One Man’s Words
Posted by Shannon Dunlevy in Sedation Dentistry, Sleep Dentistry on September 21, 2009
Before I tell you what sleep sedation dentistry is in specific terms, it really makes sense for me to quote an excerpt from a patient testimonial letter, something given to my fathers practice long ago, after his experience opting for sedation in order to solve his dental issues. You’ll want to read this, trust me.
“First I want to examine what sleep dentistry is NOT. It is NOT an experience wherein you are essentially banished to a wholly uncomfortable environment and forced to choose between the view of either a blinding white light or the nose hairs of at least 2 people – all while they poke, prod, stretch and manipulate everything on your face located below your forehead.
Sedation Dentistry and Why You May Need It
Posted by Shannon Dunlevy in Sedation Dentistry, Sleep Dentistry on September 19, 2009
People don’t like dentists as a rule, which is why sleep or sedation dentistry is a viable option. Poking around inside someone’s mouth is usually a no-no for so many of us. This fear can evolve into a full blown phobia over time, either from a past bad experience with pain at a dental procedure, or from just being scared of the entire process. There are those who say that it is simply the patient perspective that leads to such phobias and fears. Some of us simply dislike sitting in the chair with numerous people hovering over them, poking and prodding. The noises of drills and other dental machines are often added to a negative patient perspective, and that can also lead to fears that develop over time.
There are some experts that say a fear of dentistry can start from a patients initial embarrassment of their current dental condition, and that this can eventually can lead to phobias which delays necessary treatment. Whatever the cause may be is being effectively quelled by sleep and sedation dentistry, or by using the many anesthetizing and anti-anxiety medications to leave a patient completely relaxed while the more invasive work of a dentist is completed.
Read the rest of this entry »
The Cerec system, or “Ceramic Reconstruction of Natural Tooth Structure” is a procedure used in cosmetic dentistry to speed up and provide a more detailed examination and construct of damaged teeth. This procedure makes it entirely possible to walk out of the dentist’s office with a fully restored and brilliant tooth in a single visit – as opposed to the normal 2 or more visits required for normal cosmetic dentistry veneers procedures.
In my last article I explained 



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