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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

How Do I Know Which Type of Porcelain Veneers Are Best for Me?

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Photo of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneers, from the office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek of Lowell, MA.

Porcelain veneer

I’m researching porcelain veneers because I hope to get them in October or November this year. I didn’t realize there were so many types and brands. How do I know what to ask for? – Thanks. Kiara from NM

Kiara,

Wanting to know which porcelain veneer material is best is understandable, but the answer is not always straightforward. A smile makeover combines science, artistry, and technical skill. The material contributes to the result, but the dentist’s ability to design a natural-looking smile is what patients notice most.

We encourage patients to review a dentist’s website smile gallery, learn about their training, and evaluate their experience with cosmetic cases. Membership or accreditation through organizations such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry can be helpful, but it is only one factor to consider.

How Do Feldspathic Porcelain, e.max, and Zirconia Compare?

Each material has advantages, but not all are used in the same way for cosmetic dentistry.

When evaluating veneer materials, it helps to understand what each option offers. The material alone will not determine the success of the case, but it can influence the final appearance.

  • Feldspathic porcelain: Known for outstanding esthetics and the ability to create lifelike color transitions.
  • e.max: Offers an excellent balance of beauty and strength, making it a popular veneer material.
  • Zirconia: Very durable but generally less flexible from an artistic standpoint when compared with layered porcelain materials.

Many highly respected cosmetic dentists achieve exceptional results with either feldspathic porcelain or e.max. Both materials can provide the depth, translucency, and natural appearance patients typically want from veneers.

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

 

How much longer will my composite veneers last?

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I’ve been using Supersmile toothpaste for years on my composite veneers. I’ve heard that they only last a few years, but I’ve had mine for nine years. How much longer will they last? I want to plan to find a cosmetic dentist who will do them as well as my dentist in NJ. – Thank you. Amanda from Erie, PA

Amanda,

Thank you for your question. The longevity of your composite veneers shows how well you have taken care of them and that you received high-quality veneers.

How Long Do Composite Veneers Last?

Although the average lifespan of composite veneers is about five years, they can begin to attract stains within a year or two. You can extend their life by taking care of them with a non-abrasive toothpaste and non-abrasive dental cleaning. Composite veneers require more maintenance than porcelain veneers. But they require less tooth enamel removal than porcelain veneers. And, they cost less than veneers.

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers have an average lifespan of eight years but can last ten to twenty years. Porcelain is stain resistant.

When it is time to replace your composite veneers, whether you choose composite again or porcelain—only get them cleaned by a trained dental hygienist. Hygienists who understand how to care for porcelain and composite will not use chemicals or polishes that damage the surface.

Look for an Advanced Cosmetic Dentist

Skilled cosmetic dentists mix dental resins and apply and harden layers on your teeth. They sculpt the composite to match the characteristics of your natural teeth. After refining tooth shape, your cosmetic dentist will polish your teeth to a natural-looking gloss.

 

Michael Szarek, DMD sponsors this post. Dr. Szarek is an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, MA.

Before-and-afte composite bonding photos from Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Szarek

Dr. Szarek beautifully restores teeth with composite bonding