Which to choose: ceramic or composite veneers?

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To understand which veneers to choose, ceramic or composite, let’s take a closer look at what tooth onlays are and what their features are. Veneers are thin plates made of ceramic (sometimes zirconia) or composite material, which are fixed to the front side of the teeth. Such microprostheses are used to correct aesthetic imperfections of the dentoalveolar apparatus, additional protection of enamel. Made from impressions, the onlays imitate the natural shade of the tooth row and do not stand out from it.

Veneering aligns the tooth row, hides defects (uneven teeth, large interdental gaps, cracks or chips of the crown shell), simplifies oral hygiene, serves as an effective means of preventing periodontal disease.

Types of veneers

Microprostheses are divided into composite and porcelain. Composite are divided into:

They are manufactured in the patient’s mouth. Technology of installation: the doctor trims the crown shell to a thickness of 0.3-0.7 mm and layer by layer forms an overlay of material identical to that used in filling. The procedure is completed by grinding and polishing the surface of the microprosthesis. In part, the technique echoes the artistic restoration of teeth.

Indirect (Componiers)

These are made in a dental laboratory (like their ceramic counterparts). Impressions are taken of the dental units prepared for restoration and thin plates are made using computerized equipment. They have a high precision of adhesion to the enamel surface. This guarantees a long period of use of orthopedic constructions.

Asking the question what veneers are better to choose, composite or ceramic, you should first understand the features of the options. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of aesthetics, reliability and price.

Composite veneers: indications, contraindications, advantages

In most cases, overlays from composite material are installed by the direct method in one visit. The doctor layer by layer applies the filling material, photopolymerizes each layer.

Indirect composite onlays involve several visits to the doctor. The prepared tooth is etched with gel, an adhesive composition is applied, on which the prosthetic plate is fixed.

Veneers of filling material are made in the laboratory, if it is planned to install more than 1-2 teeth. Laboratory plates are more durable.

Indications

Small irregularities.
Microcracks, chipping of the crown shell.
Gaps, enlarged interdental spaces.
Darkening or discoloration of dental elements that cannot be whitened.

Contraindications

Serious damage or defects of enamel.
Depulped teeth.
Improper bite.
Pathological abrasion of the crown shell.
Dental diseases in the acute stage.
Mobility of dental elements.
Allergy to the components of the material.

Advantages

Time saving – direct restorations are performed in one visit to the doctor.
Inexpensive.
The variability of the color range allows you to choose a material that is close to the natural shade of enamel.
The composite is firmly fixed and delamination of the restoration is excluded.
Minimal preparation of the dental surface.

Ceramic veneers: indications, contraindications, advantages

Ceramic veneers are made in the laboratory using impressions. The onlays are installed in the next visit to the doctor. Plates with a thickness of 0.2-0.3 mm can be installed without turning, and 0.5-0.6 mm thick plates require a slight sharpening of the enamel.

Dental ceramics is a stable material that retains its shine and shape for the entire period of use. It is not affected by aggressive substances, dyes, etc. Laboratory-created microprosthesis imitates the translucency and shade of natural enamel.

Indications for installation

Change in the shade of the crown shell due to endodontic treatment.
Fluorosis, tetracycline teeth.
Large interdental spaces.
Gingival smile.
Weakened tone of the musculocutaneous skeleton of the lower facial area (installation of veneers on chewing teeth has a lifting effect).
Progressive abrasion of enamel.
Thinning or damaged tooth enamel.
Multiple restorations.
Wedge-shaped defect, irregular shape or position in the row, shortened crown.

Contraindications

Severe tooth decay.
Widespread caries.
Bruxism.
Mobility of dental elements.
Bite anomalies.
Gingivitis, periodontitis, periodontal disease
Temporary dental units or after intensive fluoridation.

Advantages

Optical light-reflecting effect identical to natural enamel.
Smooth, durable, impermeable surface.
Biocompatible with peri-dental tissues.
Naturalness, aesthetics.
Durability of constructions.
Minimal risk of caries development at the junction of natural and artificial tissues.

Differences of constructions

CompositeJ

Installed in one visit.
More friable structure, so over time the shade changes under the influence of food, drinks with a coloring effect (tea, coffee, red wine, products containing dyes).
It is necessary to polish systematically (at least once a year).
The period of use is 5-7 years, then renewal is required.

Ceramic:

Will require a minimum of 2 visits to the doctor for fitting.
Retain their original color and shine for the entire period of use.
Do not require professional care.
Usage period of 10-15 years.

Composite orthopedic plates are 2-3 times cheaper than porcelain.

What to choose

The main advantage of composite restorations over porcelain constructions is a lower price and the ability to reduce the time spent on their installation. However, this advantage today can no longer be called relevant, since there are technologies that allow you to install in a day and onlays made of ceramic.

Reviews of doctors and patients, testify that veneering eliminates dental defects, but componiers worse imitate the natural shade and structure of enamel. The disadvantage of composite onlays is inaccurate fit to the tooth surface, which causes the accumulation of bacterial plaque, increasing the risk of caries and periodontal inflammation.

The choice of veneering type depends on the number of planned restorations, the need for additional treatment and other factors.

Composite veneers are an excellent solution for the restoration of 1-2 teeth. But in case of problems of the entire frontal zone, it is better to install prosthetic onlays made of ceramic.