Composite or Porcelain Veneers: Make the Right Choice for You

Composite versus porcelain veneers 

Veneers are a great way to improve the look of your smile. They can be used to treat a range of appearance issues including chipped teeth, staining and discoloration.  

A quick overview of veneers 

Veneers are thin, tooth-coloured shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They can be made from a few different materials, including composite and porcelain.  

While the treatment is similar there are differences between each type of material. Here’s what you need to know about choosing composite or porcelain veneers.  

What are composite veneers? 

Composite veneers are made from resin – a material that’s often used for tooth bonding. You might already have composite in your mouth as it’s often used in fillings.  

Composite veneers don’t require any reshaping of your natural teeth. Instead, your dentist will simply apply layers of bonded ceramic composite on top of your tooth to form the veneer. 

The pros of composite veneers 

They are affordable: Composite is a relatively low-cost material. You’ll find the overall cost of composite veneers cheaper than porcelain. 

They are natural looking: Composite is made from tooth-coloured resin. Although not quite as natural-looking as porcelain, they’ll still look great and can be used to treat staining and discoloration. 

They can be repaired: Composite veneers are easy to apply and repair. As they are made using bonded layers, they can be repaired without the entire veneer being removed.  

The cons of composite veneers 

They're not as strong as porcelain: Composite isn’t as strong as porcelain, (hence why they are cheaper) and can be more prone to chipping. 

They need replacing more often: While porcelain veneers can last between 10-20 years, composite veneers have a shorter life span. You should expect to replace or repair them after 5-7 years. 

What is involved with composite veneers treatment? 

It takes two appointments for a dentist to apply your composite veneers. The first appointment is a consultation where your dentist will talk through your needs and make a plan for treatment.  

During the second appointment your dentist will: 

• Select a shade of composite resin that matches your natural teeth. 
• Roughen (but not remove) the surface enamel of your teeth and apply liquid bonding material. 
• Apply layers of composite resin to each individual tooth and smooth it into shape. 
• Harden each layer of material with a high intensity light. 
• Make any final touches to ensure the veneer blends in with each neighbouring tooth. 

Are composite veneers reversible? 

Not entirely. While a dentist could remove your veneers and polish your tooth it won’t look the same as it did before. The benefit of composite veneers is that a dentist can fix any chips without having to remove the veneer completely.  

What are porcelain veneers? 

Porcelain veneers are made from a single sheet of thin porcelain, molded to fit your teeth. To create each veneer, your dentist will first take an impression of your teeth before creating each customised shell.  

During treatment, a dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the front of your tooth. Then they’ll cement a thin layer of porcelain to each tooth using dental cement. This creates a permanent connection and is what makes porcelain veneers so strong.  

The pros of porcelain veneers 

They look like real teeth: Porcelain has a slightly translucent look to it just like our natural teeth do. They can be colour matched to your natural teeth so that they're indistinguishable from the real thing. 

They are very strong: Porcelain veneers are strong as they are made from a highly durable material and are bonded with dental cement. They are highly resistant to wear, fractures and staining.  

They are long lasting: Because of their strength, you can expect your porcelain veneers to last 10 to 15 years, if you take care of them. 

The cons of porcelain veneers 

They are more expensive: Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite due to how long-lasting and durable they are. 

Sensitivity: Because a dentist has to remove a thin layer of tooth enamel first, some people will experience tooth sensitivity after treatment.  

What is involved with porcelain veneers treatment? 

After a consultation, it can take two appointments for a dentist to apply your porcelain veneers. At your second and third appointments, your dentist will: 

• Prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel 
• Take a 3D scan of your teeth.  
• Create customised veneers that fit you perfectly.  
• Make adjustments to their size and shape so that you are happy with how they look. 
• Bond them in place using dental cement. 

You may have to wear temporary veneers between your appointments. These will keep your teeth protected after enamel removal while we create your permanent veneers. 

Are porcelain veneers reversible? 

No. Veneers are a permanent procedure as once that thin layer of enamel is removed it can’t be replaced. If you need a porcelain veneer fixed, your dentist will need to remove it completely and replace it with a new veneer.  

What is the difference between veneers and tooth caps? 

A tooth cap is another word for a dental crown. During treatment a tooth shaped cap is placed over the top of a broken or worn tooth. Dental crowns are often used to strengthen a weak tooth while veneers are used for primarily aesthetic purposes.  

If you’re not happy with the appearance of your teeth, veneers are a good option. If you have misshapen, broken or structural damage to a tooth or teeth, you may need a dental crown. 

What type of veneers are right for me? 

Both composite and porcelain veneers are going to give you a natural looking result. It’s up to you whether you want to invest in a more affordable option or a more permanent solution. If you’re interested in learning more about veneers, book a consultation with one of our dentists at Gentle Dental. We’ll help you find the best solution for your smile.