Composite Veneers Vs Porcelain Veneers
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If you’re looking to improve your smile, you may be looking into cosmetic dental treatments. Being unhappy with the shape, size and colour of your teeth may draw you specifically towards treatments like veneers. You may have noticed that there are two types of veneers, composite and porcelain. Here at Ringway Dental, we’re proud to be able to provide both treatments at our practice.
We’ve put together a helpful guide below to answer any questions you may have about composite or porcelain veneers and the difference between the two treatments.
Veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment which help to improve your smile. They are a popular treatment amongst those with cracked, chipped or uneven teeth. Veneers can drastically change the appearance of your teeth, making them appear whiter and straighter. They can correct a wide range of dental issues, such as uneven gaps between teeth or teeth that are stained. Smiling with confidence is easy with veneers.
In a recent study found here, it was stated that ‘71% of British adults don’t feel confident showing their teeth when they smile for a photo. A third of these say it’s because of their discoloured teeth.’ This is something that both porcelain and composite veneers can change.
READ MORE: Are veneers right for you?
Composite veneers are made from composite resin and help to shape your teeth into the desired appearance. They are not invasive and sit on top of your existing teeth.
The process very rarely involves any drilling and will cover your whole tooth. Composite veneers can be completed in one sitting after a consultation. Composite veneers can be applied without affecting your natural teeth.
One of the biggest benefits of composite veneers is their affordability and ease of fitting. They’re often completed in just one visit. This makes them a quick and convenient choice. Because they’re non-invasive, they’re also good for patients who want to improve the appearance of their smile without making permanent changes to their natural teeth underneath.
Porcelain veneers are custom made for your teeth from porcelain. It is a thin shell that will sit directly on top of your teeth. At Ringway Dental, we like to remain as uninvasive as we can. However, it is possible your dentist may need to shave down your existing teeth and then make an impression of them to send to the lab. Once the impression has been sent to the lab, highly skilled technicians will make a set unique to your smile. We aim to remove as little of the natural tooth enamel as possible.
Porcelain veneers are known for their durability, stain resistance and incredibly natural appearance. Though they do take longer to fit, they typically last much longer than composite options. This makes them a worthwhile long-term investment for a flawless smile.
Looking after your veneers afterwards is essential for keeping them looking their best. The basics of dental hygiene apply to both types – brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, using mouthwash and attending regular checkups. However, there are some important aftercare differences between the two types.
Composite veneers are slightly more delicate than porcelain ones. They can be more prone to staining, chipping or wear over time. That means they require a bit of extra care:
Porcelain veneers are much more durable and stain-resistant. They still need good care, though they’re generally more low-maintenance:
Whichever type you chose, visit your dentist routinely as usual. Your dentist will monitor your veneers while checking your overall health.
Composite veneers are considered to be more long lasting today than they were in the past. On average, composite veneers can last from five to seven years. After this, you would need a replacement set of composite veneers.
Porcelain veneers are a more durable option. They last around ten to fifteen years.
Both composite and porcelain veneers may not last as long if you grind your teeth. It’s likely your dentist will have spotted that you grind your teeth before beginning treatment, and they will be able to help you with how to avoid grinding them.
Composite veneers can be less invasive and have a shorter application process.. They are a good solution if you are looking to repair some small chips or cracks in your teeth.
Porcelain veneers are a great option if you are looking for something more permanent. They are longer lasting because of the strength of their material and provide a very natural appearance, covering up many aesthetic issues. So not only do they look and feel natural, they are a treatment that also helps to fix small cosmetic issues like discoloration.
Both types of veneers will not only transform your smile, but your confidence too. They will give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of and you’ll feel proud to wear it.
See our Smile Library for before and after pictures from our many happy veneers patients!
Cost is often a key factor in choosing the type of veneer. Both have great results but they differ in price.
These are more affordable and prices typically start from £275 per tooth. They’re made from tooth-coloured resin, which is shaped and applied directly to the tooth in a single appointment. They’re a faster, more budget-friendly smile upgrade.
They don’t, however, last as long as porcelain. With good care, you can expect to get 4 to 8 years out of them and they may need occasional polishing or repairs.
Porcelain is a bigger investment and prices start from around £650-£950 per tooth. It depends on the complexity and materials used. Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a lab and fitted over two or more appointments. They offer a longer-lasting result (10 to 15 years or more) and so are potentially more cost-effective long term. They do require some enamel removal, though, so they’re a more permanent solution.
If you’re after a quick fix or working with a tighter budget, composite veneers are ideal. Porcelain veneers, while more expensive upfront, offer superior aesthetics and longevity – making them a smart long-term investment for many patients.
The only way to establish which treatment is best for you and your oral health is to speak with your dentist. Here at Ringway Dental, we can offer you advice specific to your exact needs at one of our consultations. Click here to learn more about our cosmetic dental treatments.
If you have any questions about composite or porcelain veneers, or would like to book a consultation, please contact our friendly team today on 0161 437 2029.
