Porcelain vs Composite Veneers in Manchester: A Cost Guide
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Are you looking for ways to deal with your stained teeth? Thought about professional teeth whitening in Manchester, but you’ve also got chipped edges that need attention. If so, you’re likely going to find that veneers are the answer, meaning you’ll need to decide between porcelain and composite veneers.
Both treatments are used widely at our Cheadle and Altrincham clinics, due in no small part to the fact that cosmetic dentistry has become much more popular in recent years. That said, one is considerably more expensive than the other, so it’s only natural to want to know more about pricing.
In this article, we look at each option to see what the price difference is, why that is and why you might pick one over the other.
Composite veneers in Manchester will usually cost you between £400 and £600 per tooth worked on. On the other hand, porcelain veneers will set you back £600-£1,200 per tooth. It’s certainly something you need to factor into your decision, as with a multiple-tooth job, that difference can run into thousands.
So, what do you actually get for the extra money? Compared to composite materials used in veneers, porcelain lasts around twice as long and is more resistant to staining. It’s basically a superior option.
| What You’re Paying For | Composite Veneers | Porcelain Veneers |
| Cost per tooth | £400-£600 | £600-£1,200 |
| Lifespan | 5-7 years | 10-15 years |
| Stain resistance | Moderate – can dull over time | Excellent – stays bright longer |
| Number of appointments | 1-2 visits | 2-3 visits |
| Reversible? | Yes – minimal tooth alteration | No – your teeth are filed down permanently |
| Best for | Minor chips, gaps, and budget-conscious patients | Full smile makeovers, long-term results |
When you get composite veneers in Manchester, your dentist shapes the material onto your teeth with resin while you’re in the chair. Porcelain veneers, however, are made in a lab and match your natural enamel – something you can learn more about on our veneers page.
Ok, so cost is a big aspect to consider, but what if our information on how much each will set you back still hasn’t made up your mind on the subject? What then? There are quite a few other factors at play that will either push you toward composite veneers or porcelain veneers in Manchester.
Aside from your budget for the work, deciding between porcelain and composite is something your dentist will advise you on based on what they see. Here are the things that your dentist in Manchester will take into account:
Both options are priced per tooth, so fewer teeth means a lower total cost regardless of material.
Composites can be completed the same day you arrive, whereas porcelain requires 2 or three appointments over a few weeks. Lab work needs to be done, too, so if you’ve got a special occasion very soon you want to look great for, you might not have the time.
No dentist should be able to tell you which type you need without seeing your teeth first. They need to work out what fits your teeth and your ultimate goal for your smile. To find out more about the process, read our dental veneers blog.
Need Help Finding the Right Veneers for You?
Ultimately, both porcelain and composite veneers will do the job and make your smile look better. However, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, because everyone’s teeth are different…as are their goals for their smile. It’s all dependent on what you agree with your dentist.
At Ringway Dental, we can talk through all your options. We’ll have a look at your teeth, run through everything you need to know. We also offer 0% finance, meaning that if the right option is the more expensive one, it’s less of a worry.
Want to know what veneers would cost for your situation? Just get in touch today, and we’ll help you understand everything from start to finish.
Q – Do composite veneers stain easily?
A – They can pick up stains over a few years, particularly if you’re a heavy coffee or red wine drinker. Composite veneers don’t fight off staining as well as porcelain, and if you’re a smoker, you’ll likely notice it more.
Porcelain, on the other hand, can hold onto its brightness for the full 10-15 years, whereas composite materials can start looking a bit tired after 3-4 years.
Q – Can I switch from composite to porcelain later?
A – Yes, you can. Composite veneers can be removed pretty easily by your dentist, as they’re not as fixed as porcelain ones end up being. Some people do sometimes try composite veneers to get a good idea about what they’re like to live with.
We often have patients who love their composite work and come back and go for porcelain when it’s time to replace them. As we’ve covered, once porcelain ones are on, you’ll have veneers for the rest of your life.
Q – Will my veneers look natural?
A – Both types can look natural if they’re done right, but porcelain is usually the one that looks the most natural for the longest time. It catches and reflects light the way real enamel does, so it looks more convincing in photos and under different lighting.
Composite looks decent and matches your other teeth, but it doesn’t have the same translucency. Also, don’t forget, the skill of your dentist matters just as much as the material you pick.
Q – Do composite or porcelain veneers hurt to get fitted?
A – No. For composite veneers, there’s usually no drilling or injections needed unless you’re fixing decay first. Porcelain veneers involve filing down your natural teeth to make room for the veneers, but you’ll be numbed for that part.
Most people find the process painless – it just takes time in the chair.
