Porcelain Veneers VS Composite Veneers: Which Is Best For You?

Surprisingly to some, dental veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments, with the treatment exploding in popularity in the UK in the past few years. Dental veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments, which completely transform the way the teeth look, giving clients the smile they always dreamed of!

The main advantage of having veneers is that it creates exceptional results and completely transforms the smile. Contrary to popular belief, veneers also require minimal preparation, conserving the maximum amount of natural tooth underneath. 

As a pain-free treatment, veneers are very quick and only take around five appointments following your free consultation. With good maintenance and care, your veneers can last you for many years to come, which makes them an excellent investment if you value a white, bright smile!

However, before you have veneers done, you’ll need to make a big decision as to whether porcelain veneers or composite veneers are better suited to you, your lifestyle and budget. This guide compares porcelain and composite veneers to help in making your decision.

Porcelain Veneers VS Composite Veneers

When you choose to have an innovative and modern treatment like veneers at your professional Essex dental clinic, you’re already well on your way to improving the aesthetics of your teeth. This does mean that you will need to choose which material you want your veneers to be made from, with the two main choices being porcelain veneers and composite veneers. 

Veneers can also be used to close in small gaps in the teeth when orthodontics aren’t always the most suitable option. As an example, veneers can be fitted to bring one tooth into line with the others if it is even slightly out of position.

Both materials are incredible at transforming your smile, but which is right for you depends on various factors. Of course, when you visit our dental clinic, we’ll talk with you to discuss what you’re looking for and recommend the best solution for you based on your budget and preferences. 

Porcelain Veneers

As the more natural option, porcelain veneers have the same appearance of natural teeth, with the translucent quality strongly resembling the enamel of the natural teeth.

Porcelain veneers are by far, the most durable veneer material option and are incredibly strong and resistant to stains and chips, making them ideal for more permanent wear. When properly maintained, porcelain veneers can last for well over a decade or even 20-30 years. 

Often described as the gold standard in cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers create a beautiful and natural appearance which aim to mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth in a way that blends naturally.

While porcelain veneers can cost slightly more than composite veneers due to the need for them to be created in a dental laboratory, they do, however, last longer than composite veneers and are known to be slightly more durable.

Porcelain veneers do require some dental preparation, although this is very minimal and conservative to protect the enamel.

The only disadvantage of porcelain veneers is that they can take longer to create than composite veneers. Unlike composite veneers, porcelain veneers give more of a polished and detailed appearance, hence why they do take longer than composite veneers.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers can be quicker to create in comparison to porcelain veneers and can even be completed in one single visit. Made from resin, composite veneers are bonded directly to the teeth and sculpted to the desired shape. Similar to porcelain veneers, composite veneers can improve the following dental problems:

• Crooked teeth
• Discoloured teeth
• Chipped teeth
• Damaged teeth
• Gaps between the teeth

Composite veneers tend to be sculpted when placed on the tooth, which can make the treatment quicker and less invasive, although the difference in that respect is minor. Unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers are easy to reverse due to the minimal preparation on your natural teeth, meaning that composite veneers are better suited if you aren’t looking for a longer-term solution.

Composite veneers can be used for treating a wide range of cosmetic dental problems and can improve the colour, shape, size and texture of teeth to make them more attractive by fixing minor chips and cracks in the teeth. 

Whilst most of our customers do opt for porcelain, composite veneers are ideal if you have a smaller budget. Both composite and porcelain are effective in transforming your smile, however, which material is right for you will depend on some factors.

Get Your Perfect Smile

We will speak to you about both of your options and whether porcelain veneers are better suited to you than composite veneers during your free consultation. From your initial appointment, through to the completion of your treatment and any check-ups along the way, we will guide and support you.

Aftercare is the most important step in prolonging the life of your porcelain veneers so we do recommend visiting your Essex dentist every six months for professional cleaning and have them examined once a year.

We also have an excellent selection of cosmetic dentistry procedures if you are undecided whether porcelain veneers are right for you. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us or call us on 01708 442 114.