When you’re contemplating a smile makeover with dental veneers, you may find yourself asking what’s the difference between composite and porcelain veneers? Any type of cosmetic dentistry should be well thought through, and to make things easier we’ve laid out exactly what the difference is between composite veneers and porcelain veneers.
If you’re curious about your cosmetic dentistry options, or are looking for a new smile, Dr Joe Oliver is an expert cosmetic dentist with over 30 years’ experience in aesthetic dentistry.
Dr Oliver has clinics in both London and Manchester. Book a free online consultation for more information about composite or porcelain veneers with Dr Oliver. Call the clinic on 020 7770 6441 or email info@joeoliverdentist.co.uk at your earliest convenience.
What is the difference between composite veneers and porcelain veneers?
Veneers are a popular and effective solution for achieving a white, sparkling, natural smile. There are other benefits of veneers including correcting crowded teeth, repairing chipped and worn teeth, hiding gaps, improving a gummy smile and brightening discoloured teeth.
Veneers are very thin, handmade shells that are placed on top of your natural teeth to give the exact look and feel like your natural teeth.
Veneers can be made from many types of material, but the two main types are porcelain veneers and composite veneers. The main differences between porcelain veneers and composite veneers comes down to time, cost and durability.
How long do composite and porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers tend to be longer lasting than composite veneers. Depending how well they are maintained, porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years whereas composite veneers last about half this duration – between 4-8 years. Due to his meticulous approach to veneers, Dr Oliver even has patients whose veneers have lasted for more than 25 years.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are crafted in very fine detail at a dental laboratory to resemble your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are usually fitted to the natural tooth enamel, over a number of appointments. Porcelain veneers require some preparation to the natural tooth for the thin layer of porcelain which needs to be fitted.
Composite veneers are quicker to fit and can be done in one session. This involves coating the natural teeth with composite material. Thin layers of composite resin are applied to the natural tooth to mask damaged or discoloured enamel. Composite veneers can be shaped to the correct size and are therefore suitable for correcting teeth that are slightly damaged.
Cost: Composite veneers vs porcelain
The cost comparison between porcelain veneers and composite veneers depends how you look at it. Due to their durability, treatment application and material, porcelain veneers are more expensive initially than composite veneers. However, since they last longer they should not need to be replaced as often as composite veneers.
Prices for porcelain veneers with Dr Oliver vary from patient to patient but start at £895 per veneer. Find out more about prices of veneers with Dr Oliver.
Advantages of porcelain veneers
There are some misconceptions that porcelain veneers make the teeth weak however this is not known to be true. If bonded correctly and placed by an expert dentist, porcelain veneers can be as strong and durable as the natural tooth.
Porcelain veneers are an excellent solution that mimic the natural teeth. This is why they are sometimes preferred to composite veneers. They are also highly stain resistant so can maintain that sparkly white look for a long time.
Advantages of composite veneers
Getting composite veneers tends to be less invasive to the natural tooth. It is also a much quicker process than the application of porcelain veneers. Composite resin veneers can be repaired if they become chipped or damaged. While they may be more prone to chipping than porcelain, porcelain veneers would need to be entirely replaced since they can not be repaired.
Composite veneers are not irreversible like porcelain veneers. Permanent veneers have their benefits, but can also be a factor for many people choosing to have composite veneers instead. These can be thought of as temporary veneers and therefore are more suitable for some patients.
For more information about porcelain and composite veneers with Dr Oliver, call the clinic on 020 7770 6441 or email info@joeoliverclinic.co.uk.
About Dr Joe Oliver
Dr Oliver offers first class cosmetic dental treatment. With over 30 years’ experience in orthodontic treatment he is a firm favourite with patients and celebrities alike. Dr Oliver has treated celebrities including Helena Bonham Carter and Tamsin Outhwaite.
If you are looking to improve the natural appearance of your smile, get in touch with us today.
Book an appointment for more information. Call 020 7770 6441 or email info@joeoliverclinic.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.