Veneers are a type of cosmetic dental procedure that involves covering the natural tooth with a thin layer of material. The type of material used depends on whether you opt for porcelain or composite veneers, and the two options available can offer slightly differing results.
This is our guide comparing porcelain and composite veneers, with expert guidance on how you can make the most suitable choice to enhance your smile.
What Are Veneers For And How Do They Work?
The term ‘veneer’ simply means to cover something with a thin layer. In dentistry, the same applies; your natural tooth is covered with a thin layer of material that we call a veneer. Many patients opt to have a number of teeth veneered at the same time, though some may only struggle with one problem area or tooth in need of coverage.
Veneers are a great way to cover imperfections or irregularities in your smile. You may have gaps or chipped teeth you’d like to fix, or certain areas with discolouration that just won’t seem to shift. Working with your dentist to discuss your final smile goals, veneers are a great way to adjust the shade, length and uniformity of your teeth.
Porcelain veneers often give a more realistic look due to the natural translucent qualities of the material, whereas composite veneers are more affordable and easier to fit. Below, we’ll discuss the advantages of each to help you decide.
Advantages of Composite Veneers
Composite veneers come with a range of benefits, the main advantage being the relative affordability of the procedure in comparison to porcelain veneers. Composite veneers cost less but can look equally as effective in enhancing your smile. Here are just a few of the benefits to getting composite veneers instead of porcelain veneers:
The composite resin only covers part of the tooth, rather than the entire tooth. This makes the cost of materials more affordable and reduces application and sculpting time.
They are completed in one sitting. Unlike with porcelain veneers, you won’t have any waiting time or additional appointments required to ensure your teeth are ready for application.
Composite resin is easy to sculpt and fit. This means your veneers can be applied, sculpted, and fitted within just one trip to the dentist – and you’ll spend less time in the chair waiting to see your results!
Composites are the least invasive type of veneer. They require minimal preparation before application.
Composite veneers can be easily removed or repaired. Due to the nature of the material used, composite resin can be repaired within one visit without the need for a complete replacement (and additional costs).
For composite veneers at Kamran Rasul, we charge just £330.00 per tooth. When compared with porcelain veneers, this gives you a saving of £420.00!
How Composite Veneers are Fitted
Before having your composite veneers fitted, you’ll need a consultation appointment. This is where your dentist will discuss your ideal smile and you will be colour matched in preparation for matching the resin to your natural teeth. You will also decide exactly which teeth need the veneers at this appointment. Depending on how your dentist works, you may be able to have your consultation and veneers completed within one visit.
Composite veneers are the least invasive option between the two, so your dentist may only need to etch the teeth very lightly - if at all. This is done to help the resin adhere to the tooth better, helping achieve a longer-lasting fit. Once your teeth are ready, the composite resin will be applied in layers. Each will be carefully sculpted to ensure uniformity and so that the final result blends naturally with your surrounding teeth.
A curing light is then used to help solidify the resin material and create a stronger bond between the material and the tooth. Any final adjustments will be made before the veneers are polished – and you’re happy with the results!
Advantages of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are preferred by patients that are looking for a more natural look with even longer-lasting results. Here are a few of the benefits you’ll find if you opt for porcelain veneers instead of composite ones:
A natural translucency and sheen. Porcelain is an ideal material to use for dental work, as its properties closely resemble the qualities of tooth enamel.
Custom-made to fit. Porcelain veneers are not applied there and then, so you will need to make more trips to the dentist than with composite veneers. However, the fact they’re precision made in a specialist laboratory means they appear higher quality.
More stain resistant than composite veneers. If you want your veneers to shine brighter for longer, choose porcelain. The material is naturally very resistant to discolouration and staining, so they’ll appear fresher for years down the line.
Porcelain veneers last longer. You can expect porcelain veneers to last anywhere between 10 – 15 years, if you maintain and care for them properly. Porcelain is less likely to break than composite resin – so the additional cost may be worth the investment in the long run.
How Porcelain Veneers are Fitted
Before having porcelain veneers fitted, your consultation appointment should answer any questions you have and outline the smile goals you’re aiming for.
Porcelain veneers can be slightly more invasive than composite veneers, so your teeth will have to be prepared more than with composite veneers. Around 1mm of your natural tooth will be removed to make enough room for the porcelain to be fitted seamlessly. This shouldn’t be painful, and a skilled dentist will ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure.
You will be given temporary veneers to wear and protect your teeth while you wait for your custom-made porcelain veneers to be made in the lab. These will give some idea as to how your final smile will look once the final veneers are applied.
In your final fitting appointment, the porcelain veneers will be attached to your teeth using a specialised, purpose-made dental adhesive. As with composite veneers, a curing light is used to ensure a sturdy bond. Your veneers can then be polished and you can see the final results!
Find the Right Type of Veneers for You with Kamran Rasul
If you’d like us to help you determine which type of veneers will help meet your ultimate smile goals, book in for a Liverpool consultation with us. You can call our team on 0151 433 9634 or alternatively, book an appointment online via our contact form.
To help out with the cost of any cosmetic treatment you choose, we offer 0% financing options (depending on your individual circumstances and credit checks).
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