Thinking about enhancing your smile? Veneers are a great way to go! But with so many options out there, how do you choose between composite and porcelain? Which one’s the perfect match for you?
We get it – the choices can feel a little overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a fun and simple breakdown to help you figure out whether composite or porcelain veneers are the way to go for your dream smile!
What Are Veneers?
Let’s dive in! So, what exactly are veneers?
First off, they are NOT crowns—we’re not shaving your teeth down to tiny pegs! Veneers are super thin coverings that are placed over the front surface of your teeth to give them a fresh new look. They can change the alignment, shade, size, and shape of your teeth!
So whether you’re looking to make subtle improvements to enhance what you’ve already got or go for a full Carew Dental transformation, veneers really can work magic and give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of!
What Are Composite Veneers?
Composite veneers are a fantastic option for masking the shape, colour, and alignment of your teeth. Made from a tooth-coloured resin, the composite is carefully applied and hand-sculpted directly onto your teeth by our talented dentists. Seriously, they’re artists in action!
Composite veneers tend to have a more matte finish and may not reflect light in quite the same way natural teeth or porcelain does. With proper care, composite veneers can still look beautiful and offer a seamless enhancement to your smile.
Here’s the best part—this is a non-invasive treatment and can even be completely reversed!
Cost?
Composite veneers are a more affordable option, priced at around £250 per tooth. Most patients typically choose to have 8-10 teeth per arch treated, making it a cost-effective way to enhance your smile without breaking the bank!
How many appointments?
Quick application and minimal to NO preparation of your natural teeth, means composite veneers can be done in one appointment. And the best thing? No needles are involved!!!
Aftercare and guarantees
When properly cared for, composite veneers can last between 4 to 8 years. However, they are more porous and softer than porcelain, so they can chip and stain if not maintained well. To keep them looking their best, we recommend Airflow clean and polishes every 3 to 6 months to lift stains from the teeth and edges.
To avoid chipping, steer clear of biting into hard foods like apples, crusty bread, or boiled sweets!
All composite veneers come with a two-year guarantee. Any repairs within that time are completely free—as long as you maintain good oral hygiene, get your clean and polishes every 6 months, and have your annual exams.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are the gold standard of smile makeovers! Made from high-quality ceramic, each veneer is custom-designed for your teeth. They’re incredibly durable, stain-resistant, and have a stunningly natural appearance. Unlike composite veneers, porcelain offers a lustrous finish that closely matches the look of natural teeth, plus the flexibility to customise the shape, colour, and style to create your perfect smile.
Porcelains veneers are irreversible there is no going back. This Is because layers of your own natural teeth will be removed to place the porcelain veneers over them. We remove only the minimum amount of natural tooth; therefore you will always require having coverings over your natural teeth.
How long?
Getting porcelain veneers involves multiple appointments—it’s all part of the prep! You’ll need impressions, scans, and some preparation of your natural teeth before we place the veneers.
Since porcelain veneers are lab-created, they’re not made in-house, which means it can take about 2-3 weeks for the lab to craft your custom veneers. But don’t worry, it’s all worth the wait for that perfect smile!
Cost?
Porcelain veneers are an investment and tend to be a bit pricier than composite veneers. On average, porcelain veneers are priced between £596 and £895 per tooth. While they may cost more upfront, the durability, natural appearance, and long-lasting results make them a great choice for many!
Aftercare guarantee
Porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years and are incredibly strong, robust, and hard-wearing. They are also highly resistant to chips and staining, outperforming composite veneers in durability. Once applied, porcelain veneers are bonded to your natural teeth. Just be careful with hard foods to avoid putting too much pressure on the bond and possibly popping the veneer off.
Plus, they come with a 5-year guarantee, as long as you maintain good oral hygiene and keep up with your dental exams and appointments!
Key Differences of Composite Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choosing between composite and porcelain veneers is all about what works best for you! Here are a few things to think about:
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- Budget: If you’re looking for something affordable, composite veneers are a great choice. But if you’re ready to splurge for that long-lasting, flawless smile, porcelain is the way to go!
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- Desired Results: Want a more natural, glowing smile that lasts? Go for porcelain! Looking for a quick, budget-friendly transformation? Composite veneers will give you that smile boost you’re after.
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- Maintenance: Porcelain veneers are super low-maintenance and durable, while composite veneers may need a little more TLC to keep them looking fresh and chip-free.
Don’t worry—we’ve got your back! Our team will help you pick the perfect option for your smile goals!
As A Final Note
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your FREE pre-clinical consultation with us today.
