Cosmetic Dentistry
Porcelain or composite veneers: how to choose
Both can transform a smile. The right choice depends on your teeth, your habits and how long you want the result to last.
By DENTEX 2 min read
Veneers cover the front surface of your teeth to change their color, shape or size. There are two main types, and each has clear strengths.
Composite veneers
Composite veneers are made from tooth colored resin that your dentist sculpts directly on your teeth, usually in one visit. They need little or no removal of enamel and are easy to repair if they chip.
- Often finished in a single appointment
- Conservative and repairable
- More affordable
- Can stain and wear faster than porcelain
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are made to measure and bonded to your teeth. They reflect light like natural enamel and resist staining very well.
- Very natural appearance
- Excellent stain resistance
- Long lasting with good care
- Usually need a thin layer of enamel to be removed
Which one suits you?
If you want to fix small chips or gaps on a budget, composite is often a sensible first step. If you want a durable change in color and shape across several teeth, porcelain is usually the better long term investment.
Protecting your veneers
Whatever you choose, avoid biting hard objects with your front teeth, keep up regular cleaning and wear a night guard if you grind your teeth. Tea, coffee and tobacco affect composite more than porcelain.
A consultation with digital planning lets you compare both options for your own teeth before you decide.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Every mouth is different, so please consult a dentist for advice about your own teeth.