If you’ve been thinking about giving your smile a makeover, you might be wondering: Porcelain or composite veneers… which one is right for me?
It can be a little confusing to figure out which option is best. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between porcelain and composite veneers, including their pros and cons, so you can choose the best option for your smile.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a good understanding of what each type of veneer offers and feel confident about which one is the right fit for you. Whether you want to fix a chipped tooth, brighten up your smile, or totally transform your look, we’re here to help you find the best option!
Table of Contents
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
First, let’s talk about porcelain veneers. What are they, and what are their benefits?
If you want an easy way to transform your smile, porcelain veneers are a great choice. They’re made of super-thin ceramic porcelain and are placed on the front surface of your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers can improve the look of teeth that are chipped, discoloured, misaligned, or worn down.
Many people choose porcelain veneers for more than just a better-looking smile. They’re perfect if you need to fix a damaged or fractured tooth. Plus, they’re a great way to get a bright, even smile that lasts.
Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth, giving you a really natural and personalised look. The thin ceramic material closely mimics the appearance of natural tooth enamel, making it hard for anyone to tell that you have veneers.
Porcelain Veneers Before & After
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
- Natural Look
This is some of our client’s favourite thing about porcelain veneers. Its natural tooth appearance.
If you’re walking down the street and give a stranger a smile with your porcelain veneers, they’ll most likely think ‘WOW they have stunning teeth’, not ‘their teeth HAS to be veneers’.
You can thank the veneers thin and translucent nature for this!
Plus, they can be made to match your natural tooth color and shape, giving you a smile that feels like it’s truly yours. Porcelain veneers reflect light similarly to natural teeth, which helps them blend in perfectly.
- Durable and Long-Lasting
With the right care, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years – How awesome is that?!
Porcelain is a strong material, so you won’t need to worry about getting frequent repairs. They’re built to handle normal, everyday activities like eating and talking. In fact, with proper maintenance and regular dental check-ups, porcelain veneers may even last longer than expected.
- Quick Recovery & Minimal Discomfort
Once the veneers are placed, you’re ready to go. You can start showing off your new smile right away.
Most people experience little to no discomfort after getting porcelain veneers, which means you can get back to your usual routine almost immediately.
The process involves minimal downtime, and any minor sensitivity that you may feel will fade quickly. You won’t have to deal with a long recovery period, making the process of getting porcelain veneers very convenient.
- Stain-Resistant
Porcelain veneers resist stains from coffee, tea, smoking, and soft drinks.
This is one of our personal favs. Who doesn’t love a good coffee without having to stress about staining your teeth?
Porcelain veneers stay bright and beautiful for years, which means you can keep enjoying your favorite foods and drinks without hesitation.
Unlike natural teeth, which can develop stains over time, porcelain veneers are highly resistant to discoloration. This helps ensure that your smile stays vibrant and white for a long time.
What Are Composite Veneers?
Now that we’ve covered porcelain veneers, let’s talk about composite veneers.
Composite veneers are made from a type of plastic called resin. These veneers are shaped freehand directly onto your teeth, and they cost less than porcelain veneers. They usually last about two to five years. Composite veneers are a good option if you want to improve your smile but are on a tighter budget.
People use composite veneers to fix chipped teeth, change the shape of teeth, or close small gaps. They’re quicker to apply, and they cost less, making them a great option for many people who want a simple solution for a better smile.
Composite veneers are also customisable, meaning they can be shaped and adjusted during the application process to achieve the exact look you want. They are ideal for minor cosmetic issues and provide an instant boost to your confidence.
Composite Veneers Before & After
Benefits of Composite Veneers
- Quick Application
The best part about composite veneers is how quickly you can get them.
You can walk into the dentist with your natural teeth and walk out with a completely new smile. Everyone loves a quick and easy transformation. If you want fast results, composite veneers are a great choice!
The process involves applying a composite resin to the surface of your teeth, sculpting it to the desired shape, and then curing it with a special light. This means you can have a smile makeover in just a few hours.
- Transforms Your Smile
Composite veneers can change the shape of your teeth, cover chips, or even give you a whole new smile. Whether you’re looking for a small fix or a big transformation, composite veneers can help. You’ll leave the dentist feeling like a brand-new person.
They’re perfect for fixing minor imperfections and can be a great way to achieve a balanced and symmetrical smile. Whether you need to correct discoloration, close gaps, or fix uneven edges, composite veneers offer a versatile solution.
- More Affordable
Let’s face it – veneers are expensive. But thanks to composite veneers, there is a cheaper option for people looking for another alternative.
You can get a great-looking smile without spending a lot of money. Composite veneers offer beautiful results at a fraction of the cost of porcelain veneers, making them accessible for more people.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to improve your smile without breaking the bank, composite veneers are definitely worth considering. They provide a noticeable improvement without the higher price tag.
- No Drilling or Cutting of Teeth
One of the coolest things about composite veneers is that they don’t involve drilling, cutting, or shaving your natural teeth. Unlike some other types of veneers, the process is completely non-invasive. This means your natural teeth stay as they are while still giving you a transformed smile. How good is that?!
Porcelain VS Composite Veneers – What Is the Difference Between Them?
Hopefully, by now you have a better understanding of each type of veneer and the different benefits they offer. Now, let’s take a look into the key differences between them.
Difference in Time
The time taken to apply each type of veneer varies. Composite veneers are definitely the quicker option. To apply composite veneers to our client’s teeth, all we have to do add the resin to their teeth and then it is cured and polished.
On the other hand, porcelain veneers usually take around two to three visits. A lot more steps need to be taken by the dentist to ensure the process is completed properly.
Durability of Veneers
Even though porcelain veneers are the more expensive option of veneers, they do last a lot longer than composite veneers. Of course, the time that your veneers last completely depends on how much care is taken for them.
But typically speaking, porcelain veneers will last 10-15 years, and composite veneers will last 2-5 years.
An important thing to consider… if you damage or crack a porcelain veneer, they’ll have to be replaced instead of being repaired. This isn’t the case for composite veneers.
The Overall Look & Feel
Don’t get us wrong, both porcelain veneers and composite veneers look amazing! However, if you compare them side by side you can see that porcelain veneers have that more natural look to them. This is because they catch light similar to the way your natural teeth do.
Cost of Veneers
As we mentioned above, composite veneers are the cheaper option compared to porcelain veneers. But you could be asking yourself: ‘why is that?’
Don’t worry, you’re not alone with this question. Porcelain veneers take more time, the material is more durable, more expertise is required by the dentist and a lot more resources are needed. With all these factors considered, porcelain veneers are more expensive.
Hybrid Veneers
We know, we know… we’ve already discussed porcelain and composite veneers, but now we’re throwing in another option—because why not? It’s only fair to give you an insight into ALL the different paths you could take, right?
Let’s talk hybrid veneers. Hybrid veneers are basically a blend of both composite and porcelain veneers. If you’re not ready to fully commit or aren’t 100% sold on porcelain veneers, then this might be the perfect option for you.
Hybrid veneers are laboratory-made, which means digital programs are used to design symmetrical veneers. Along with the symmetry, they also have a chameleon effect! With both of these elements combined, you can achieve an extremely stunning aesthetic.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Hybrid veneers aren’t always the best option for everybody. You’ll need to book in a consultation so that our dentists can assess your teeth and mouth to see if this is a suitable option for you.
Hybrids Veneers Before & After
Benefits of Hybrid Veneers
- Fast & Non-invasive Appointment
We completely understand the fear around visiting your dentist. This is why hybrid veneers’ fast and non-invasive application is some of our clients’ favorite thing about these veneers.
No needles, no shaving, no cutting down of natural teeth. NOTHING!!
We’re sure that sentence is music to your ears. Or should we say music to your…. Eyes?
- Aesthetic Result
There’s no doubt that you’ll walk out of your appointment smiling from ear to ear. Hybrid veneers have a very special look and feel. The final result always looks very aesthetic, and we love to see it!
- High-Shine
Our technicians can give your veneers a high polish, which creates a smoother surface than regular composite veneers.
High-shine & smoother surface = longer durability and less staining.
Veneer Comparison Table
| Feature | Porcelain Veneers | Composite Veneers | Hybrid Veneers |
| Application Time | 2-3 Visits | Single Visit | 1-2 Visits |
| Durability | 10-15 Years | 2-5 Years | 2-5 Years |
| Cost | More Expensive | Less Expensive | Moderate Cost |
| Appearance | More Natural, Translucent | Looks Great, Less Natural | Natural & Symmetrical |
| Stain Resistance | Stain Resistant | More Prone to Staining | Stain Resistant |
| Repairability | Requires Full Replacement if Damaged | Can Often Be Repaired | Typically Replaceable |
| Procedure Type | More Invasive | Less Invasive | Non-invasive |
| Biocompatibility | Highly Compatible |
More Prone To Gum Disease & Decay |
More Prone To Gum Disease & Decay |
Who Should Get Veneers?
Choosing the right type of veneer depends on your teeth, your budget, and what you want. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- Porcelain Veneers are perfect if you want a long-lasting, natural-looking smile and are willing to spend more money. They’re great for fixing big issues like discoloration or damage and are ideal if you want a permanent, durable solution. Porcelain veneers are also a good choice if you want a more natural appearance that closely mimics real teeth.
- Composite Veneers are great if you want a quick and affordable solution. They’re good for small changes, like fixing chips or gaps. If you want a cheaper option or a temporary smile makeover, composite veneers are a good choice. Composite veneers are ideal for people who want an immediate improvement without a long-term commitment.
- Hybrid Veneers are a mix of porcelain and composite. They’re great if you want a balance between cost and quality. If you’re not sure about fully committing to porcelain, hybrid veneers could be the answer. Hybrid veneers provide a middle ground that offers some of the durability of porcelain with the affordability of composite.
Talking to your dentist will help you figure out which type of veneer is right for you. Your dentist can look at your teeth, listen to what you want, and help you pick the best option.
How to Take Care of Your Veneers
To make sure your veneers last, proper care is important. Here are some tips:
- Daily Cleaning: Brush and floss like you normally would, but use a non-abrasive toothpaste to keep your veneers safe. Good oral hygiene is key to keeping them in great shape. Make sure to be gentle around the edges of your veneers to avoid causing any damage.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Don’t bite into hard things like ice, hard candies, or nuts. Porcelain is strong, but it can still crack, and composite veneers are even more likely to chip. Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles, as this can easily damage veneers.
- Regular Check-Ups: See your dentist regularly to make sure your veneers are in good shape. Your dentist can catch any problems early and help keep your smile looking its best. Routine check-ups are important to ensure that your veneers are still properly bonded and free of any damage.
- Avoid Bad Habits: Don’t bite your nails or use your teeth to open things. If you grind your teeth, consider using a nightguard to protect your veneers. Grinding can put extra pressure on veneers and cause them to crack or break over time.
Common Concerns About Veneers
Will It Hurt Getting Veneers?
Getting veneers doesn’t usually hurt. Dentists use local anaesthesia to numb the area, so you’ll be comfortable during the procedure. Some people might feel a bit of sensitivity afterwards, but it usually goes away after a few days.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years, while composite veneers typically last 2-5 years. Hybrid veneers fall somewhere in between, with a lifespan of about 7-10 years. The better you take care of them, the longer they will last.
Do Veneers Look Natural?
Yes! Porcelain veneers, in particular, are designed to look very natural. The material is translucent, which allows them to reflect light in the same way as natural teeth. Composite veneers can also look great, though they may not be quite as lifelike as porcelain.
Can Veneers Stain?
Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to stains, so they’ll stay bright and white for many years. Composite veneers are more prone to staining over time, especially if you drink a lot of coffee, tea, or red wine.
Transform Your Smile with Mermaid Smiles
Making the decision to transform your smile is a big step, and it’s important to choose the right option for you. At Mermaid Smiles, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re interested in porcelain, composite, or hybrid veneers, our experienced dentists will guide you through the process and help you get the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Ready to get started? Book a consultation with us today! Our team is ready to answer your questions, assess your needs, and recommend the best veneer option for you.
Visit our website for more information or give us a call to schedule your appointment. Your perfect smile is just a visit away!