Both porcelain and composite veneers can conceal a range of cosmetic imperfections.


Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment and it’s easy to see why. The treatment can resolve a wide range of issues, from stains and discolouration to gaps and uneven or crooked teeth.  Dental veneers are available in two types of material: composite and porcelain. While both composite and porcelain veneers are highly effective treatments, there are a few differences between them. Read on to find out how the materials and procedures differ, and if veneers are right for you…

What are composite veneers?

Composite veneers are made from tooth-coloured resin and are designed to fit over the surface of the tooth. Composite veneers are available in two options: direct composite veneers and indirect composite veneers. Direct composite veneers are applied directly to the teeth in a quick procedure, while indirect composite veneers are fabricated in a dental laboratory and applied at a later stage with the help of a special adhesive.

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a dental laboratory from a thin, tooth-coloured material. Your dentist will make impressions of your teeth so that your customised veneers can be fabricated from the mould in a dental laboratory. Temporary veneers will be placed to protect your teeth while you wait for your veneers to be made. When they are ready, your porcelain veneers will be bonded to the surface of your teeth with special dental cement.   

What are the main differences?

Direct composite veneers involve a shorter application process than porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers require at least two or three visits to your dentist so that your teeth can be prepared and your veneers properly fitted. While composite veneers can be bonded directly to the surface of the teeth, porcelain veneers require the removal of some of your enamel before they can be placed.

Porcelain is a stronger material than composite resin and less prone to chips. For this reason, composite veneers generally need to be replaced or repaired more often than porcelain veneers. With the right care, porcelain veneers can last for up to 15 years or more. Porcelain is a particularly durable material and helps to achieve a very natural-looking appearance. Porcelain veneers can resolve a broader range of imperfections than composite veneers, such as dark stains and more severe misalignment.

While composite veneers can discolour over time, especially if you consume dark and acidic foods and drinks, porcelain veneers are much better at resisting stains.

If you’re not sure which type of veneers are best for you, we encourage you to arrange a consultation with your dentist. The benefits of each type will be explained to you in detail, and any questions or concerns will be addressed before the procedure begins.

How can we help?

At My Dental Care @ West End, we offer porcelain veneers for patients who would like to improve the appearance of their smile and resolve issues such as stains, discolouration, chips, gaps and uneven or crooked teeth. When you come in for your initial consultation, your dentist will plan your new smile by determining the size, shape and type of veneers that will suit you. The treatment is completely customised to address your particular concerns and to achieve your aesthetic goals. 

The treatment is quick and easy and is a very popular cosmetic solution to a range of imperfections. If you would like to find out more about porcelain veneers, please have a look here.

If you would like to arrange a consultation to see us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch here or give us a call on (07)3846 2548.  

Besides porcelain veneers, we offer several other cosmetic dentistry treatments, as well as general, restorative and sedation dentistry services. To see the full list of treatments that we offer at My Dental Care @ West End, please have a look here.