Northside Dental Solutions
Affordable Dentistry for the Whole Family

What's the difference between composite and porcelain veneers?

Choosing the right dental treatment for your smile can be a significant decision. When it comes to dental veneers, patients often want to understand the key differences between composite and porcelain options so they can make an informed choice.

Composite and porcelain veneers offer excellent solutions for improving the appearance of your teeth, but they differ significantly in materials, aesthetics, durability and cost.

Understanding Dental Veneers in Clayfield

Porcelain veneers are crafted from a high-quality, tooth-like material in a specialised off-site laboratory. These premium veneers cost approximately $1390 each and offer remarkable aesthetic benefits. They boast exceptional longevity, typically lasting about twice as long as composite alternatives. The porcelain material provides a remarkably natural, translucent appearance that closely mimics natural tooth enamel, creating a shinier, more refined look.

Composite veneers, priced more affordably at around $300 each, are made from aesthetic filling material. While they offer a cost-effective solution, they come with some limitations. Over time, composite veneers tend to collect stains around their edges and can potentially turn yellow, especially for patients who drink tea or coffee regularly or who smoke.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Key differences include:

Appearance — Porcelain veneers look more natural and shinier, while composite veneers have a slightly matte finish
Durability — Porcelain veneers last approximately twice as long as composite options
Stain Resistance — Porcelain is more resistant to discolouration compared to composite
Cost — Composite veneers are significantly more affordable at $300 each versus $1390 for porcelain

At Northside Dental Solutions, we recommend a personalised approach. During your initial examination, our experienced dental team will discuss the best veneer option tailored to your specific aesthetic goals, budget and dental health needs.